Writing a thematic statement can be difficult if you do not know how to write one. In this article, you will learn how to write thematic statements and what should be in your thesis statement checklist.
How to Write a Thematic Statement
- Read the literature
If you want to write a thematic statement, the first thing you should do is read the work and make sure you understand its content. If you do not understand what you are writing about, you may interpret the author’s message poorly or even miss the entire message. Now, when reading the literature, make sure you pay attention to key areas like the writing style, the tone/mood of the work, the characters, among others. It is from these key areas you will be able to draw out your thematic statement. So, make sure you pay close attention to them.
- Identify the conflicts
Conflict in literature happens when two major forces do not agree with each other. For example, love and hate, pride and humility, wickedness and kindness, perversion and justice, etc. In some literary work, you will find two major forces constantly fighting to be the most dominant. If you are struggling with writing a thematic statement, simply look for the conflicts and it will become easier for you to know what to write.
For example, in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, love, and hate were a conflict that played out. The love between Romeo and Juliet and the hate between the Montagues.
- Find out the author’s perspective
Another easy way to write a thematic statement is by finding out the author’s perspective. The author’s perspective is the background on which the literary work was formed. In some literature, you will find the background of the story in the first pages. However, if you do not find it in the literature for which you want to write your thematic statement, then research. This research should cover interviews with the author about that particular work. You can also visit the author’s website to read their perspective about the work.
- Use your own words
When writing a thematic statement, try to explain it in your own words. Do not copy the author’s sentences word for word and then present it as your own. That shows a lack of originality and also laziness. Now, do not fear that someone else can identify the same theme as you did. One of the beautiful things about literature is that two people can have the same idea but interpret it differently on paper.
Now, even if you are writing in your own words, try to keep the message as original as possible. Do not make assumptions or conclusions. If you do, you may confuse the reader.
- Keep your thematic statement simple
How long should a thematic statement be? Ideally, a thematic statement should be between one and two sentences. Your thematic statement should also not be unnecessarily long. If it will be, make sure every word counts and that you are not just all over the place with your writing and confusing your readers.
- Avoid making conclusions
When writing a thematic statement, avoid using words that read as a conclusion to that statement. Words like “always” “is” “must” will make the reader think that the thematic statement is not open to further interpretation. When writing your thematic statement, you should always leave room for the reader to make their own interpretation. So, rather than use words that evoke conclusions, use words like “may” “maybe” “could” etc. These words leave room for further interpretation.
- Edit your statement
After you have written your thematic statement, the next thing to do is edit. This edit happens when you check for spelling errors and confusing statements. If a sentence looks confusing to you, then replace it with words that can easily be understood.
How to Write a Thematic Statement Example
Here is a thematic statement list example:
“Friendships are necessary in good and bad times”
“Love is more than a feeling, it is an action”
“The sacrifices of a mother cannot be overestimated”
Conclusion
With these tips, you should now know how to write thematic statements and what should be in your thesis statement checklist.
