Students of literature and creative writing come across the task of writing thematic statements pretty often. Composing a thematic statement shows your understanding of a particular piece of literature. Furthermore, it allows us to identify its core concept and state it in a simpler manner. Here we have some of the best technique to write a thematic statement. Read on to get more proficient in this skill and be admired by your teachers for the attention to detail.

Understanding what a thematic statement is

In order to do that we first need to focus on the term “theme”. A theme is the message which is embedded in any literary work, forming its foundation. Do not confuse it with the subject or genre of a writing. It is the concept used by the author to express a certain view. When you explain this abstract view in a sentence that is called a thematic statement.

It is crucial to use elements such as characters and plots to create a thematic statement. Themes aren’t directly integrated into a text but are implied in one way or another. With the help of the plot, characters, setting and literary devices you can figure out an implied theme. You might be asked to write a thematic statement as part of your essay or thesis. To do that you must understand the dominant idea that is woven through a narrative.

The purpose behind writing a thematic statement

So why do we need to write a thematic statement? Following are two of the major reasons for it:

• It provides a simple and clear interpretation before you start to write your essay

• A summary of how you have interpreted the theme of the text
Characteristics of a well-written thematic statement

A thematic statement needs to general in order to capture the meaning of a literary piece. But it should also be a distinct interpretation of the core idea. Our tips will help you balance both these elements along with presenting them an interesting way.

Even the shortest of texts have a particular point for the audience to think about. When you create a thematic statement, it compresses the idea into a single sentence. Hence, simplification of the central message is necessary. The theme should focus on the meaning of the text and not on any events or actions happening in it.
Using the correct rhetoric terms and literary structure is essential while writing a thematic statement. It must reflect the values embedded in the entire writing instead of a couple or more specific parts. Abstract nouns such as passion, loyalty, love, are quite effective when describing a theme. They must be incorporated with your own comments about the writer’s perspective to form a good thematic statement.

Writing a thematic statement

Creative writing is not bound by many rules on the whole. However, there are a few things that you will need to keep in mind for this task.

• Read every detail

It should be obvious that without reading the entire narrative you cannot write a thematic statement about it. Note down the characters, writing techniques, plots and focus on the perspectives it contains. This will help you produce a successful interpretation of the work.

• Identify areas of conflict and the main ideas

All stories have conflicting ideas. The main goal is to identify the motives, values and interests that help you comprehend their nature. This also guides you to the central message of the narration.
• Focus on the essence

Thematic statements are meant to convey the message of the text through a simple statement. Hence what works best is discussing the results of the events instead of the events themselves.

• Capture the gist

If you have been following the tips till now, the story must have formed as a clear image in you mind. It is time to craft a sentence which reflects all the elements of the story. Do not worry about it being perfect. You can keep working to refine it later.

• Avoid absolute statements

It is important for the literary authenticity of your essay that you refrain from making any absolute statements. Unless you are completely certain about them. Or they are a known fact.

• No moral lessons

Your thematic statement should not take the form of a moral. This makes it unoriginal and bland. It is essential to go through the ideas and see what they really reflect.

Avoid these mistakes while writing a thematic statement

There are a few common errors that are made by writers when crafting a thematic statement.

1. It is not a command, directive or moral

If you form it in such a way that it reflects the above-mentioned elements, it will go against the purpose. A thematic statement is meant to look at actions and views within a narrative. There is no judging involved about what has been written. Hence, avoid using terms like “should” or “ought”.

2. Do not use cliches, aphorisms or maxims

Interpretation of a theme means unravelling the complexity of life echoed within a literary work. It should be interesting, thoughtful and original. Using cliches brings down its uniqueness.

3. Avoid reference to names and events

The thematic statement needs to be general in terms. Do not specify on any particular elements as it must encompass the whole work.

4. Being too obvious is a bad idea

Being obvious is certainly not the way to go when writing a thematic statement. You must highlight the deeper points of the narrative. Not just mention the first thing that you can decipher while reading through. For example, if your thematic statement says “War is bad,” then it is entirely too obvious. Include what exactly are the negative traits that make it bad.

This was the final advice on our guide to help you write a thematic statement. Remember that this task stems from your own understanding of the narrative. The better you comprehend it the better your thematic statement will turn out to be.