Theme Statements

DOs and DON'Ts

Good an Bad Examples

“Fast Car” – Tracy Chapman

• Bad Theme Statement:
  "This song is about a girl who wants to run away from her problems."
  Too plot-focused and specific; lacks universality.
  
  

• Good Theme Statement:
  In “Fast Car,” Tracy Chapman explores the tension between hope and disillusionment, illustrating how the desire to escape difficult circumstances can lead to both empowerment and entrapment. 

“Hallelujah” – Leonard Cohen

•  Bad Theme Statement:
  "The theme is about religion and music."
  Too vague and surface-level.
  
  

• Good Theme Statement:
  Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” examines the intersection of spiritual reverence and human frailty, suggesting that moments of brokenness can still yield transcendence.
  
  

Theme Statement Template

Through the use of [specific literary device(s)], [Author's Name] illustrates that [universal concept] can lead to/results in/highlights [a specific, insightful truth about human experience or society].

Explanation of Components:

• [Specific literary device(s)]: This is how the author conveys their message. Be as specific as possible. Instead of just "figurative language," specify "metaphor," "simile," "symbolism," "imagery," "personification," etc. Other options include:

  • Characterization (direct/indirect)

  • Setting/Atmosphere

  • Conflict (man vs. self, man vs. society, etc.)

  • Foreshadowing

  • Irony (situational, dramatic, verbal)

  • Point of view

  • Dialogue

  • Plot structure (e.g., rising action, climax)

  • Allusion

  • Juxtaposition

• [Author's Name]: Simply the name of the author.

• [Universal concept]: This is the broad, abstract idea or subject the story explores. Think of it as the "topic" of the theme. Examples:

  • Love

  • Loss

  • Power

  • Identity

  • Prejudice

  • Ambition

  • Nature

  • Technology

  • Childhood

  • Sacrifice

  • Betrayal

  • Redemption

• [A specific, insightful truth about human experience or society]: This is the message or argument the author is making about the universal concept. It's the "so what?" of the story. This part should be:

  • A complete sentence.

  • An observation about life, human nature, or society.

  • Not a cliché or a simple moral.

  • Not a plot summary.

  • Generally stated, so it applies beyond just the specific story.

  • Avoids "should" or "ought to."

How to Use the Template:

1. Identify Key Devices: What literary techniques does the author frequently employ, and how do they impact your understanding of the story's deeper meaning?

2. Pinpoint the Big Idea: What major abstract concept (or a few) does the story seem to be about?

3. Articulate the "So What?": What does the author want you to understand about that big idea after reading the story? What is their unique perspective or commentary?

4. Draft and Refine: Plug your ideas into the template, then review it carefully.

   • Is it clear and concise?

   • Is it specific enough to be meaningful but general enough to be universal?

   • Does it accurately reflect the author's message in the text?

Examples:

• For The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:

  • Through the use of vivid symbolism and the tragic characterization of Jay Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald illustrates that the obsessive pursuit of an idealized past can lead to ultimate disillusionment and self-destruction.

• For "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury:

  • Through the use of ominous foreshadowing and the hyper-realistic setting of the virtual nursery, Ray Bradbury illustrates that an uncritical reliance on advanced technology to fulfill all desires can lead to a dangerous severing of human connection and a chilling subversion of traditional parental roles.

• For Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare:

  • Through the use of dramatic irony and the passionate dialogue between the protagonists, William Shakespeare illustrates that intense, forbidden love, when combined with societal prejudices and impulsive decisions, can lead to devastating and unnecessary tragedy.