How to turn a theme into a thesis

How to turn a theme into a thesis statement. Writing Your Thesis Paper

Let’s start with theme…. �Theme - a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or indirectly. In other words…. the main point of a literary work (paper, book, movie, poem, etc) You will be concentrating on theme of a paper.

Examples of Themes 1. Love and Friendship 1. Stories and Movies the this theme: 1. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespear 2. Stand by Me by Steven King 3. A Winter’s Tale by Akiva Goldsman 2. War 1. The Odyssey by Homer 2. Troy based on The Illiad by Homer

Suppose you are trying to find a theme for say…. . The Crucible. �You can choose love, reputation, silence, fear, human nature vs. religion, the contradiction of Puritan values…and so on. �If you choose any of these themes…. 1. First step, choose up to 3 or 4 characters that theme connects to. 2. Next, describe how the character connects to that theme.

Thematic Map John Proctor A person’s name is the link to their reputation. People do not trust those with a bad reputation. Theme is Reputation Abigail Williams The characters in The Crucible cherish their reputation. Judge Danforth Reputation is what stays with a person long after they are dead. Names and reputations are passed down through generations.

What is a thesis statement? � It tells the reader how YOU will interpret the significance of the subject matter (theme) under discussion � It tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper � Is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader

Turning theme into a thesis statement. What we have so far…. . � Theme: Reputation � 3 Characters: John Procter, Abigail Williams, and Judge Danforth � 4 Statements connecting the characters to your theme (you may use one of these or combine all of them to form your thesis) Thesis Statement: According to the characters in The Crucible, reputation is the direct link to one’s name, which is forever connected to a person long after they are gone.

And now it’s your turn!! �Theme: Fear �Choose 3 Characters: �Make a Map of thesis with the characters, and create 3 -4 Statements connecting the characters to theme.