How to Write a The Thematic Statement Thematic

How to Write a

The Thematic Statement § Thematic Statement is the most important sentence in the essay. Get it wrong, and the rest of the essay will suffer. § The thematic statement is a sentence that combines the TITLE (properly punctuated), the AUTHOR’S NAME (both first and last) and the GENRE of the piece and what the writer says about the subject.

§ A thematic statement is written in present tense. § A thematic statement is written in the active voice. § The verb in a thematic statement is not a form of “to be”. § The verb should be vibrant and meaningful. § The subject should be preceded by an adjective that will reveal the writer’s tone.

REVIEW § The necessary parts of a thematic statement are: § Title/Author/Genre, Tone, Theme+ descriptive adjective/adverb and strong verb. § W. H. Auden’s ironic poem, “Musee des Beaux Arts, ” utilizes situational irony to suggest that life passes by nonchalantly for those whom tragedy does not directly affect.

MORE EXAMPLES § Adrienne Rich’s contemplative poem, “Storm Warnings, ” evokes a sense of calm in the face of turmoil through the use of imagery and concrete details to illuminate the speakers practiced response to an impending storm. § Ray Bradbury’s poignant novel, Dandelion Wine, illuminates the coming of age of Douglas Spalding throught the use of extended metaphor and symbolism.

Now you try § Prompt: How does John Steinbeck use foreshadowing to create meaning in Of Mice and Men? § Write a theme statement.