Theme Statements Notice that the following thematic statements

Theme Statements

Notice that the following thematic statements can apply to you or anyone in the world. Theme statements do not mention details from literature.

Sample Theme Statements People rarely change their values and beliefs unless influenced by a traumatic event. People create their own beliefs in reaction to personal experience. A child's sense of identity is formed through interaction with others.

Do… Well-written Statements People with realistic goals tend. . . express theme as a to be more successful than general comment on a subject those who put little thought into their futures. People who commit crimes may. . . express theme in your be punished in unexpected own words ways. . express theme as an insight into life Gossip can cause serious damage to a person’s reputation. . use qualifying words in a thematic statement, such as sometimes, can, may, and often Poverty may transform honest people into criminals. . draw a general insight from a Friends are not always character’s behaviour trustworthy.

Do Not… Poorly Written Statements . . . express theme as a subject The theme is goals for the future. or topic. . . express theme as an adage Crime doesn’t pay or familiar saying. . . express theme as a moral It’s wrong to gossip about people. . make a thematic statement too general. Avoid broad generalizations with words such Poverty causes crime. as everyone, always, never, and all. . . refer to specific characters in a Montag learned not to trust thematic statement others around him.

Some of Your Night Examples Elie Wiesel’s Night shows true strength is found when one is tested by fear and in danger of dying. Elie Wiesel’s Night shows that indifference can be the cause of others’ agony. The memoir Night, by Elie Wiesel reveals that when given the opportunity many people will abuse their power over others. Elie Weisel’s memoir Night, reveals that when driven by fear people will not stand up for what is right. Night, a powerful memoir by Elie Weisel, addresses that keeping ones’ hope is perhaps the most important factor in surviving.