What It Is and What It Isnt Theme

What It Is and What It Isn’t Theme , Thesis, and Textual Evidence

Themes? �Love �Family �Adventure �Justice �The concept of right and wrong �The unbearable lightness of being �Violence �Civilization & Chaos NOT THEMES!! These are TOPICS

Topics ARE Important �Topics build themes �Love conquers all - Too vague - Quite trite Violence broods in individuals waiting for chaos to be released. ↑Excellent theme. Here’s why…

A Theme MUST Have… �A topic (what you used to think was theme) �A STRONG verb for the TOPIC to do -resonates - collapses - emerges - illuminates Civilization requires cooperation of and collaboration between human nature and social order.

A Theme Should NOT Have �Vague words �Too many words �“You” (you’re not a drill sergeant so don’t give orders) �Definitive words: always, must, never, etc.

What About Thesis? �Your thesis is your claim of what theme is - IF that is what your task is asking you to do, to find theme. Otherwise… �Your thesis is your claim, your answer, to the question at hand

Textual Evidence �Weak link example: Q: What do you like best about your soccer team mates? A: Soccer really pushes me to challenge myself physically and mentally so I can be a better adversary in difficult situations.

Textual Evidence �Strong link example: Q: What do you like best about your soccer team mates? A: My soccer team mates are extra teachers for me in addition to our coach. A: Specifically, they have taught me acute stretches that have opened up my kicks quite a bit.