THE THEMATIC ESSAY

Follow general rules for five paragraph essay.

Paragraph 1: Introduction◦ Thematic Statement is your thesis statement

Paragraph 2: Body 1 w/ clear topic sentence Paragraph 3: Body 2 w/ clear topic sentence Paragraph 4: Body 3 w/ clear topic sentence Paragraph 5: Conclusion

◦ Closing by Return/Thesis Restatement

General Info

a statement of truth about society or human nature/the human condition.

broad enough so that it can apply to many situations outside of the text.

supported and argued using the text as evidence.

Theme is…

just about the text.

too specific so that it is limited and therefore cannot be applied to various situations.

too broad so that is vague and therefore cannot be applied to various situations.

absolute.◦ i.e., use words like “may” rather than “will.”

Theme is not…

Motivation + Subject = Result

This “formula” is not the be all and end all to developing theme and thematic essays; it is meant to serve as a guide.

A Helpful “Formula”

For the novel The Giver, for example, we may use the formula like this:

Obedience + Truth/Lies = Change Our thematic Statement may read

something like this: ◦ “Through one’s obedience, a person may learn

about the truths and lies in his or her society and want change.” or…

◦ “Once an obedient person learns about the truth and lies of their community, they may begin to change and/or want change.”

Using the “Formula”

Writing the Essay

Things to include:◦Identify the title/author◦State the subject to be discussed◦Provide a thematic statement◦Mention the 3 ideas to be used for

examples◦Provide a narrative hook

Introduction

Types of Narrative Hook:◦Question◦Relevant fact◦Unusual detail◦Brief Narrative◦Thesis Statement◦Definition◦Personal Experience

Introduction

Topic Sentence Provide evidence to support the topic

sentence – Quote or paraphrase Discuss how this information relates or

proves the thesis.

Body 1

Topic Sentence Provide evidence to support the topic

sentence – Quote or paraphrase Discuss how this information relates or

proves the thesis.

Body 2

Topic Sentence Provide evidence to support the topic

sentence – Quote or paraphrase Discuss how this information relates or

proves the thesis.

Body 3

Types:◦Closing by return◦Thesis restatement◦Summary◦Climax◦Call to action

Conclusion