Thematic statement= abstract idea + insight

First, determine what abstract idea is being conveyed in the work.

What does the text say about an abstract idea?

Consider some of the following to help you brainstorm: acceptance, adapting, ambition, betrayal, citizenship, courage, culture, failure, defeat, desire, dreams, empathy, equality, faith/loss of faith, family, forgiveness, friendship, good/evil, greed, guilt, happiness, honor, illusion, isolation, liberty, loneliness, love, loyalty, materialism, nature, opposition, patience, poverty, prejudice, punishment, virtue, survival, truth, violence, peace, wealth, social class, wisdom, youth, aging.

Finish this statement to develop the thematic statement: This is like life because ….

Once you have thought through your abstract idea, you will want to add an insight to it. Consider these examples:

Examples

abstract idea=acceptance, insight=maturity allows for acceptance of weaknesses

Acceptance

People mature and learn to accept their flaws and strengths over time.

Ambition

When a poor man has an ambition to rise above his station in life, he faces fierce opposition.

Defeat

The defeat of an individual is inevitable when society sets out to destroy him.

Empathy

People may grow in their awareness of others and become more empathetic through conflicts.

Culture

Sometimes people don’t appreciate their cultural heritage until faced with challenges.

One’s cultural legacy can influence their actions and behaviors.

Isolation

People may feel isolated and alienated at times due to conflicts and may have to work through challenges in order to feel connected to a community.