Theme StatementJournal #5

What is a Theme Statement?

• One sentence that clearly states what the text is saying about a particular subject (theme).

• A statement that reflects the implied opinion of the text on the given theme, NOT your opinion.

• A statement that can be supported (proven) by evidence in the text, NOT merely a statement of commonly held beliefs/opinions.

Sample Theme Statements

“The Kayak” – Without self-confidence, one cannot be truly happy.

“Cancer” – The need to feel acceptance can drive people to extreme measures.

Theme Statements Are:• Clear, Short, Precise• Bigger than the text (no mention of the

text)• Assertive (written as though it is true)

This journal entry will be a process. Please copy down the following steps and follow them in order.

Note: You should be finished at least 2½ books since the beginning of the semester. Please choose a book that you have completed in order to do this journal.

Step 1: Identify Themes

• List 3-5 themes that your novel deals with.

• Think about how each theme is developed in the book.

• Circle or highlight the theme that you want to work with.

Step 2: Finding Your Focus

A novel may deal with several themes. Thinking about the theme that you have chosen you need to determine which character and/or which story line is the most important to understanding this theme.

• Write in your journal entry which character/story line you will focus on to understand this theme.

Step 3: Gathering Evidence

• Choose 4+ passages from your novel that speak to the theme you have chosen – they must cover the beginning, middle, and end of the book.

• Copy each passage into your journal. Reference the passage with the author’s last name and the page number.

• For each passage, explain what you can learn and infer about your theme.

This is called a Dialectical JournalSee my example on the following slide

Theme: Self-Confidence

Passage My ExplanationI am one with the kayak. The blue boat is an extension of my legs. I can do anything; I can go anywhere. Totally independent. Totally in control of my life. It’s so different back on shore. (Spring 1)

When Teresa is in her kayak she feels happy and free. She feels confident that she can do anything. This is contrasted with how she feels on shore where she feels like she can do nothing.

I hate small talk. My hands turn white, as I clutch the armrests of my wheelchair. “What you really want to know is how long I’ve been crippled.” (Spring 2)

Teresa has no confidence that Jamie will like her for who she is. Her body language, her thoughts, and her words all show how unhappy she is in this moment when she doubts herself and lacks confidence.

Example of Dialectical Journal

Step 4: Writing the Theme Statement

• Think about what the story is saying about the theme – what can we learn about this universal experience by analyzing how this theme unfolds in the book.

• Write your theme statement

• Check: Is your theme statement general (NOT about the book), assertive, and is it supported completely by the text?

Note: I should be able to see the connection between the passages your chose and your theme statement. Your explanations will help me see that connection.

Journal #5 Theme Statement is Due Friday April 27

Overview of What Your Journal Will Include:

• A list of 3-5 themes covered by your book. The one you will be exploring will be clearly circled or highlighted

• The character/story line that is most important to this theme will be identified.

• A dialectical journal that includes 4+ passages from the book, each passage will be explained.

• The passages will be referenced with the author’s last name and the page number(s).

• You will write a theme statement that is clear and precise, general, assertive, and supported by the text.

You probably need to work on this journal for a few evenings. Please plan on doing so. THIS IS YOUR ENGLISH HOMEWORK FOR THIS WEEK!

A Word About Support & Purpose

Remember that the purpose of this work is to practice critical thinking and to challenge yourself to work through a difficult task.

While you can probably find most or all of this information online, doing so will not help your growth as a thinker or a learner.

If you feel lost tackling this assignment, please come to me for help!