How to Determine and Write a Theme Statement

Authors write stories with a theme in mind.  A theme statement is a universal lesson that anyone reading the story or piece should learn; therefore, to be a theme statement it needs to be generalized.

general theme statements  For example: People should not try to please others by pretending to be something false.  Or People should not blame their problems on others.  For example: People should not try to please others by pretending to be something false.  Or People should not blame their problems on others.

 Some stories can have more complex theme statements, but all theme statements are to be stated as general lessons learned.

A formula to help you determine the theme of a story:  Remember the four C’s

 Concepts- What are important concepts in the story?  Conflict- What conflicts are in the story?  Character-What are the problems the character is facing in the story?  Conclusion-What happens to the character in the end of the story?  Concepts- What are important concepts in the story?  Conflict- What conflicts are in the story?  Character-What are the problems the character is facing in the story?  Conclusion-What happens to the character in the end of the story?

First put the four C’s together  When you put the specifics of the four C’s from the story together you are getting sort of a summary of the particular story and the lesson learned in the story.  Then make it general for all people to turn it into a theme statement.  When you put the specifics of the four C’s from the story together you are getting sort of a summary of the particular story and the lesson learned in the story.  Then make it general for all people to turn it into a theme statement.

 People often concept because conflict and, as a result, conflict character almost or had happen; therefore, the message learned.  People often concept because conflict and, as a result, conflict character almost or had happen; therefore, the message learned.

Let’s try it for “The Queen and the Troll”  The concepts: emotions, family, love, change

The Queen is upset because the Troll is changing, growing older, partying, and wanting to move out.

In the end they say they love each other

 People often concept because conflict and, as a result, conflict character almost or had happen; therefore, the message learned.  People often concept because conflict and, as a result, conflict character almost or had happen; therefore, the message learned.

Theme Statement for “The Queen and the Troll”  Families can fight because of change over time, and as a result can grow apart; therefore, parents and children should continue to talk and love each other through it all.