HOW TO WRITE THEMATIC ESSAY

Table of contents

• What is a Thematic Essay?
• How to Pick a Thematic Topic
• Thematic Essay Research
• Writing a Thematic Statement
• The Outline: The Thematic Essay Structure
• Thematic Essay Writing Tips
• Getting Professional Thematic Essay Assistance

When a writer creates a work, there’s often more to what they say than what is directly revealed in the storyline. Many great writers use their work to teach lessons, to show the results of human nature and behavior, even make a statement on society as a whole. To discover these themes takes critical reading. When you do see a writer’s hidden message, you’ve discovered their theme. Sharing what you’ve discovered with others is what you do when you write a thematic essay. That’s what this piece is about. 

What is a Thematic Essay?

To answer this question, start with another question. What is a thematic statement? This is a statement, usually a few sentences, that describes the underlying theme being addressed in a piece of writing. A thematic statement can be used as the thesis in a thematic essay, This would then further explore how the writer furthers that theme in their work. For example, through the use of literary devices or moral tales.

A student who is assigned a thematic essay will be expected to reveal the theme, and then delve into the methods the writer uses to express the theme. They will also discuss the significance of the theme. The latter is often done with some sort of context. One example of this would be to examine a key theme in a written work within the context of the political climate at the time.

The biggest challenge in writing a thematic essay is in finding the right work upon which to base the essay.

It should be impactful and meaningful, and relevant to the course.

Unlike most other essay types, there are no absolutely right or wrong answers. Thematic essays are largely subjective. However, it is important that the writer is able to back up their assertions using logical arguments.

Thematic essays are largely subjective.

How to Pick a Thematic Topic

Before you can write a thematic essay, you have to select a theme that is relevant to the written work. There are two ways to approach this. 

The first is to start with a written work. You can select a book that is personally meaningful to you. In some instances, the written work is chosen for you by your instructor. In these cases, it is up to you to extract the theme for your essay, to create the thematic statement, and write the essay. The second is to choose a theme first, then find a written work that best exemplifies that.

Here are some thematic statement examples to help you to choose a topic:

• The role of poverty in Dickens Novels

• Injustice and the death penalty

• Racism and the westward expansion

• Colonialism and the development of the modern world

• The benefit of hopefulness in Difficult Times

• How honesty is important to children

If you need additional inspiration, look to thematic writing examples.

They will help you to uncover themes you may have never considered otherwise. You can also find essays written on works that you may not be familiar with.

You can also try listing some of your own, meaningful experiences. Keep in mind that many experiences are universal, and someone may have written about yours.

Thematic Essay Research

Of course, the first step is to read the written work thoroughly and take notes. You’ll want to note the literary devices used that describe the theme, and put forth the authors’ thoughts on the subject. You may have to dig deep, writers tend to use devices like allusion and foreshadowing. On the other hand, don’t ignore direct statements either.

You might also do some research outside of the written work itself. Start with the writer. What is their background? Have they articulated their beliefs in other ways? What was going on in the world at the time they wrote the piece you are reading? These things can contribute to the writer’s motivations, and explain why that theme was important to them.

Writing a Thematic Statement

Here, writing a theme statement is nearly the same as composing  your thesis statement. You’ll perfect it a bit more as you write, but this will represent what you believe is the theme, and why. Try to be concise. You aren’t justifying it or supporting it at this point. You are simply stating it.

The Outline: The Thematic Essay Structure

As with other essays, your outline will help you create a structure for your essay. It will also allow you to identify and lay out your main points. Finally, your outline will allow you to work on sequencing. This is important, as the sequence of your essay can make your points have more impact.

The exact structure and layout of your essay depend on the assignment. If the assignment rubric requires that you turn an essay into your instructor, you’ll want to use a traditional I, A, 1 format. If not, do whatever helps you to best organize your paper.

Here are the elements that you should cover in your essay:

• The Intro: Here you will let readers know what written work your essay is based on, and present your thesis.

• The Body Paragraphs: Anchor these with the main point that shares a detail about the theme, and back these with examples from the work as supporting points.

• The Conclusion: Show how the examples work together to demonstrate the theme, and why that theme was meaningful to the author or their work.

Thematic Essay Writing Tips

Here are some tips to wrap things up:

• Run your theme by a few trusted people. Make sure you are on the right track before you begin writing.

• Edit and proofread thoroughly.

• Be aware of your own bias. It’s easy to read things into writing if we really want to believe them.

• Don’t ignore the obvious. Not everything in writing is about subtext.

Getting Professional Thematic Essay Assistance

Bookmark this page to use as a writing guide. However, if you find yourself struggling with a thematic essay, don’t panic. We are happy to offer thematic essay assistance ranging from writing to proofreading and editing. Contact us, and we are happy to provide you with the help you need.