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Writing Guidelines

Focusing on Theme

The writer of the sample analysis on pages 226–227 analyzed the themes of the novel. Themes may be the most challenging element to analyze. Here are five ways to find themes in a text:

Strategies for Identifying the Theme

Writing a Thesis Statement

Once you have a focus in mind, you are ready to write a thesis statement. This statement should identify the main point of your analysis. One way to do this is to connect the main character to the element you will discuss. Use this simple formula: