How to Write a Written Thematic Essay
- 1). Gather your information. Make a list of any data the report requires. Ask questions about the theme and gather together the answers in an organized outline. Research the author's background, life and works. Gather any data that could apply to the author's use of theme in the particular work. A thematic essay on Edgar Allen Poe's "Fall of the House of Usher," for example, could analyze the theme of melancholy. Such a thematic essay would include details about Poe's use of melancholy in his poetry and short stories, his personal failures, and also the death of his parents.
- 2). Write a thesis statement--a sentence or two that summarizes the information and intent of the essay. This will be the first sentence in your thematic report, and it will become part of the introduction. The thesis statement should catch the reader's attention. An attention grabber for a thematic essay on Poe's "Fall" could start with a quote from the story that is particularly melancholy. Then, go on to briefly overview the intent of the essay.
- 3). Write the body of the thematic report. Using the organized outline as a guide, write clearly and informatively about the theme. Keep opinions out of the facts and support the information with specific examples and expert knowledge. Be authoritative. Use quotes and specific examples supported by references to where they originated.
- 4). Write the conclusion to the thematic essay. Include a brief review of any facts, statistics and examples that support the overall point of the essay. End the report with a clear picture of the theme and its effect on the work and on the reader.
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