Reading, interpreting, and analyzing are the skills required to write a theme analysis. Writing a theme analysis will help you to better analyze the literary work you are reading. In order to write a theme analysis, you have to explore theme. While exploring theme, look to draw connections between the text and any dominant themes you notice. Remember, themes are implicitly stated. Once you have found the dominant theme for your analysis, create a thematic statement, which will be the focus of your writing. Please view the following guidelines for writing a thematic statement:

• When creating your thematic statement, do not refer to specific names or events from the literary text.
• Stay away from clichés.
• A theme is not a moral. It does not give an order.
• When creating your thematic statement do not use absolute terms.

For this assignment, you are to write a theme analysis, using the standard essay format, on the tragedy, Oedipus the King/Oedipus Rex. The standard essay format includes an introduction with your thematic statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Before you begin, access the Theme Analysis Rubric to make sure that you include all of the items required for full credit. Some of the themes found in the tragedy that you may choose from are:

• Family and Relationships
• Man/Woman versus Fate
• Blindness versus Sight
• Illusion versus Reality
• Death/Suicide and Violence

Once you have completed your theme analysis, please submit your work to the dropbox.