To summarize a theme’s objective development, base the summary on facts rather than emotions, judgments, or opinions. The objective center is what can be demonstrated or argued with evidence, not how it feels or what a reader personally thinks. Key points to include
- Central idea or thesis: State the main purpose of the theme as presented by the author, in neutral terms. This should be grounded in the text itself, not in interpretation.
- Supporting details: Include concrete facts, events, data, or textual evidence that illustrate how the theme develops. Focus on what changes, what triggers developments, and what outcomes occur.
- Chronology and progression: Outline the sequence of developments—early indications, turning points, and eventual conclusions—using objective markers (dates, events, quotes) rather than subjective commentary.
- Contextual information: Note the author, work, and any explicit aims or stated objectives connected to the theme, as these provide essential grounding for the development without adding interpretation.
- Distinguish facts from interpretation: Present only what is directly verifiable from the text. If a line of reasoning requires inference, mark it clearly as an inference and support it with the closest available evidence.
What to avoid
- Personal emotions, feelings, or affective language about the theme.
- Opinions, judgments, or evaluative statements about whether the development is good or bad.
- Retrospective biases or readings not explicitly supported by the text.
A concise, objective-summary template
- Topic sentence: State the theme and its objective development in a neutral, factual way.
- Paragraph 1: Early development—introducing events, motifs, or moments that establish the theme.
- Paragraph 2: Middle progression—how the theme deepens or shifts, with key evidentiary details.
- Paragraph 3: Climax and resolution—final developments and outcomes tied to the theme, supported by concrete details.
- Optional: Brief note on any deliberate authorial techniques that illuminate the theme (without interpreting their value).
If you share the specific theme and the work in question, a precise objective summary can be drafted following this approach.
