In literature classes, you may write with a variety of purposes:  Response, in which you explain your reaction to a literary work  Evaluation, in which you assess a work’s literary merits  Interpretation, in which you discuss a work’s meaning. This can be further defined as o Analytical o Persuasive o Explication o Compare/contrast

 All academic writing is, essentially, argumentative, requiring the writer to take a stand  The stand you take is your focus, which should be broad enough to explore and narrow enough to do justice  If you can formulate a strong, focused thesis statement, the rest of the essay will write itself.  Not really—but it will be easier because “well begun is half done.”

 You develop a thesis AFTER you assemble your evidence.  Your evidence leads to analysis  Your analysis leads to an arguable thesis.  This naturally leads to better coherence.

 must be arguable: if you cannot imagine someone making an opposing case, then you do not have an arguable thesis  “The Bet” is a story about a wager between a banker and a lawyer.  The narrator’s mother in “The Bats” is a victim of domestic violence.  gives energy to your essay because you have something to prove

In general, a good thesis statement includes a how, a what, and why  WHAT: this is your claim about the topic  HOW: this is your evidence that you use to prove the claim  WHY: this answers the “so what?” question, explaining how your argument deepens our understanding and/or connects to other knowledge

 What: In “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket,” Tom makes a good choice when he does not go after the paper a second time  How: Tom acts rationally rather than emotionally  Why: Tom’s action results from his epiphany, revealing his recognition that unchecked ambition leads to an essentially empty life.

 Use this as a template, not a crutch!  By looking at [HOW—evidence], one can see [WHAT—your claim], and this is important because [WHY].  By looking at Tom’s rational final decision in “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket,” the reader can see that he makes a good choice when he does not go after the paper a second time, and this is important because his action reveals the dangers of unchecked ambition. (49)

 In “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket,” Tom’s final decision to not chase the paper again is both rational and admirable, showing how he has recognized the dangers of unchecked ambition. (32)  When Tom does not go after the paper a second time in “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket,” he shows good judgment in recognizing the dangers of unchecked ambition. (30)

 Consider the evidence about one of the characters in the short stories we read (excluding “Dead Man’s Pocket”).  Decide on the WHAT (he/she is admirable/foolish).  Identify the HOW (what is the most compelling evidence to support this opinion?)  Articulate the WHY (so what? Why is this observation important? What value does this argument add?)  Now refine it—take it out of the template.  We will share one or two, and everyone must turn one in.

 Consider all the evidence about Zeitoun in connection with his family, friends, nature, society and institutions.  Decide on the WHAT (he is admirable/foolish).  Identify the HOW (what is the most compelling evidence to support this opinion?)  Articulate the WHY (so what? Why is this observation important? What value does this argument add?)