Thesis Statements

Analytical Thesis Statement An analytical paper breaks down a text(s) into its component parts, evaluates the data, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience as an argument.

A thesis statement… Tells the reader what you will interpret to be significant of the subject matter under discussion. Can refer to a literary device or quality. – Character, image, motif, structure, etc.

A thesis statement… It gives the paper direction; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect in terms of your interpretation in the rest of the paper.

How do I know if my thesis is strong? Do I answer the question? In this case, the question is “what do YOU think your text(s) is saying?”

How do I know if my thesis is strong? Does my thesis pass the “so what?" test? If a reader's first response is “so what?" then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue. – A thesis statement never says that something “just exists.” – NEVER: Robertson Davies creates characters with contrasting traits in the novel Fifth Business. (So what?)

Your original thoughts/assumptions about the author’s intentions (concepts) The aspects, devices, categories you plan to write about (this is optional) Author’s name Full title of the literary work – If this information is elsewhere in the intro, no need to repeat it. What else will my thesis include?

Sample literary thesis statement Sinclair Lewis’ 1922 novel Babbitt relies upon the author’s use of satire to critique the ignorance, mediocrity and conformity of the American middle class.

Sample literary thesis statement Sinclair Lewis’ 1922 novel Babbitt relies upon the author’s use of satire to critique the ignorance, mediocrity and conformity of the American middle class. How…this can be left out and addressed only in the body. Why…this does not have to be a list of three things.

Sample literary thesis statement Protesting the western pressure pushing Japan to modernize and change its values, Mishima uses Nobora Kuroda to depict a desired return to the past in The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With the Sea.

Sample literary thesis statement Protesting the western pressure pushing Japan to modernize and change its values, Mishima uses Nobora Kuroda to depict a desired return to the past in The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With the Sea.

The impact of destruction in “Distances” is revealed through universal and personal levels and conveys a sense of hopelessness, even in new life.

Sample literary thesis statement The impact of destruction is revealed through universal and personal levels and conveys a sense of hopelessness, even in new life. Notice that the “how” in this thesis is not a literary device.