G ENERATING A T HESIS S TATEMENT FOR C HARACTER A NALYSIS M. Smolinsky

REVIEW – WHAT IS A THESIS STATEMENT The thesis statement should appear in your introduction and is usually at the end of this first paragraph Simon and Schuster’s Handbook for Writers requirements for a thesis statement: the essay’s subject—the topic that you will discuss the essay’s purpose—either informative or persuasive your focus—the assertion that presents your point of view specific language—not vague words brief overview of topics subdivisions

CREATING A THESIS – STEP #1 Choose a topic from the reading (a theme, issue, technique, or concept) Example: Loss of Innocence in The Catcher in the Rye

CREATING A THESIS – STEP #2 Focus the topic (what does the author communicate about this topic?) Example: Salinger uses symbols to represent Holden’s loss of innocence

CREATING A THESIS – STEP #3 Develop the topic by posing a question (how does the author communicate the topic) Example: How does Salinger use symbolism to portray Holden’s loss of innocence?

CREATING A THESIS – STEP #4 Generate a thesis statement by answering the question Example: Salinger uses several symbols like the museum, the record, and the carousel to represent Holden’s loss of innocence.

1-TO-3 FORMULA FOR CHARACTER ANALYSIS It may help to choose one literary technique and discuss how it is used to represent different themes or issues Ex. Salinger uses (technique) to explain the concept of (idea #1, #2, #3) Or you may choose one theme or symbol and discuss how the author uses different techniques or examples to develop that idea Ex. Salinger develops the idea of (theme) through his use/description of (technique/example #1, #2, #3)