(Author) develops the character of (character’s name) in (literary work) through what he/she does, what he/she says, what other people say to or about him/her.Įxample: Langston Hughes develops the character of Semple in “Ways and Means”…ĥ. The number of elements can vary from one to four.Įxample: In “Youth,” Joseph Conrad uses the sea as a unifying device for setting, structure and theme.Ĥ. In (title of work), (author) uses (an important part of work) as a unifying device for (one element), (another element), and (another element). In (title of work), (author) uses (one aspect) to (define, strengthen, illustrate) the (element of work).Įxample: In “Youth,” Joseph Conrad uses foreshadowing to strengthen the plot.ģ. In (title of work), (author) (illustrates, shows) (aspect) (adjective).Įxample: In “Barn Burning,” William Faulkner shows the characters Sardie and Abner Snopes struggling for their identity.Ģ. SAMPLE PATTERNS FOR THESES ON LITERARY WORKSġ. In “I Stand Here Ironing,” one can draw parallels between the narrator’s situation and the author’s life experiences as a mother, writer, and feminist. Through the experience of one man, the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, accurately depicts the historical record of slave life in its descriptions of the often brutal and quixotic relationship between master and slave and of the fragmentation of slave families. The writer will have to research medical and psychology texts to determine the typical characteristics of suicidal behavior and to illustrate how Paul’s behavior mirrors those characteristics. This thesis suggests that the essay will identify characteristics of suicide that Paul exhibits in the story. In Willa Cather’s short story, “Paul’s Case,” Paul exhibits suicidal behavior that a caring adult might have recognized and remedied had that adult had the scientific knowledge we have today. The thesis may draw parallels between some element in the work and real-life situations or subject matter: historical events, the author’s life, medical diagnoses, etc. Samuel Beckett’s Endgame reflects characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd in its minimalist stage setting, its seemingly meaningless dialogue, and its apocalyptic or nihilist vision.Ī close look at many details in “The Story of an Hour” reveals how language, institutions, and expected demeanor suppress the natural desires and aspirations of women. Note how the thesis statement classifies the form of the work (writings by immigrants) and identifies the characteristics of that form of writing (tradition, adaptation, and identity) that the essay will discuss. “The Third and Final Continent” exhibits characteristics recurrent in writings by immigrants: tradition, adaptation, and identity. The thesis may focus on illustrating how a work reflects the particular genre’s forms, the characteristics of a philosophy of literature, or the ideas of a particular school of thought. The works of ecstatic love poets Rumi, Hafiz, and Kabir use symbols such as a lover’s longing and the Tavern of Ruin to illustrate the human soul’s desire to connect with God.
The character of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet serves as a foil to young Juliet, delights us with her warmth and earthy wit, and helps realize the tragic catastrophe. It also identifies the element of fiction that the writer will explore (character) and the characteristics the writer will analyze and discuss (determination, faith, cunning). The thesis relies on a strong verb (creates).
Note that the work, author, and character to be analyzed are identified in this thesis statement. In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination, faith, and cunning illustrate the indomitable human spirit. The thesis may focus on an analysis of one of the elements of fiction, drama, poetry or nonfiction as expressed in the work: character, plot, structure, idea, theme, symbol, style, imagery, tone, etc. These sample thesis statements are provided as guides, not as required forms or prescriptions.