What is a Thesis Statement?

Almost all of us—even if we don’t do it consciously—look early in an essay for a one-or two-sentence condensation of the argument or analysis that is to follow. We refer to that condensation as a thesis statement.

1. A strong thesis takes some sort of stand.

Remember that your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject, person, idea, specific literary element, etc.

2. A strong thesis justifies discussion.

Your thesis should indicate the broader point of your stance; I will refer to this as the significance behind your ideas, or the larger implications of your point. (This justification answers the question: So What?)

3. A strong thesis expresses one main idea.

Readers need to be able to see that your paper has one main point; although you may use multiple sub-points to argue your point – this is sometimes called a “division of topics.” The sub-points may fall into one category like “through character development” in your thesis and then become more specific in your topic sentences in which you identify ONE character on whom you will focus for that paragraph.

4. A strong thesis statement is specific but general.

A thesis statement should present exactly what your paper will cover, and help you keep your paper to a manageable, focused topic.

Theme vs. Thesis:

Thematic Concept: the main idea, sometimes an abstract concept like love. While identifying the concept is important, it is equally important to identify what this specific author, through this specific text presents about that abstract concept/main idea.

Thematic Statement: a general sentence that captures the main idea of a work and applies it to human experience or the human condition. This is the general idea conveyed by a work, the message an author intends to convey. Thematic statements do not necessitate the inclusion of the author’s name or the title of the text (that is what is included to make your thematic statement a thesis statement…)

From thematic statement → thesis statement…Using the thematic statement, broaden the sentence to include:

·        The author and title of the work discussed

·        What literary elements the author employs to convey idea (theses can be very general, character development, or very specific, the protagonist)*

·        How the author presents, promotes, or drives the theme throughout the work

·        Over significance and/or implications of the author’s purpose/idea

* Many times you will be given the “what” – a specific element of language, style, or other literary device -  you must then explain how the author employs it (how it is used, not only what it is) to convey a specific meaning or the general idea (theme).

Consider the following themes and thematic statements from contemporary works:

Consider the list of themes from the essay assignment. Select three and list them below. Then write a clear thematic statement and thesis statement. Be sure include each element needed for a thesis statement listed above.