how to write a thesis in a literary analysis

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Developing a Thesis

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Once you've read the story or novel closely, look back over your notes for patterns of questions or ideas that interest you. Have most of your questions been about the characters, how they develop or change?

For example: If you are reading Conrad's The Secret Agent , do you seem to be most interested in what the author has to say about society? Choose a pattern of ideas and express it in the form of a question and an answer such as the following: Question: What does Conrad seem to be suggesting about early twentieth-century London society in his novel The Secret Agent ? Answer: Conrad suggests that all classes of society are corrupt. Pitfalls: Choosing too many ideas. Choosing an idea without any support.

Once you have some general points to focus on, write your possible ideas and answer the questions that they suggest.

For example: Question: How does Conrad develop the idea that all classes of society are corrupt? Answer: He uses images of beasts and cannibalism whether he's describing socialites, policemen or secret agents.

To write your thesis statement, all you have to do is turn the question and answer around. You've already given the answer, now just put it in a sentence (or a couple of sentences) so that the thesis of your paper is clear.

For example: In his novel, The Secret Agent , Conrad uses beast and cannibal imagery to describe the characters and their relationships to each other. This pattern of images suggests that Conrad saw corruption in every level of early twentieth-century London society.

Now that you're familiar with the story or novel and have developed a thesis statement, you're ready to choose the evidence you'll use to support your thesis. There are a lot of good ways to do this, but all of them depend on a strong thesis for their direction.

For example: Here's a student's thesis about Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent . In his novel, The Secret Agent , Conrad uses beast and cannibal imagery to describe the characters and their relationships to each other. This pattern of images suggests that Conrad saw corruption in every level of early twentieth-century London society. This thesis focuses on the idea of social corruption and the device of imagery. To support this thesis, you would need to find images of beasts and cannibalism within the text.

Literary Criticism

• Introduction
• Literary Theories
• Steps to Literary Criticism
• Find Resources
• Cite Sources
• thesis examples

SAMPLE THESIS STATEMENTS

These sample thesis statements are provided as guides, not as required forms or prescriptions.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination, faith, and cunning illustrate the indomitable human spirit.

Note that the work, author, and character to be analyzed are identified in this thesis statement. The thesis relies on a strong verb (creates). 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).

Further Examples:

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.

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 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 Third and Final Continent” exhibits characteristics recurrent in writings by immigrants: tradition, adaptation, and identity.

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.

Further examples:

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.

A 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.

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.

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.

This thesis suggests that the essay will identify characteristics of suicide that Paul exhibits in the story. 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.

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.

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.

SAMPLE PATTERNS FOR THESES ON LITERARY WORKS

1. In (title of work), (author) (illustrates, shows) (aspect) (adjective). 

Example: In “Barn Burning,” William Faulkner shows the characters Sardie and Abner Snopes struggling for their identity.

2. In (title of work), (author) uses (one aspect) to (define, strengthen, illustrate) the (element of work).

Example: In “Youth,” Joseph Conrad uses foreshadowing to strengthen the plot.

3. In (title of work), (author) uses (an important part of work) as a unifying device for (one element), (another element), and (another element). The number of elements can vary from one to four.

Example: In “Youth,” Joseph Conrad uses the sea as a unifying device for setting, structure and theme.

4. (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.

Example: Langston Hughes develops the character of Semple in “Ways and Means”…

5. In (title of work), (author) uses (literary device) to (accomplish, develop, illustrate, strengthen) (element of work).

Example: In “The Masque of the Red Death,” Poe uses the symbolism of the stranger, the clock, and the seventh room to develop the theme of death.

6. (Author) (shows, develops, illustrates) the theme of __________ in the (play, poem, story).

Example: Flannery O’Connor illustrates the theme of the effect of the selfishness of the grandmother upon the family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find.”

7. (Author) develops his character(s) in (title of work) through his/her use of language.

Example: John Updike develops his characters in “A & P” through his use of figurative language.

Perimeter College, Georgia State University,  http://depts.gpc.edu/~gpcltc/handouts/communications/literarythesis.pdf

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How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Literary Analysis

A thesis statement is a vital component of any academic paper, particularly in a literary analysis essay. It serves as a roadmap for your reader, highlighting the main argument or analysis you will present. Crafting a strong and effective thesis statement can be challenging, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a thesis that enhances your literary analysis and captivates your readers. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in writing a thesis statement for a literary analysis, along with seven frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers.

Step 1: Understand the Prompt Before diving into writing your thesis statement, it is crucial to fully understand the prompt or assignment guidelines. Familiarize yourself with the literary work you are analyzing and identify the key themes, symbols, or literary devices that are relevant to your analysis. Having a clear understanding of the prompt will help you formulate a focused and concise thesis statement.

Step 2: Identify the Key Argument Based on your analysis of the literary work, identify the main argument or central idea that you want to convey. Your thesis statement should clearly and concisely express this argument, serving as the foundation for your entire analysis.

Step 3: Be Specific and Precise Avoid vague or general statements in your thesis. Instead, strive to be specific and precise, addressing the key elements of your analysis. Consider the specific aspects of the literary work that you will be discussing, such as character development, symbolism, or narrative structure, and incorporate them into your thesis statement.

Step 4: Make it Arguable A strong thesis statement should be arguable, meaning there should be room for different interpretations or perspectives. Avoid stating the obvious or making general statements that everyone would agree with. Instead, take a stance that can be debated or challenged, which will make your analysis more engaging and thought-provoking.

Step 5: Write Clearly and Concisely Your thesis statement should be clear and concise, conveying your main argument in a single sentence. Avoid using overly complex language or convoluted sentence structures that might confuse your reader. Keep it simple and straightforward, ensuring that your thesis statement can be easily understood.

Step 6: Revise and Refine After writing your initial thesis statement, take the time to revise and refine it. Consider the feedback from your instructor or peers, and make necessary adjustments to strengthen your argument. Revising your thesis statement is a crucial step in the writing process, as it ensures that your analysis is focused and well-supported.

Now let’s address some frequently asked questions about writing a thesis statement for a literary analysis:

1. What is the purpose of a thesis statement in a literary analysis essay? The purpose of a thesis statement in a literary analysis essay is to present the main argument or analysis of the essay. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, guiding them through your analysis and highlighting the key points you will discuss.

2. Can a thesis statement be a question? While a thesis statement is typically a declarative statement, it is possible to pose it as a question. However, the question should still convey your main argument or analysis and provide a clear direction for your essay.

3. Should a thesis statement be at the beginning or end of an introduction? A thesis statement is typically placed at the end of the introduction paragraph. However, the specific placement can vary depending on the structure and requirements of your essay. Consult your instructor’s guidelines for clarification.

4. Can a thesis statement change throughout the writing process? Yes, a thesis statement can change and evolve as you conduct further analysis and research. It is not uncommon for writers to refine their thesis statements as they gain a deeper understanding of the literary work and its nuances.

5. Can I have more than one thesis statement in my analysis essay? While it is possible to have multiple thesis statements in certain cases, it is generally recommended to focus on one central argument in a literary analysis essay. This allows for a more coherent and focused analysis.

6. Should I include evidence or examples in my thesis statement? A thesis statement should not include specific evidence or examples. It should provide a clear and concise overview of your main argument, leaving the supporting evidence and examples for the body paragraphs of your essay.

7. How long should a thesis statement be? A thesis statement should be concise and to the point. Ideally, it should be one to two sentences in length, clearly expressing the main argument or analysis of your essay.

In conclusion, writing a thesis statement for a literary analysis requires careful consideration and planning. By understanding the prompt, identifying the key argument, and being specific and precise, you can craft a strong and effective thesis statement. Remember to make it arguable, write clearly and concisely, and revise and refine as necessary. By following these steps and addressing common concerns, you can create a compelling thesis statement that enhances your literary analysis and engages your readers.

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