Generating a Thesis Statement for Character Analysis

1. Generating a Thesis Statement for Character Analysis M. Smolinsky

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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?

6. 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.

7. 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)