Writing Effective Topic Sentences for Literary
Analysis
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is a sentence that
expresses the writer’s position or interpretation of a particular subject.
makes a claim that others might dispute.
is included in the opening paragraph.
answers the question of the writing prompt.
tells the reader what to expect from the paper.
What is a topic sentence, and how does it relate to a thesis statement?
A topic sentence explains or introduces one of the major points that support the writer’s thesis
statement. Each body paragraph in an essay must contain a topic sentence that connects all of the
information and analysis in that paragraph to one unified idea, and each topic sentence must be related
directly to the thesis statement. The main ideas expressed in each topic sentence represent the major
divisions of the essay. Writing those topic sentences before beginning to write the essay will help
developing writers organize their essays and keep those essays focused on their thesis statements.
Activity One: Selecting Topic Sentences
Here is a possible thesis statement for a literary analysis essay for “The Tell-Tale Heart” followed by some
possible topic sentences for this essay. Read each of the sentences carefully and evaluate the possible topic
sentences. Circle yes if the topic sentence supports the thesis or no if the topic sentence does not support the
thesis. Then, explain how it supports or does not support the thesis statement.
In “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe, the unnamed narrator is portrayed as an insane, coldhearted murderer through Poe’s use of figurative language, such as simile, paradox, and
personification.
1. Yes or No
The narrator’s use of a simile to compare the old man’s eye to that of a vulture first hints
at his murderous intention.
Explanation:
2. Yes or No The story begins late at night in the old man’s bedroom.
Explanation:
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3. Yes or No Poe’s use of pronouns without antecedents reflects the instability of the narrator’s mental
state.
Explanation:
4. Yes or No The reader begins to question the narrator’s sanity when he paradoxically explains
calmly that he loved the old man yet plotted carefully to kill him.
Explanation:
5. Yes or No The figurative language contributes to the menacing tone of the story.
Explanation:
6. Yes or No The narrator concedes, “If still you think me mad, you will think so no longer when I
describe the wise precautions I took for the concealment of the body.”
Explanation:
7. Yes or No As the narrator personifies death, he implies that he is a murderer.
Explanation:
Activity Three: Writing Topic Sentences
Following is a possible thesis statement for an essay over “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Read the sentence carefully.
Then write two possible topic sentences for this essay.
In “The Tell-Tale Heart,” the auditory imagery and dark details create a menacing tone.
1)
2)
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