Example Thesis Statements from Literary Research Papers
Example 1:
Original: In the play Trifles Susan Glaspell uses irony, the struggle with morality,
symbols, and differences in perspective based on gender in order to show the value of women’s
role in society and the patriarchal nature of society.
Improved: In the play “Trifles,” Susan Glaspell shows how a patriarchal society
devalues women’s roles and talents using irony, Mrs. Hale’s and Mrs. Peter’s struggle with
morality as they decide whether to share their information with their husbands, the symbols of
the bird and the house, and the necessity of valuing women’s unique perspectives.
Example 2:
Original: In this essay I am going to explore the novel Brave New World through the
Marxist Literary critic and analyze the structural similarities and differences between the World
State and the United States today. Additionally, I will explore the major theme of the novel using
literary research into Huxley’s anti-Fordian portrayal of a capitalist totalitarian state.
Advice:

Don’t just announce your intentions or your topic. Make a CLAIM about how the
theme of the novel (which you need to define more clearly) is illuminated
“Huxley’s anti-Fordian portrayal of a capitalist totalitarian state.”

Actually tell me what those structural similarities/differences are, briefly.

It’s Marxist Literary criticism, not “critic.”
Example 3:
Jackson’s characters and annual ritual of “The Lottery” express misogyny by supporting
the patriarchal order (Be more specific about how the ritual is an expression of
misogyny/patriarchy. You don’t need to include your whole thought process, but you need to
give your reader an idea of how you are going to be supporting your claim.) and placing
significantly less importance on the female characters throughout the story (Briefly explain the
ways women are treated as lesser that you will focus on throughout the paper).
Example 4:
Original: Oppression toward women is certainly demonstrated in Susan Glaspell's one act
play "Trifles" because the men in the story demonstrate arrogance and oppressive behavior towards
the women which unintentionally (assuming from the men) constructs a bond between the women
in the play that leads them to disobey against the patriarchal system that the women live in. The
clear presence of patriarchy in the play showcases its effect of oppression towards the women and
as well their resistance and attitudes to this particular system in their society.
Revised: Oppression of women is certainly demonstrated in Susan Glaspell's one act play
"Trifles;" the men in the story are arrogant and oppressive to their wives, which unintentionally
constructs a bond between Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters that leads them to disobey the patriarchal
system that they live in. The clear presence of patriarchy in the play showcases its effect of
oppression towards the women and as well their resistance and attitudes to this particular system
in their society. (This last sentence repeats the idea of the previous sentence and does so more
vaguely. It doesn’t add anything new.)
Bonus “Everyday Use” Thesis
An analysis of the text of “Everyday Use” through the lens of reader response theory
reveals that Dee’s character does not deserve to be criticized because of her education or her
newfound respect for African and African-American culture, but because, having gained respect
for her blackness and her African roots, she goes back to her mother’s house and treats the
people who were the keepers of the very tradition she venerates with disrespect.