THESIS STATEMENTS
NOTE:
A thesis statement should be considered in light of the Texts and Human Experiences module.
It is important to make sure that the thesis statement is:
1. Succinct
2. Complex in idea
3. Relevant
Samplesx:
● ​Texts are distillations of human experiences which showcase the limitations and potential of
individuals.
● ​Texts offer a representation of human experience that challenges our assumptions and thus
intensifies our awareness of self and others.
● ​Texts communicate how the quest for truth and purpose drives all human experiences ​● ​Our
experiences expose our capacity for fortitude and focus, particularly when our individual ideals
are challenged by contextual values / societal expectations
● ​Texts suggest human experiences are dependent on an individual’s perception of a situation,
their context and their values
● ​The representation of human experiences illuminates how our stories are often about the
struggle between public conformity and private resistance
● ​Texts reinforce the constructs and stereotypes that are restrictive of an individual’s potential,
asserting they must be challenged
● …​texts are a reflection / texts depict shared human experiences to assert that as individuals, we
respond differently to similar situations as a consequence/ outcome of our unique personal
qualities..
● ​Texts represent human experiences so as to record/expose the complex nature of the individual
by suggesting that whilst we share a common fragility/vulnerability we have the willpower to
transcend obstacles/ alter out pathway in life / shape our future
● ​Texts represent timeless and universal truths to prompt empathetic connection, self- reflection
and personal insight.
TEXTUAL EVIDENCE
- Sorted by Key Scene (Vaguely in order of film)
NOTE:​ ​Remind yourself that this is a ​FILM ​visual/aural film techniques are what contributes to the film
and is much more superior in your essays compared to alliteration or personification. In a single few
seconds there are multiple techniques being used. Therefore to enhance your essay you can state e.g.
the orchestral non-diegetic piano music accompanied by the high-angle shot of Jackie asserts​…​.
1. ​Christmas opening scene and smashing of piano
Close Up Shot of
sledgehammer smashing
piano followed by panning
shot
Reveals Billy sitting on a step in the toilet doorway. Billy
winces, jolts every time the hammer lands on the piano
evoking his discomfort. He appears in physical pain as he is
horrified by his father’s choice to destroy a sacred symbol
representing his connection to his mother and his creativity.
Juxtaposition
‘Do you think she’ll mind?’ “Shut it Billy, she’s dead”= For Billy,
his mother is still very present, for Jackie, he cannot cope with
her absence. He admonishes Billy who is clearly affected by
Jackie’s aggression.
Diegetic sounds of Jackie
sobbing
Reveals his distress over what has been lost, the struggles
endured and the pressures to provide while maintaining his
dignity
Long shot of Tony framed in
the mirror’s reflection
To symbolise his disconnection from the family.
2. ​Boys don’t do Ballet
Cutting shots between Billy
and Jackie (Low angle shot)
Emphasising Tony’s status and strength over Billy.
“You won’t fool the children
of the revolution”
Reveals the way in which Billy is evolving, as he is not fooled by
the expectations of gender that have been imposed on him by
his father (and community).
3. ​Billy and Michael
Two Shot of Billy and Michael
Reveals their perspectives as Michael confirms his identity /
homosexuality with a kiss and an attempt to warm Billy’s hands.
The two shot emphasises Billy’s acceptance of Michael for who
he is which is reinforced by the close-up shot of his smiling face
and the gifting of the tutu, gestures that symbolise Billy’s
recognition of Michael’s obstacles as he has also experienced
them. Both challenge gender expectations imposed on them by
their working class context
4. Billy/Ms Winlkinson’s secret Lessons - Billy reading out his mother’s letter
Low-key lighting when Billy
enters the gym and while he
reads the letter
Initially the low key lighting evokes feelings of loss and grief
as Billy introduces the letter and Ms Wilkinson reads it out
loud further alluding to his trust of Mrs W and his true
motive to pursue his dreams
Symbolism of the mother’s letter
● ​Letter symbolises the strength that Billy draws from
tangible goods and memories as it offers resilience and
prompts Billy to have confidence in his own identity
● ​Alludes to the human experience of grief and loss and the
way in which the experience does not have to debilitate
individuals and that contrastingly we can find reassurance
and be enlivened as tragedy can offer a pathway to growth
5. ​Scab Scene - Jackie crossing the Picket line
High angle shot of Jackie
crossing the picket line
Contextualises Jackie walking through the coal pit with his
hands in his pockets suggesting the burden of his decision to
sacrifice his pride and core values of loyalty to cross the picket
line.
Long shot of Jackie in the
minefields
Emphasises how small he is in the face of these political
issues. He makes a challenging personal decision to
surrender his unionist values of solidarity and loyalty
demonstrating his awareness of Billy’s identity and potential
future. He chooses to accept scorn, hatred, and isolation over
camaraderie, which serves as evidence of the enormity of his
sacrifice.
Two shot of Jackie and Tony
falling onto their knees
Highlights their complete defeat in the face of these family
and community issues. In the background we can see men
from both
sides of the picket line, while father and son kneel in the
middle. Tony hugs Jackie offering emotional and physical
support. It is a cathartic exchange that addresses and mends
the strained relationship.
6. ​The Bridge where Mrs Wilkinson tells the story of Swan Lake
Intertextuality of Swan Lake
and music by Tchaikovsky
Symbolises Billy’s state of entrapment as he was made to be
something he wasn’t. The story itself represents the idea of
an individual being subject to stronger forces while also
foreshadowing Billy striving to overcome them
7. ​Billy auditioning for the Royal Ballet School
Gentle non-diegetic music rises as
he speaks
The same music that is plated on the piano during the
opening of the scene and the music played when he reads
the letter from his mum. Due to the music the mood shifts
from tense to hopeful.
“I’m just there, flying, like a
bird” simile
Contributes to the Swan Lake motif allowing him to
reiterate the way in which dance provides him with the
freedom to transcend obstacles
8. ​Final Scene From Swan Lake
Camera cuts between close ups of
Billy and his family + Michael
Alludes to how after achieving self-actualisation and
overcoming obstacles he is able to showcase his
extraordinary talent and passion for dance that his
Durham community was initially so hesitant to
acknowledge.
Medium shots of other dancers
glancing at Billy before they go
on stage
Emphasising his status as a primary dancer. The
subversion of the classic Swan Lake ending with Billy
performing a female’s role emphasises the degree of his
success.
Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake music is
used intertextually and freeze
frame of Billy in the air
During the leap the freeze frame suggests that Billy has
fulfilled his potential, confirmed his identity as a dancer
and found capacity for self-expression through an artistic
medium.