How to Write a Literary Thesis
A thesis statement is a one-sentence
summary of a paper's content.
Thesis Basics
PATH
• P = Position
• A = Author
• T = Title
• H = How provens
- A thesis should be no longer than a sentence. It should always
be in the introduction, preferably at the end of the paragraph.
-GET RID OF “I.” We know you feel or believe your argument.
You wrote it.
-Thesis should be interesting. Tell me something I do not know.
-You should have at least one body paragraph for each “proven.”
Formulas
Formula #1:
In the ____(novel, short story, play, poem)__ ____(title of work)__ by ______(author___), the author ____(answer
question)__ through his/her use of ____________ , ____________ , and ____________________ (pick one or more of
the examples below).
a)
b)
c)
d)
the symbol of the ____________that represents __________,
(dramatic, situational, verbal) irony as shown by ____________,
__________ setting,
the characterization of ___________(name) who is portrayed as being __________.
Formula #2:
Through ___(the author’s full name)__use of ___(pick 1 or more examples below_ in the ____(novel, short story, play,
poem)__ ____(title of work)__, the author ____(answer question)_____ .
a)
b)
c)
d)
the symbol of the ____________that represents __________,
(dramatic, situational, verbal) irony as shown by ____________ (situation),
__________ setting,
the character ______________ (name) who is portrayed as being __________ (character trait(s)).
In the thesis statement examples below, highlight the 3 HOW PROVENS,
underline the author and title, and circle THE POSITION.
Sample Question: What is a major theme of the short story “The Three Little
Pigs” and what literary devices does the author use to communicate this
theme?
EXAMPLE: The theme that one should use bricks when building houses is
communicated in the short story, “The Three Little Pigs” by John Smith,
through his symbolic use of the wolf who represents the violence of nature,
his characterization of the first two pigs who are shown to be foolish, and by
his isolated forest setting that reveals the vulnerability of the three pigs.
EXAMPLE: In the short story, “The Three Little Pigs” by John Smith, the
author communicates the theme that one should use bricks when building
houses through his symbolic use of the wolf who represents the violence of
nature, his characterization of the first two pigs who are shown to be foolish,
and by his isolated forest setting that reveals the vulnerability of the three
pigs.
How does George Orwell’s description of the
day to day life in Oceania contribute to the
novel’s mood?
(Mood means atmosphere; this is different than
tone, or the author’s attitude to the story)
1. In your group, come up with two different
theses that answer the question.
2. Record them in your notes section.
3. Tell me which you think is the most intersting
and why?