The Thesis Statement: LAME (This acronym is ironic!)
NO questions! A thesis is a declarative statement. A thesis makes a claim that can be proven
with well-developed, valid evidence / support. Your thesis needs to be LAME.
L – Limited – narrow in scope and structure.
Avoid lengthy sentences and be careful using compound sentences which are two sentences joined but a
comma and a conjunction. However, this style can still be effective depending on clear your point is and how
specific your word choice is.
James Franklin is an experienced quarterback, and he will need these skill to overcome Tennessee’s defense.
VS.
Because James Franklin is an experienced quarterback, he will find plays to overcome the Tennessee defense.
(1 pt thesis)
A – Arguable – A thesis takes a stand or makes a claim on the subject. The evidence / explanation
with cited support proves to the reader the viability of the thesis claim (believability).
M – Meaningful – Worth of choosing and defending.
Macbeth changes during the play. – NOT meaningful yet.
VS .
M acbet h undergoes a physi cal as wel l as m ent al t ransform at ion t hrough.... (list three pt s )
E – Explicit – This applies to the language used in the thesis.
Macbeth is a horrific play. (So what do we mean by horror?)
Shakespeare created horror in Macbeth using imagery, repetition, and suspense.
Conventions for Writing a Literary Analysis Essay
Ensure that your essay…
 makes an argument or claim or illustrates an engaging perspective on the work
 includes a thesis which lists the key points the essay will discuss
 provides evidence to support your claim
 refers to the author(s) and the work(s) in the introduction. Use the author’s full name the first time and
the author’s last name in all further references in the essay.
 uses literary present tense to discuss events in the fiction, poetry, or drama.
 uses strong verbs in the thesis statement and throughout the essay: demonstrates, uses, develops,
underscores, accomplishes, strengthens, illustrates, shows, reveals, serves, emphasizes, identifies,
suggests, implies, etc.
 uses formal rather than informal language
 does more than simply summarize the work
Sample Thesis Statements:
1. In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination, faith,
and cunning illustrate the indomitable human spirit.
 Note that the work, author, and character to be analyzed are identified in this thesis statement. As long
as the work and author are included in the introduction, they do not need to be repeated for the thesis;
however, if you are focusing on a character, then he/she does need to be the main focus in your
statement.
 The thesis relies on a strong verb (creates). It also identifies the element of fiction that the writer will
explore (character) and the characteristics the writer will analyze and discuss (determination, faith,
cunning).
2. The character of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet serves as a foil to young Juliet, delights the reader with her
warmth and earthy wit, and helps the audience realize the tragic catastrophe.
 This is a decent thesis but it does NOT HAVE A CLAIM only three points. Always make a claim then
provide your points. A three point thesis statement has a claim plus three reasons.
Thesis Statements for the literary analysis of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak
1. The novel’s cover art depicts Melinda’s emotional struggles that lead to her triumph; the lightness and
darkness represent how Melinda grows, how she conquers depression, and how she defeats Andy.
2. Just like a tree, Melinda goes through her own seasons of emotional and social change: she suffers in the fall,
she dies in the winter, and she is reborn in the spring.
3. Melinda Sordino experienced her own “Scarlet Letter” of pain and torment known as scared, shameful, and
silent; however, she was no longer afraid, worked through the torture of silence, and became proud of who she
is.
BLUEPRINT:
A thesis which delineates or outlines the topic
(developmental paragraphs) ideas.
Black Elk Speaks represent Indian lifestyle through its
attention to cultural detail, its use of Indian words, and its
direct quotes from Black Elk.
John Neihardt uses carefully selected detail to represent the
Indian lifestyle.