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2.
“Because,” “How,” & “Why” – NOT just “what”
3.
4.
(interpretation of a universal topic – fear, free will)
5.
6.
(tone, symbolism, motif, metaphor)
1.
4.
5.
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Does my thesis take my argument a step farther, addressing the BECAUSE, HOWs and WHYs, not just the WHATs.
Could someone who just read the back of the book write the same thesis I just did?
Am I offering a new perspective?
1.
Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose?
2.
If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
3.
Is my thesis statement more of a summary rather than a persuasive argument? Does it describe or state facts or plot events from the novel without providing an interpretation, or way to
understand these events?
1.
Is my thesis statement specific enough? Is
In The Great Gatsby , the motif of ghosts represents the insubstantial nature of dreams – although the characters’ faith in their ambition is beautiful, it is also unrealistic because in
Fitzgerald’s eyes, the
American Dream is more a myth than a reality.
The scene in which Simon confronts the sow’s head on a stake is central to the novel’s exploration of innate human savagery; here, Golding shows that the evil in the island lies within the boys.
Often we regret savage behavior and so did
Piggy and Ralph, while
Jack and the other savages did not.
How so?
Why?
Because…
Near the end of book,
Simon confronts the sow’s head on a stake because he is hallucinating.
The problem here is that this thesis is a mere statement of plot facts.
This thesis doesn’t offer an interpretation of events; rather it just states an event.

5.
-- Interpretation of a universal topic – fear, free
will, social class
-- tone, symbolism, motif, metaphor, characterization
my thesis a road map for the paper?
2.
In other words, does it tell the reader exactly what to expect from the rest of the paper? If the reader had to, could he or she write a basic outline of the content of the paragraphs to follow?
3.
Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument.
4.
NOTE: It’s OK to begin with a vague thesis statement as you begin to write, but your finished product must contain a detailed and specific thesis statement.
William Golding presents
Simon a Christ figure because his character embodies an innate, spiritual goodness. He is seen as a Christ figure because he has a mystical connection to the environment, possesses a saintly and selfless character, and meets a tragic and sacrificial death.
The scene in which
Simon confronts the sow’s head on a stake is critical in viewing him as a Christ figure.
The problem here is that this thesis is too vague; the reader has no clear concept of the details of the writer’s argument.
1.
Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test?
AKA, the “relevant to humanity” test.
2.
Would someone who has not read the book care about your thesis because it has something to say beyond the world of the book?
3.
The bulk of the thesis should have something to say about a universal human experience or social institution
BEYOND the characters and plot of the text.