I've been writing thesis statements ever since sixth grade. Why, then, is it so difficult? Well, for starters, thesis statements aren't a plug-and-chug equation anymore. I can't just write "In [story name], the author conveys [theme] utilizing [literary device 1], [literary device 2], and [literary device 3]." Thesis statements incorporate much more now. For example, the short story analysis prompts ask specific questions that make the equation-like thesis statement invalid. Prompt 1 asks the writer to talk about the significance of the spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation to the story and to cite evidence to support the claim. Literary devices won't work in this thesis statement. A general theme of the story also won't work. Instead, one has to use a theme that discusses the significance of the spiritual reassessment and use evidence (instead of literary devices) for support.
Thesis statements are the source of many nightmares. I think it's simply because I am having to step out of my comfort zone and analyze the text. Before, themes used to be a short phrase; now they are long and specific to the story. Every action, every word spoken has to be looked at with a critical eye.
A poor thesis statement will result in a poorly written paper. Perhaps the importance of the thesis is why it's scary. I just can't grasp the concept that one sentence has to summarize the whole paper. If that one sentence is poorly written or does not incorporate enough detail, then the rest of the paper is useless.
I feel the same way about theme statements. How can you make them general statements yet still tie them back to the central idea of the story? It's all very confusing and overwhelming to me.
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