Writing a Thesis Statement for Literary Analysis or a Textual Analysis

When analyzing a text, you will want to examine both CONTENT and FORM and include the ideas in a well-crafted thesis.

Content/Theme:

WHAT is being communicated thematically in the literary text? WHAT is being communicated as an argument or main message in the expository or persuasive text?

Form/Technique:

HOW are the themes being communicated in the literary text? HOW is the argument or main message being communicated in the expository or persuasive text?

Consider some of the following areas for technique:

Content + Form = Thesis

Theme (Argument) + Technique = Thesis

Structure TEMPLATE (Use this as a guide)

In (Name of Work), (Full Name of Author) (uses, employs, relies, utilizes), (device/strategy/technique), and (FORM: device/strategy/technique) to ( show, reveal, emphasize, argue, reinforce, insist, point out) that (effect/purpose/theme).

Example: POETRY

In “Equality,” Maya Angelou relies on alternating rhyme and repetition, sensory and metaphorical language, a resilient persona, and an indignant tone to reinforce her message that people will continue to fight for equality despite people’s ignorance.

Example: POETRY

In the “The Machinist, Teaching His Daughter to Play the Piano” by BH Fairchild, the poet uses cacophonous language, extended metaphors, and organic imagery to portray the theme that people can connect with others through common interests.

Example TEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF AN EDITORIAL

In his New York Times editorial, Brooks challenges his audience to consider America's vulnerabilities, so the nation can come together in “solidarity” and emerge with a more inclusive consciousness.In order to develop his claim, the author relies on a sarcastic yet earnest tone; logical, ethical, and emotional appeals, as well as metaphorical and analogous language.

The Guardian’s editorial board argues that politicians need to stop legislation that harms the environment in order to protect the survival of humans in the long run. In order to develop his claim, the author includes a historical analogy to the Dust Bowl years, a critical and urgent tone as well as emotional, ethical, and logical appeals to convince his audience.

Example: ESSAY

In “Self Reliance,” Ralph Waldo Emerson writes using poetic, elevated diction with an imploring, impassioned tone and visual imagery order to convey that being true to oneself is sometimes more important than being allegiant to society.

Example 5: NOVEL

In Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad writes using connotative, abstract diction with a critical tone and kinesthetic and organic imagery in order to convey that greed and power can lead to immoral behaviors.

Example 6: CREATIVE NONFICTION, NONFICTION NOVEL

In In Cold Blood, Truman Capote writes using colorful, figurative diction with an empathetic yet shocking tone and visual and auditory imagery in order to convey that poor mental health can lead to irrational thoughts and actions.

Stems for Writing a Thesis

ONE WORK: Writing the thesis statement

In (Name of Work), (Full Name of Author) (uses, employs, utilizes), (device/strategy/technique), and (device/strategy/technique) to (show, reveal, emphasize, argue, insist, point out) that (effect/purpose/theme).

TWO WORKS: Writing the thesis statement for a compare/contrast essay

In (Name of Work), (Full Name of Author) (uses, employs, utilizes), (device/strategy/technique), and (device/strategy/technique) to (show, reveal, emphasize, argue, insist, point out) that (effect/purpose/theme), while in (Name of Work), (Full Name of Author) (uses, employs, utilizes), (device/strategy/technique), and (device/strategy/technique) to (show, reveal, emphasize, argue, insist, point out) that (effect/purpose/theme).

OR

In (Name of Work) and (Name of Work), both (Full Name of First Author) and (Full Name of Second Author) (use, employ, utilize, rely on) (device/strategy/technique) to (show, reveal, emphasize, argue, insist, point out) that (effect/purpose/theme)