How to Write an Advanced Literary Thesis

Summary

In this video, Miss Pure Editor offers a step-by-step guide to crafting an advanced literary thesis statement for literary analysis essays. She outlines three essential components: the 'what' (the pattern or device), the 'how' (its function), and the 'so what' (the universal theme). Using examples from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'Heart of Darkness,' she demonstrates how to identify key elements like symbolism and events. Additionally, she shares strategies for developing thesis statements, such as identifying recurring patterns, working backwards from a theme, or posing a question to guide analysis.

Takeaways

• 😀 A literary thesis for analysis should focus on a specific piece of text, such as a book, poem, or play.
• 😀 The first element of a strong thesis is the 'what', which involves identifying a pattern, observation, or literary device in the text.
• 😀 The second part of the thesis is the 'how', which explains the function of the device or element and its purpose in the text.
• 😀 The 'so what' is the final part of the thesis, addressing the universal theme or significance of the text.
• 😀 Active verbs like 'demonstrates', 'highlights', and 'depicts' are used to describe the function of literary devices in the thesis.
• 😀 The 'so what' section explains why the text matters, highlighting its universal theme or what it conveys to readers.
• 😀 A good example thesis for 'To Kill a Mockingbird' focuses on Boo Radley's act of heroism, highlighting the difference between societal perception and true character.
• 😀 In 'Heart of Darkness', the painting by Kurtz is a key symbol, depicting the company's callousness and illustrating the theme that power corrupts.
• 😀 Three strategies to create a thesis: 1) Identify a pattern, 2) Choose a theme and find supporting devices, 3) Create your own question and answer it.
• 😀 Creating your own question to guide the thesis helps you focus on specific elements in the text and makes the writing process more organized and clear.

Q & A

What is the focus of the video tutorial?

The video tutorial teaches viewers how to write an advanced literary thesis for a literary analysis essay, focusing on analyzing a specific piece of text such as a book, poem, or play.

What are the three essential elements for crafting a literary thesis statement?

The three essential elements are: 1) The 'what', which refers to a pattern, observation, or device in the text; 2) The 'how', which explains the function or purpose of this device; 3) The 'so what', which highlights the universal theme conveyed by the text.

What is meant by the 'what' in a literary thesis?

The 'what' refers to a specific pattern, observation, or literary device in the text, such as symbolism, personification, or metaphor. It is the focal point of the thesis.

How does the 'how' part of a thesis contribute to the argument?

The 'how' answers the question of what function the identified pattern or device serves in the text. It uses active verbs like 'demonstrates', 'highlights', or 'depicts' to show how the device contributes to the text's meaning.

What does the 'so what' part of the thesis address?

The 'so what' explains the universal theme that the text conveys. It addresses the broader significance of the text and answers why the reader should care about the specific events or devices in the work.

Can you give an example of a thesis statement from the tutorial?

An example thesis from the tutorial is: 'Boo Radley’s act of heroism highlights the discrepancy between true character and society’s perception of an individual.' This thesis is from the book 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and illustrates the role of Boo Radley’s actions in revealing the theme of misunderstanding and true character.

What is the role of Kurtz's painting in 'Heart of Darkness' as explained in the video?

Kurtz's painting in 'Heart of Darkness' serves as a symbolic representation of the company's callousness. The painting of a blindfolded woman with a torch conveys the theme that power breeds delusion, and the oppressors are blind to the suffering they cause.

What strategies are suggested for coming up with a thesis statement?

The video suggests three strategies: 1) Identify a pattern or device first, then find a theme that matches. 2) Choose a theme first and find a pattern or device that supports it. 3) Create your own question and answer it with the thesis statement.

Why does the presenter recommend creating your own question for the thesis?

Creating your own question helps focus your analysis on specific aspects of the text. It guides you in developing a thesis that answers the question directly, making your argument more targeted and relevant.

What is emphasized regarding the clarity of a thesis statement?

The video emphasizes that a thesis statement should be clear, concise, and consistent. This ensures that the thesis is easy to understand and effectively communicates the main argument of the literary analysis.