Writing a Thematic Analysis ofHarper Lee’s

A Thesis-Based Essay Has

• Thesis Statement• Introductory Paragraph• Body Paragraphs (A good body

paragraph has 7-9 sentences.)– Idea sentence– Supporting Sentences and quotations– Wrap-Up Sentence or Concluding Sentence

• Conclusion Paragraph

Step 1: Pick a theme

• Coming of Age• Moral Compass• Mental Illness / Isolation• Narrative Voice • Strong Females• Racial Prejudice• Social Hierarchy• Education

Step 2: Write a Thesis Statement

Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird explores the concept of moral courage by assigning Atticus as the model of integrity and compassion.

Do NOT write anything that resembles this:In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, the author Harper Lee ( too wordy!). . .

Basic Formula for Thesis

__1__ illustrates the theme of ___2 ___ in

__3__ through the use of _____4_______,

__5_________, and ______6________.

1.Author’s Name

2.Theme you will use

3.The title of the novel (underlined)

4-6.The three examples you will use to develop your thesis.

Some of you already write proficiently; you are encouraged to “change up” the formula.

Step 2: Formulate a ThesisDefinition of thesis:• A statement of opinion, which the entire work is designed

to support. It tells the reader what your paper is going to be about and is presented in a single sentence, which includes the following:

An idea formulated by you and implied in the statement. A complete subject that identifies and limits the topic to what the writer intends to discuss.

Is small in scope. It is better to look deeply at one issue instead of trying to cover a wide range of ideas.

Step 2: Formulate a Thesis

Always identify the first and last name of the author and the entire title of the work.

books = italicized/underlinedfilms = italicized / underlinedpoems = quotedshort stories = quoted

Sample Formulaic Thesis Statement

Harper Lee illustrates hypocrisy in To Kill a Mockingbird through Aunt Alexandra, Miss Gates, and Mrs. Meriweather.Very simplistic. This thesis

indicates the writer has limited proficiency at writing a complex thesis statement.

Step 2: Formulate a Thesis

Focus on ONE character an d theme: In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee characterizes ____________ (character name) as a man/ woman/ child who _____(powerful action verb) ____________________ (theme goes here). In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, __________ (character name) represents _________ (theme).

AVOID THESE PHRASES IN YOUR ESSAY

• I believe,• This paper is about• I think that• I want to show you• I want to prove

Essay, as a genre, is inherently a statement of what you believe, think, want to show, and prove. Your name is on the top of the paper, so the reader knows it is your belief.

Other “Don’t” Suggestions

Don’t address the reader in your essay. I must NOT see any use of the 2nd person pronoun “you” that addresses the reader.

Let’s Begin

THEME/TOPIC: Use of 1st POV in TKAKTHESIS: