Writing Thesis Writing Thesis StatementsStatements

““The Scarlet Ibis” Interpretive EssayThe Scarlet Ibis” Interpretive Essay

What is a Thesis Statement?What is a Thesis Statement? A A THESIS STATEMENTTHESIS STATEMENT is a is a one-sentence one-sentence

statementstatement that expresses the central claim that that expresses the central claim that you will prove in your essay. you will prove in your essay.

It comes at the It comes at the endend of your introductory of your introductory paragraph.paragraph.

What SHOULD be in my thesis?What SHOULD be in my thesis? It should contain It should contain twotwo parts: parts:

Identification of your topicIdentification of your topic An explanation of what your essay will prove/ An explanation of what your essay will prove/

demonstrate about that topicdemonstrate about that topic

In the case of this essay, your thesis needs to In the case of this essay, your thesis needs to contain:contain: The theme you are analyzingThe theme you are analyzing The literary elements that contribute to that themeThe literary elements that contribute to that theme

What should NOT be in my thesis?What should NOT be in my thesis?

Any “I” statements like “I believe,” “I will Any “I” statements like “I believe,” “I will prove,” “I think”prove,” “I think”

Phrases that call your authority into question Phrases that call your authority into question (like “it seems”)(like “it seems”)

SummarySummary

Interpretive Essay Working ThesisInterpretive Essay Working Thesis

Your assignment now is to write a Your assignment now is to write a WORKING THESISWORKING THESIS for your interpretive for your interpretive essay over “The Scarlet Ibis.” essay over “The Scarlet Ibis.”

Ex. In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses irony and Ex. In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses irony and personification to suggest that pride has the ability personification to suggest that pride has the ability to cause destruction.to cause destruction.

Working Thesis ChecklistWorking Thesis Checklist Does my thesis containDoes my thesis contain

My theme? (should be yes)My theme? (should be yes)

Two (2) literary elements that help build my Two (2) literary elements that help build my theme? (should be yes)theme? (should be yes)

““I” statements? (should be no)I” statements? (should be no)

Skeleton OutlinesSkeleton Outlines In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses _________ and In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses _________ and

_____________to suggest that _______________________._____________to suggest that _______________________.

Through the use of ________ and __________ in “The Scarlet Through the use of ________ and __________ in “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst suggests that _______________________.Ibis,” James Hurst suggests that _______________________.

Throughout “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses a variety of Throughout “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses a variety of literary elements, including ________ and _______, to express literary elements, including ________ and _______, to express the theme that ______________________________.the theme that ______________________________.

Feel free to stray from or edit these outlines if you wish, but make Feel free to stray from or edit these outlines if you wish, but make sure to include all necessary content in order to receive full credit.sure to include all necessary content in order to receive full credit.