When writing a critical analysis, you will be asked to read an article and think about it critically. This means thinking about more than what the story is about, but what it means and represents. You will create a thesis using the claim (or message) of the author and three key points that act as reasons to support this claim.
*Note: This guide focuses on the Critical or Literary Analysis Thesis specifically. For a glance at other styles of writing, click here.
Thesis Example One
Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s claim in “The Yellow Wallpaper” is that women should be treated equally.
This thesis needs improvement because it tells the reader the paper will be about an idea/concept without any further information or support. Additionally, it is not clear how this concept of equality will be supported.
Thesis Example Two
Charlotte Perkins Gilman shows that women control inequality because they allow it.
This thesis statement is better than the first one because a clear message from the author is stated. However, the reasons why this message is apparent in the story are not clearly stated.
Thesis Example Three
Charlotte Perkins Gilman shows that women are the gatekeepers to their own equality because they put too much weight on societal expectations, they allow their significant others to diminish their independence, and they put too many expectations on themselves.
This thesis is strong because it provides a clear message from the story and lists the reasons why this message is apparent from the author. Additionally, it serves as a road map for the paper. The three body paragraphs (one for each) will support each reason listed in the thesis.
Just as this thesis developed through a process, so too will all your writing, if you allow the writing process to occur. Give time and patience to your writing and you will be rewarded in more ways than one!
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