2. It starts with a concept: Growing up stinks In Billy Collin’s poem “On Turning 10”, the poet uses the juxtaposition of childhood and preadoloscenence [WHAT] to illustrate that childhood is an idyllic time in life compared to the bleak reality of becoming an adolescent. [so what].

3. 1. What – What claim are you making about the text? 2. Why should we care? Why is the claim important? This is the “so what” part. CLAIM + WHY = Literary Thesis

4. 1. Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn” is a great American novel. Is this a good thesis? Where is the WHAT and the WHY?

10. It can discuss how individual components of a novel relate to each other (such as symbols) It may analyze how concepts relate to larger political, social, economic or religious concepts.

11. 1. What is the theme? 2. What is the claim you are making about the theme? 3. Why does it matter?

12. Examples from text Direct quotations Summaries of scenes Paraphrasing Other critics’ opinions Historical or social context

13. You are like a lawyer presenting your case as to why this claim is important. Use evidence to support your reasons. Make sure your points relate back to your thesis statement. This is your guiding light. In “Huckleberry Finn”, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore. In “Huckleberry Finn”, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

14. What is the concept? The power of the written word

16. 1. Glove essay demonstrates love for Allie 2. Letter to Phoebe3. “The Catcher in the Rye” poem -The fact that Holden writes the descriptive essay about Allie’s mitt expresses his fondness for his brother. -The description of green ink and hand-written poems are happy memories. -The letter asking Phoebe to come to the Museum during lunch is a turning point. -This is where he shows true maturity and sets out to protect Phoebe from hurt as he says goodbye. -The poem that is misinterpreted by Holden brings out his need to protect children from cruelty in the world. -When asked by Phoebe what he wants to do, he says to save children.