1. Writing Thesis Statements “The Scarlet Ibis” Interpretive Essay

2. What is a Thesis Statement? A THESIS STATEMENT is a one-sentence statement that expresses the central claim that you will prove in your essay. A THESIS STATEMENT is a one-sentence statement that expresses the central claim that you will prove in your essay. It comes at the end of your introductory paragraph. It comes at the end of your introductory paragraph.

3. What SHOULD be in my thesis? It should contain two parts: It should contain two parts: Identification of your topic Identification of your topic An explanation of what your essay will prove/ demonstrate about that topic An explanation of what your essay will prove/ demonstrate about that topic In the case of this essay, your thesis needs to contain: In the case of this essay, your thesis needs to contain: The theme you are analyzing The theme you are analyzing The literary elements that contribute to that theme The literary elements that contribute to that theme

4. What should NOT be in my thesis? Any “I” statements like “I believe,” “I will prove,” “I think” Any “I” statements like “I believe,” “I will prove,” “I think” Phrases that call your authority into question (like “it seems”) Phrases that call your authority into question (like “it seems”) Summary Summary

5. Interpretive Essay Working Thesis Your assignment now is to write a WORKING THESIS for your interpretive essay over “The Scarlet Ibis.” Your assignment now is to write a WORKING THESIS for your interpretive essay over “The Scarlet Ibis.” Ex. In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses irony and personification to suggest that pride has the ability to cause destruction.

6. Working Thesis Checklist Does my thesis contain Does my thesis contain My theme? (should be yes) My theme? (should be yes) Two (2) literary elements that help build my theme? (should be yes) Two (2) literary elements that help build my theme? (should be yes) “I” statements? (should be no) “I” statements? (should be no)

7. Skeleton Outlines In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses _________ and _____________to suggest that _______________________. In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses _________ and _____________to suggest that _______________________. Through the use of ________ and __________ in “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst suggests that _______________________. Through the use of ________ and __________ in “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst suggests that _______________________. Throughout “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses a variety of literary elements, including ________ and _______, to express the theme that ______________________________. Throughout “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses a variety of literary elements, including ________ and _______, to express the theme that ______________________________. 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. 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.