A good thesis statement makes a strong, compelling assertion, then it outlines a defense of the assertion.
So for homework, you are to go a step beyond where you were last time; you will write a thesis plus an outline of the evidence to support it.
Compose a unique (NEW) and well-developed thesis statement that contains an assertion regarding A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Your thesis statement should also contain reasons for how and/or why this thesis is true. After composing a thesis, find at least three pieces of evidence that support your thesis. Evidence can contain direct quotations or paraphrasing from the play.
Thesis statement (complete with assertion and defenses thereof), PLUS
· Evidence
· Evidence
· Evidence
The evidence listed under your thesis should reflect the defense of the thesis (and the order in which they appear in your thesis). Your evidence could include quotes from the play, evidence from outside the play, evidence from research, etc.
Here are three examples of thesis statements without the evidence outlined:
Bradbury did the right thing in killing off Clarisse so early in Fahrenheit 451 because she had already served the narrative purpose of making Montag think in a new way, it underscored the inherent fatal dangers in divergent thinking, and most importantly, it forced Montag to navigate and grow on his own with his new revolutionary mindset.
Bradbury reveals the mindset of Montag through repetition in three modes: mechanical and industrial repetition which speaks to the speed of society, to reflect Montag's need for structure and order, and to show Montag's need to block out the distractions of the world.
Shakespeare deals with the theme of evil in Macbeth in a more dramatic rather that realistic way as he employs magic, witchcraft, and superstition.
Pro Tips:
A thesis should never point out the obvious. The assertion should be compelling and make the reader want to read on.
Consider dealing with setting(s), different groups of characters, connecting the play to something else (another story or movie, real life, nature, etc), the writing style, a modern view on an old story, etc.