An essay does not simply make a point, it argues a point. The thesis makes the point, and the rest of the essay supports it. Two important elements to consider when writing an essay is creating a good thesis and using appropriate quotations to prove the thesis.
A Good Thesis
A well written essay begins with a good thesis statement. Remember, the reader of this essay has already read the book and has his or her own observations. The thesis more than a simple observation. The thesis should also never retell the plot. The thesis is like a theory. For example:
- “Romeo and Juliet is a story of star-crossed lovers.” This is not a thesis. This is telling the plot and such a sentence is better left as the introductory sentence of the essay with no further explanation.
- “It was not only poison that killed Romeo and Juliet, but ruthless shunning and broken hearts.” Although this is an excellent observation, taking this sentence one step further would make it a good thesis.
- “Romeo and Juliet are better left dead for three reasons: had they married, their families would always remain in a feud, had they not married, they could never be satisfied in life, and had they eloped, they would be liable to be caught anyway.” A thesis does well with specific thematic elements or examples that support the theory presented. This one has no specific examples, but it does make a statement and gives three pointed reasons to justify it. It does not simply observe, but comments on an observation. Many may disagree that Romeo and Juliet are better left dead, and that is why the writer of this essay must well support this thesis.
An important part to supporting a thesis is in the chosen quotations. An essay should always have appropriate quotations.
Good quotations
If the thesis is a theory, it’s the quotations and not the explanations of them that are the evidence to support the theory. The theory cannot be proven without the evidence. Explanations to the quotations are needed; however, to link the quotation to the point made.
When it comes to the body of the essay, it helps to begin with the main point of that particular paragraph, then put in a quotation. Remember to introduce quotations rather than simply quoting them. The explanation works well after the quotation to help prove the point.
When choosing quotations, think about the parts of the book that stand out the most and the parts that helped form the thesis. These parts are a good starting place to find appropriate quotations. Take the time to reread these parts to find excerpts that support the points made in the body of the essay.
When the thesis is well thought out and well written and the most appropriate quotations are chosen, the writing of the essay is much easier. For students considering a Major in English, feel free to read: Essay Writing for the English Major: Simple Tips on Creating Good Literary Essays.
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