You have to write a thesis that reflects what you
understand about the this story, but I will give you some advice and some ideas to think
about.
A good thesis statement for a piece of literature is
one that can be argued and supported through analysis of the literary techniques used in
a piece. You will be arguing an interpretation of the theme, and supporting it by
looking at which devices seem most relevant in helping Faulkner bring across his
meaning. That said, you have two tasks: 1. decide what thematic point you are going
to argue, and 2. brainstorm which literature techniques are present for you to
analyze.
Some themes to
consider:
1. the generation gap between the people of Miss
Emily's generation and the younger people who govern the town in the 2nd half of her
life.
2. the lonliness and isolation of Miss Emily and how
killing Homer fits into that.
3. the idea of change and a
person's ability to handle change.
4. the theme of secrets
-- both Miss Emily and Toby keep the secret of Homer for a long
time.
5. the conflicting attitudes of the townspeople
about Miss Emily through the years.
Here are a few of the
most prominent literary devices used in the story:
1.
setting -- the post Civil War South at the turn of the century through the
1930's
2. characterization -- consider all the methods of
characterization for Miss Emily (what she says, does, thinks, what other's
think)
3. narration -- who is telling this story? How does
that affect it?
4. structure -- told in a stream of
consciousness method -- what is the purpose and/or effect of
that?
5. symbolism -- the decay of the house, her street,
the body, her gray hair
Your three part thesis could
suggest how any three devices contribute to your understanding of a theme of the story.
Your thesis could analyze three aspects of a single literary technique used by
Faulkner. Your thesis could discuss three aspects of single theme as considered
throughout the story.
No comments:
Post a Comment