2. Type in a title (a working title for your essay that communicates your main idea).
3. Type in a working thesis. This can approximate the actual sentence or sentences you plan to use OR in plain language it can state what the main idea of your essay is.
4. Click “SAVE.” You can EDIT your thesis by clicking on the pencil icon in the lower right.
• Make sure your thesis clearly communicates a claim or point that is debatable or controversial (not just an obvious fact, such as Austen introduces characters with foils).
• Avoid a list (especially a list of three): “Austen uses Showing, Telling, and Foils to introduce characters.” Some examples follow:
#1 Conflicting First Impressions
Austen employs town gossip as a method of introducing character, implanting first impressions in the reader’s head.
#2 Different Character Introductions for Different Authors
Austen adopts the voice of the class-conscious public while Graham Greene gives open-ended impressions to let the reader decide.
#3 The Dichotomy of Character Introductions
Austen introduces characters in two ways: first, since superficial details are of the utmost importance to her society, she supplies superficial information before the reader meets the character. Second, Austen describes the characters’ actions to set up a contrast that readers must resolve for themselves. add sentence?
#4 Austen Teaches Readers
By introducing Darcy and Bingley through gossip and the opinions of others, Austen creates first impressions that she will later break down, teaching readers not to prejudge anyone.
#5 Mr. Bennet, the Lovable Bully
Despite Bennet’s imperfections as a prudent father, his witty perceptions make him an ironically likable figure who satirizes his surrounding, lending the reader a detached perspective on Austen’s world.
#6 An Examination of Class and Economy through Mr. Hurst
Despite his seemingly weak presence in the novel, Hurst is the epitome of the triviality of Austen’s class-conscious aristocracy, a representative of all she satirizes. (most votes!)
#7 How Minor Characters Help Develop Major Ones
Darcy’s basic demeanor, general façade and even integrity are continually judged by the biases of others. He is often compared negatively with others, such as Wickham and Bingley, and is rarely characterized directly by the narrator. Darcy’s multidimensional and nuanced nature is depicted by a complex cast of minor characters, who flesh out his complexities over time.
Which is your favorite and why? #6? #7
What do we expect from a title? Catchy, not interchangable, main idea
What do we expect from a thesis? Clear writing, predicts essay's point, not too wordy, direct but doesn't oversimplify
