The Old Man and the Sea Group

Question:

tamara-bailey
tamara-bailey
Student

What is a strong thesis when writing an essay about Christ symbolism in "The Old Man and the Sea"?

I need a good eye catcher, and a sentence that leads to what the essay is about.  I will do comparisons of symbolism like how the old man suffered with pain in his hand versus Christ suffering when he carried the cross, etc....  I would really appreciate it if someone could please give me some good ideas.

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Posted by tamara-bailey on Thursday May 21, 2009 at 11:57 PM and tagged with the old man and the sea, thesis.

Answers:


  1. epollock Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    tamara-bailey,

    The best way to write a thesis statement is to follow the following four steps:

    1. A strong thesis statement takes some arguable position.

    Decide what you want to argue in your thesis statement. If you think that the Christian symbolism reveals that people must struggle to live a fulfilling life, state that in your thesis.

    2. A strong thesis statement further justifies support and analysis.

    A strong thesis statement justifies that you will support the ideas with evidence, quotes, citations, etc, to back up your assertion. Then you will analyze how the support backs up your claim to the topic.

    3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.

    Christian symbolism in Hemingway's classic novel "The Old Man and the Sea reveals that a person who never gives up must struggle to live a fulfilling life. This is demonstrated through Hemingway's use of allusions, diction, and his imagery.

    You have three controlling ideas Allsuions, diction, imagery)but only one thesis (christian symbolism reveals that a person who never gives up....)

    You should have one thesis in your statement but you can have more than one controlling ideas.  For example,

    4. A strong thesis statement is specific.

    A strong thesis is very specific (Christian symbolism, imagery, diction, allusions) and never vague. Try not use vague and imprecise words like mankind, or humanity.

    I think if you brainstorm ideas for a thesis, you should be able to come up with great material.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/topics/how-write-argumentative-essay
    http://www.enotes.com/topics/how-write-introduction

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    Posted by epollock on Friday May 22, 2009 at 4:59 AM