What is a good thesis statement for a literary analysis of The Devil in the White City?

Literary analysis looks closely at aspects of a text such as setting, characters, and theme to understand what message an author is trying to convey.

For example, if you looked at characters, you might want to examine two very opposite character types in this book. Larson focuses on Daniel Burnham and his partner, John Root, as the book's two protagonists. Together they achieve Burnham's dream of a World Fair, using their pooled talents to make a positive contribution to the city of Chicago and to the human race. On the other hand, Larson also focuses on the sociopath Dr. Holmes, a serial killer who uses his talents and cunning to lure women into his vault to murder them. You might ask why Larson juxtaposes or puts together two such different sets of characters? Is he trying to make a comment about how the rapid changes science and modernity were bringing to Chicago were both good and bad at the same time?

One possible thesis might be along the lines of:

Larson uses the main characters in his book [name them] to show both the bright side and the dark side of change and progress in the United States in the late nineteenth century.

Whatever thesis you pick needs to be arguable (an opinion) and specific. It also needs to be supported with quotes from the book that prove your point.

Great ways to analyze texts is to examine the themes, symbols, or ideologies presented in the writing.

For example, in EriK Larson's novel The Devil in the White City, one could examine technology, murder, need for power, or identity in the novel. Another way to examine the text is to analyze the one's desire to overcome the obstacle presented in the life of the protagonist. One last suggestion for analysis is the irony presented in the text.

Therefore, examples of thesis statements one could use for the novel would look like any of the following:

1. In Erik Larson's novel The Devil in the White City, the author shows the conflict which arises when one is in search for power.

2. In Erik Larson's novel The Devil in the White City, the author's use of irony plays into the the fact that regardless of one's ability to succeed, a person may not find true happiness.

3. In Erik Larson's novel The Devil in the White City, the author's use of suspense is meant to keep the reader engaged with both the characters and the storyline.

What is a good thesis for a book review of The Devil in the White City?

The important thing to remember about doing a book review is that it is different from a book report. You should be able to evaluate the author's source material and how he reaches his intended audience. Larson's book, in my opinion, is very well-researched, with newspaper articles from the period and books concerning the Chicago World Exposition. Also, the book was intended for the general population, not only academics. By intertwining the story of Holmes with the Exposition, one gets an idea that there were bad people back in "the good old days" just like there are in modern society. Larson's title is quite apt. You could also address the detail with which Larson addresses the construction of the fair's site—this gives the reader a view of the architecture of the period. Also, do not forget to write what you thought of the book and whether it was a compelling story for you.

If I had to write a brief thesis, I would say something along the lines of "Larson's ability to combine the story of a serial killer with something as magical as a World's Fair presents the reader with a great view of both the dangers and wonders of Gilded-era Chicago."