Discussion Topic
Thesis statement ideas for "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" by Ernest Hemingway
Summary:
Potential thesis statements for "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" by Ernest Hemingway could explore themes such as the inevitability of death, the consequences of a life unfulfilled, or the juxtaposition of physical and spiritual journeys. Another angle might focus on the protagonist's internal conflict and regret over wasted potential, or the symbolism of Kilimanjaro as a representation of unattainable aspirations and purity.
What is the thesis statement of "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" by Ernest Hemingway?
If by thesis you are thinking of themes for the story, there are lots of different ideas that you can explore. Hemingway's stories usually present what is known as the Hemingway Code Hero, and this story is an interesting study of that type of character. A Code hero isn't necessarily defined like a typical hero, and in many cases, Hemingway's main characters, his heroes, don't really live up to the standards of the Code Hero. In the ideal world, a Hemingway hero displays grace under pressure, lives a "correct" life -- doing things to the very best of his ability and displaying effort and ethics, is able to "go it alone," and perseverses in the face of seemingly unconquerable odds. With that in mind, does Harry live up these standards? The answer to that question could be a thesis for an essay on this story. I would argue that he does...
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in some instances, and fails in others which is part of what makes him such a complex character.
Here are some other possible topics you could consider. In order to make these a thesis statement, you have to create an argument about the topic. Ask yourself what you are trying to prove about the topic, and that will be your thesis. Remember that a thesis should be arguable, not merely be the basis of a plot summary.
1. how to behave when one is facing death.
2. the impact that the past, and memory, have on the present.
3. the role of women in men's lives.
4. the symbolism of the hyenas.
5. the effect of war experiences on a person.
6. what it means to be a writer.
7. the purpose of the flashbacks and/or the structure of the story.
8. the meaning of the symbolism of the end of the story.
What could be a thesis statement for a research paper on "The Snows of Kilimanjaro"?
Your first step in writing a paper about Ernest Hemingway's “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” is to determine a topic for your paper. Let's brainstorm some ideas. You might reflect on the theme of regrets that runs through the story. Harry has plenty of regrets, for instance, regarding the things he never wrote. You can think about the reasons Harry never got around to writing these pieces or perhaps the reasons behind his lack of motivation as a writer and whether or not such a lack was his fault.
Alternately, you might reflect on Harry's views of death. Think about whether or how they have changed throughout the story. You could also write about Harry and Helen's relationship, focusing on whether or not they love each other and why. You might even discuss the use and effect of flashbacks in the story, thinking about what they add to the development of Harry as a character. Finally, you could reflect on the effect of the setting on the characters and the plot, considering how the African landscape contributes to the story as a whole.
Your next step is to determine a thesis statement for your chosen topic. Be sure that your thesis is a point that you can support through evidence drawn from the story. It should take a clear position that others might disagree with but that you think is valid. If you choose the theme of regret, for instance, you might argue that Harry's regrets stem from his guilt about the poor choices he has made throughout his life. If you focus on Harry's views of death, you might argue that as he approaches death, he actually experiences an enhanced desire to live that he has never felt before.
If you want to write about Harry and Helen's relationship, you might argue that the two do not really love each other and probably never have. They seem to be together merely out of convenience. If you choose to write about flashbacks, you might assert that these moments provide deep glimpses into Harry's character that readers would not otherwise have seen. If you chose the topic of the African setting, you could argue that the setting drives the plot and significantly influences the characters' actions.
You don't have to agree with any of these possible theses, of course, but they are possibilities to get you started. After you've chosen a thesis, you need to comb the story for evidence to support it. If you decide to write about Harry and Helen's relationship, for example, you should pay close attention to Harry's long chain of women, how he describes Helen, and the resentment he seems to feel towards her. Helen, in turn, has had her own long chain of men before meeting Harry as well as a drinking problem and family difficulties. She seems to be seeking stability more than love.