3. Writing a Thesis
Thesis Statement Questions
Does my Thesis answer the question in the
prompt?
Is my thesis arguable?
Is my thesis specific enough?
Sample Thesis Statements
1. In Frankenstein, Victor is in love with
Elizabeth.
2. In Frankenstein, Shelley argues that
happiness is rooted in love.
3. In Frankenstein, Shelley expresses that
happiness is not achieved by individual
achievement; rather, when meaningful
connections between people are formed.
4. Topic Sentences
• Thesis: In Frankenstein, Shelley expresses that happiness
is not achieved by individual achievement; rather, when
meaningful connections between people are formed.
Topic Sentence #1
Throughout his life, Victor’s hope of finding happiness
in life is rooted in his relationship with Elizabeth.
Topic Sentence #2:
Furthermore, the monster only resorts to evil when he
realizes that he will not be able to form relationships
with others and is destined to live a lonely existence.
5. Body Paragraphs
Topic Sentence
CD: transition, lead-in, quotation
CM: analysis of the CD
CM: additional analysis of CD
CD: transition, lead-in, quotation
CM: analysis of CD #2
CM: additional analysis of CD #2
Concluding Sentence
6. Lead-Ins and CDs
Situation: Victor describing Elizabeth.
Quote: “…the beautiful and adored companion
of all my occupations and all my pleasures”
(13).
Lead-In & Quote: From an early age,
Elizabeth is a source of happiness and
pleasure for Victor as seen when he described
her as “…the beautiful and adored companion
of all my occupations and all my pleasures”
(13).
7. Lead-In Practice
Transition: What’s more,
Situation: Victor’s letter to Elizabeth telling her that she
is his only love.
Quote: “I fear, my beloved girl, little happiness remains
for us on Earth; yet all that I may one day enjoy is
centered in you” (107).
Transition, Lead-In and Quote: What’s more, despite
the trauma Victor faces throughout his struggle with the
monster, Elizabeth remains his one hope for happiness
as he states when he writes, “I fear, my beloved girl,
little happiness remains for us on Earth; yet all that I
may one day enjoy is centered in you” (107).
8. Sample Body Paragraph
Throughout his life, Victor’s hope of finding happiness in life is rooted in
his relationship with Elizabeth. From an early age, Elizabeth is a source
of happiness and pleasure for Victor as seen when he described her as
“…the beautiful and adored companion of all my occupations and all my
pleasures” (13). From this powerful description, Victor shows that
Elizabeth is a tie to his happy past living in Geneva before his love of
science developed. Because this time in Victor’s life was his most
happy, he is willing to work for a future with Elizabeth that he hopes will
return him to those days of childish content. What’s more, despite the
trauma Victor faces throughout his struggle with the monster, Elizabeth
remains his one hope for happiness as he states when he writes, “I
fear, my beloved girl, little happiness remains for us on Earth; yet all that
I may one day enjoy is centered in you” (107). When he is alone, Victor
deals with fits of madness and depression brought on by his obsessions
and personal failings. It is only the thought of Elizabeth that serves to
motivate his to overcome these difficulties. Despite the loss of so many
loved ones, she remains the lone bright spot in his life. What is clear is
that Victor sees Elizabeth as a link to his past happiness and the bridge
9. Introductions
Hook: An Emotional Connection that will pull the
reader’s attention in and introduce them to the
SUBJECT of the essay.
Build Background and tie subject to Novel
Thesis
Subject = Happiness
Modern psychology today has shown that the happiest people
on Earth are those that do what they love, play often, and have
a strong supportive family. While many readers of Frankenstein
focus their attention on the dark elements of suspense and
death, buried below are lighter lessons about happiness and its
roots. While their stories are different, both Victor and the
Monster teach us valuable lessons about happiness through
their failed attempts at personal gratification. In Frankenstein,
Shelley expresses that happiness is not achieved by individual
achievement; rather, when meaningful connections between
people are formed.
10. Conclusions
Restate the thesis
Relate to the real world
While they discover it in different ways, both
the Monster and Victor tragically learn that
happiness comes from friendship and love.
This message still applies today as people
strive to work harder, earn more, and buy
the newest technology. Unfortunately, they
will not find happiness in those pursuits.
While the novel may be 200 years old, it still
shows that happiness cannot be bought or
earned; it must be shaped by the
11. Outlining Steps
Step 1: Write a working thesis
Step 2: Topic Sentences
Step 3: Find Concrete Details
Step 4: Write Body Paragraphs with
commentary and concluding
sentences
Step 5: Write
Introduction/Conclusion
