Example Character Analysis Thesis statement:
Rainsford’s use of logic aids the control of his emotions and allows his resourcefulness to help him save his own life.(It is ok to mention the character’s name in a thesis if it is a character analysis essay. The analysis of Rainsford will need quotes that help to demonstrate his logic, control of emotions, and resourcefulness which all will ultimately save his life in the game.)
Example Theme statement attempts:
The character learned what is was like to be hunted. (Do not mention the character in a theme statement. This needs a lesson for the reader to understand.)
If one is the prey, logic should be used instead of emotional reactions to ensure safety from the hunter. (This is awkward, mentions hunter, and does not give a reason why.)
Always consider how youractions affect others before doing it.(Second person should not be used. More specific info is needed in place of “doing it.” Always is an absolute- we cannot prove always.)
Final revisions for the above theme statement:
One should consider how their actions affect others to avoid hurting others with the consequences.
It is a wonderful practice to consider one’s actions and their effect on others to prevent offending or injuring another.
Integrated quote with evidence
A properly integrated quote (textual evidence with context):
Zaroff hunted Rainsford, required Ivan to assist him, Ivan died
The General was left standing while “Ivan was not” (235)
Thought process for an integrated quote sentence
Quote choice:
“I had to invent a new animal to hunt” (224).
Integrated partial quote from above:
Zaroff desires a larger challenge from hunting animals and he “invent[s] a new animal to hunt” (224).
Analysis of the integrated quote from above: this quote would be in mid paragraph/essay.
The choice of hunting humans demonstrates his lack of consideration for another human life. His desire for challenging entertainment lacks compassion toward others to the extreme point of death as a consequence for merely encountering Zaroff.
Final Theme:
Animalistic tendencies, which some tend to hide under the surface, may cause one to behave unacceptably in society.
Ideas for the paragraphs: Zaroff kills humans, hides on the island to live I the way he wishes, lures ships to get prey, turned hunting into a game,
Quote to consider (quote within a quote): “‘It’s a game you see,’ pursued the General blandly“ (226).
Sample writing with above info:
Integrated quote:
Rainsford could hardly believe the General’s choice of new animal to hunt. Zaroff justifies his choice when he tells R “it’s a game you see” (226).
Analysis:
The General tries to convince Rainsford that his uncouth acts are mild enough to be accepted by the average person. The disdain in Rainsford is overlooked because the General has fully convinced himself he is doing no wrong.