I'm writing an essay on a short story for my first year university english class and need to come up with a question to base my thesis on. What's a good place to start? I need something not too broad but also not too narrow minded. Any ideas? Thank you! :)

Which short story? Which subject for your essay?

It's called optimists by Richard Ford. And that's also where I'm stuck. Not too sure if I should choose character or theme, or imagery or mode (satire, irony, et cetera)... total mental block!

You read the short story, I hope?

Yah a couple of times

And you realize why the story's title should really be "Resignation"?

How are the various characters dishonest with themselves?

What's the significance of the name Great Falls?

If anything would have lots of support from the story, it would be irony.

Great that's to helpful! I thought irony as well. So when mentally asking the question you think "how is irony portrayed in the story?"

That should not be the thesis statement, but I suppose could be a thesis question.

So do you have evidence for irony figured out? Make an easy list or simple outline.

Evidence for irony:
1. title
2. city name
3. quotes showing irony
4. relationships showing irony
5. author's technical abilities that show irony

etc.

Yah no not the thesis statement, just the question... thanks for all your help! Much appreciated.

If you need help while writing the essay, be sure to holler.