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treeee · Oct 25, 2011, 01:18 PM

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! :)

Wondergirl · Oct 25, 2011, 01:28 PM

Which short story? Which subject for your essay?

treeee · Oct 25, 2011, 01:30 PM

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!

Wondergirl · Oct 25, 2011, 01:31 PM

You read the short story, I hope?

treeee · Oct 25, 2011, 01:32 PM

Yah a couple of times

Wondergirl · Oct 25, 2011, 01:37 PM

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

Wondergirl · Oct 25, 2011, 01:41 PM

How are the various characters dishonest with themselves?

What's the significance of the name Great Falls?

Wondergirl · Oct 25, 2011, 01:50 PM

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

treeee · Oct 25, 2011, 01:56 PM

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?"

Wondergirl · Oct 25, 2011, 01:58 PM

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

Wondergirl · Oct 25, 2011, 01:59 PM

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

Wondergirl · Oct 25, 2011, 02:03 PM

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.

treeee · Oct 25, 2011, 02:17 PM

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

Wondergirl · Oct 25, 2011, 02:21 PM

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