i am writing an essay about two different poems by edwin arlington robinson: "richard cory" and "miniver cheevy". my prompt is basically asking me who is more sympathetic?
my answer is miniver cheevy but i don't know what to write for my thesis.
help please?
At the end of your introductory paragraph, in which you name the poet and the two poems' titles in the first sentence or two, you could write something like this for your thesis statement -- at the end of the paragraph:
Of the two characters, Miniver Cheevy seems to be the more sympathetic; that is, the reader is more likely to sympathize with him because _________.
You'd have to fill in the blank. Is it because he didn't even though his life was miserable (opposite of Richard Cory)? You'll need to decide on the wording.
=)
I'm trying to compare and contrast Richard Cory and Miniver Cheevy but I din't know where to start.
To develop a thesis statement for your essay, "Who is more sympathetic: Richard Cory or Miniver Cheevy?" you need to consider various aspects of both characters and their poems. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you craft a strong thesis statement:
1. Read and analyze the poems: Take the time to thoroughly understand the themes, tones, and characterizations in "Richard Cory" and "Miniver Cheevy." Examine the speaker's perspective and their portrayal of each protagonist.
2. Identify the sympathetic qualities of Miniver Cheevy: Consider the reasons why you find Miniver Cheevy more sympathetic than Richard Cory. Is it due to his flaws, struggles, or misfortunes? Look for evidence and specific examples from the poem that highlight his situation and elicit sympathy from readers.
3. Contrast Miniver Cheevy with Richard Cory: Explore the characteristics of Richard Cory that portray him as less sympathetic. Perhaps his seemingly perfect life creates distance or disconnection from readers. Look for elements in the poem that create this impression.
4. Find common themes or contrasts: Analyze the themes presented in both poems and find commonalities or contradictions. Consider elements such as social class, societal expectations, isolation, or the consequences of dissatisfaction.
5. Craft a thesis statement: Based on your analysis, create a thesis statement that encapsulates your argument. It should clearly state your opinion on why Miniver Cheevy is more sympathetic than Richard Cory while providing a roadmap for the essay. Let's explore an example:
Thesis statement: While both Richard Cory and Miniver Cheevy face internal struggles within their respective poems by Edwin Arlington Robinson, Miniver Cheevy is ultimately more sympathetic due to the depth of his despair, his failed attempts to find meaning, and his inability to escape his self-destructive tendencies.
Remember, your thesis statement should guide the essay and provide a clear focus on your argument. As you build your essay, refer back to your thesis to ensure that you are consistently supporting your claims and providing evidence from the poems to support your reasoning.