I have to write a paper on the lost generation, and I am having trouble coming up with a good thesis statement since the subject is so broad. Any ideas?

It IS a broad topic. Choose some aspect of the times or a particular person to focus on (as an example), and then work on a thesis statement.

http://www.google.com/search?q=the+lost+generation&oq=the+lost+generation&aqs=chrome.0.57j60j65l2j62l2.2942&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

(I'd choose Stein or Hemingway.)

Writing a paper on a broad topic like the Lost Generation can be a challenge, but with a well-crafted thesis statement, you can narrow down your focus and provide a clear direction for your paper. Here are a few potential thesis statements to consider:

1. "The Lost Generation, a term coined by writer Gertrude Stein, embodies the disillusionment and existential crisis experienced by young American writers and artists in the aftermath of World War I, leading to a radical shift in literary and artistic expression."

To support this thesis, you can explore the major writers of the Lost Generation, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and T.S. Eliot, and examine how their works reflect the disillusionment and societal changes of the post-war era.

2. "Despite their diverse backgrounds and artistic styles, the writers of the Lost Generation share a common theme of alienation, reflecting the challenges and conflicts faced by a generation deeply impacted by war, economic instability, and changing social norms."

This thesis allows you to discuss how each writer's unique experiences contributed to their feelings of isolation and estrangement, while also exploring how this theme manifests in their respective works.

3. "The Lost Generation writers, through their literary works, sought to challenge societal conventions and offer a critique of the materialistic values and empty pursuits that dominated post-war America, presenting a compelling portrait of a generation searching for meaning and authenticity."

This thesis statement allows you to analyze the social and cultural context of the Lost Generation and identify common themes of rebellion, critique, and the search for personal and artistic integrity among the writers of this era.

Remember, your thesis statement should be specific, arguable, and concise, providing a roadmap for the arguments and evidence you will present in your paper. It's also essential to conduct thorough research to support and develop your thesis further.