Society often forces individuals to act a certain way. The manipulation of blending into the masses in order to follow the standards of society during the civil rights era is the main point of "The Library Card" by Richard Wright. In the fourth paragraph of the fourth page he states "I smiled each day, fighting desperately to maintain my old behavior, to keep my disposition seemingly sunny." It is here that Wright confesses to blending into society, essentially dumbing himself down in order to not draw attention from white people out of fear of lynches and humiliated. It later becomes apparent that this type of oppression he faces forces him to ultimately flee to the North in order to combat this prejudice through literature as a form of protest and advocacy.

Question

Society often forces individuals to act a certain way. The manipulation of blending into the masses in order to follow the standards of society during the civil rights era is the main point of "The Library Card" by Richard Wright. In the fourth paragraph of the fourth page he states "I smiled each day, fighting desperately to maintain my old behavior, to keep my disposition seemingly sunny." It is here that Wright confesses to blending into society, essentially dumbing himself down in order to not draw attention from white people out of fear of lynches and humiliated. It later becomes apparent that this type of oppression he faces forces him to ultimately flee to the North in order to combat this prejudice through literature as a form of protest and advocacy.

-Professor said this was quite well written but my thesis could be more concrete. What does she mean by this?

Answer 1

When your professor says that your thesis could be more concrete, she is referring to the need for a strong and focused central argument. A thesis statement is the main claim or argument that your essay will support and develop. It sets the tone and direction for your entire paper.

In the given statement, you discuss how Richard Wright's "The Library Card" highlights the manipulation of individuals to conform to societal standards, specifically during the civil rights era. You mention that Wright confesses to blending into society to avoid drawing attention and the oppressions he faces. Finally, you state that Wright ultimately flees to the North to combat prejudice through literature as a form of protest.

To make your thesis more concrete, you can try to be more specific and clearly define the main point you want to argue. Consider narrowing down your focus and making your thesis statement more explicit. For example:

"In Richard Wright's 'The Library Card,' the protagonist's experience during the civil rights era illustrates the oppressive pressure to conform to societal norms, forcing him to suppress his true identity and resort to a facade of conformity. However, through his pursuit of literature and intellectual empowerment, he ultimately finds the courage to resist and challenge the prevailing prejudice of his time."

By refining your thesis statement, you provide a clearer roadmap for your essay and emphasize the specific aspects that you will analyze and discuss in relation to the themes of conformity, oppression, and resistance in "The Library Card."