I need help with making a thesis statement for an essay I have to write on the book Poisonwood Bible

The prompt I have says : Choose a novel or play that depicts a conflict between a parent and a son or daughter. Write an essay in which you analyze the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of work. Avoid plot summary.

The thesis I have is : Before the church incident, Leah thought the world of her father, Nathan, but after he shows his true colors she wants nothing to do with him so conflict arises.

I'm not sure it is good so I really need somebody to help me!!
Thank you in advance!

I would avoid meaningless terms..

thought the world of
true colors.

What about ...

The church incident fundamentally changed Leah's relationship with her father.

Thank you, that sounds so much better - and way shorter! I have never been good with thesis statements! Thanks once again!

The thesis statement you proposed provides a starting point for your essay, but it can be improved to better address the prompt and convey a clear argument. Let's break down the prompt and discuss how to revise your thesis statement accordingly.

First, the prompt asks you to choose a novel or play that depicts a conflict between a parent and a son or daughter. In your case, the book "Poisonwood Bible" involves a conflict between Leah and her father, Nathan. So, you have correctly identified the central conflict for your essay.

Now, let's focus on analyzing the sources of the conflict and explaining how it contributes to the meaning of the work. Rather than solely attributing the conflict to the "church incident" and its impact on Leah's perspective, it would be more effective to consider the broader sources of the conflict and the significance they hold in the novel.

To create a stronger thesis statement, you might consider the following elements:

1. Identify the broader sources of conflict: In addition to the church incident, think about other factors contributing to the conflict between Leah and Nathan. Are there underlying ideological differences, cultural clashes, or conflicting values that can be explored? This will help you establish a more comprehensive understanding of the conflict.

2. Analyze the impact on Leah and her relationship with her father: Instead of focusing solely on Leah's changed opinion of her father, broaden the analysis to explore how the conflict affects their relationship in different ways. Consider the evolution of their interactions, communication breakdowns, and the emotional turmoil experienced by both parties.

3. Connect the conflict to the overall meaning of the work: Engage with the prompt's directive to explain how this conflict contributes to the novel's meaning. Reflect on the themes, messages, or broader social commentary presented in "Poisonwood Bible." How does the conflict between Leah and Nathan help convey or explore those themes? Does it shed light on larger issues such as colonialism, cultural clashes, or the complexities of parent-child relationships?

Based on these considerations, a revised thesis statement could be:

"In 'Poisonwood Bible,' the conflict between Leah and her father, Nathan, arises from a constellation of sources, including ideological differences, cultural clashes, and conflicting values. This conflict reflects the larger themes of cultural imperialism and the complexities of parent-child relationships, contributing to the novel's exploration of the impacts of colonialism and the disintegration of family dynamics under oppressive societal forces."

Remember, a thesis statement should provide a clear and arguable main claim that guides your entire essay. It should be specific enough to be effectively addressed and developed throughout your paper.