I need to write a comparative essay abput Ralph Waldo and Thoreau. I was wondering if i could have help with a thesis.

What do you want to say about these two writers? Are you going to write about their lives? Their times? Their philosophies? Their writings?

Your thesis statement must include factual information plus your position/opinion/stance. Without your position on the topic, it isn't a true thesis statement. So think of this sentence as the angle you want to take on the topic and what you intend to prove by the end of your paper. (If your statement is simply factual, then there's nothing to prove!)

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html
This is one of the very best places I've seen online to help students write good thesis statements. It shows you sentences that aren't thesis statements and how to turn each one into real thesis statements.

PS -- You need to refer to them as Emerson and Thoreau.

how about this:

Although Emerson and Thoreau shared many of the same ideas, Emerson promoted the idea of self improvement whereas Thoreau maintained the idea that man should be content with who they are.

Of course, I can help you with that! Writing a comparative essay on Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau is a great choice. To develop a strong thesis statement, you need to analyze the similarities and differences between these two transcendentalist writers.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to develop a thesis statement for your essay:

1. Read and research: Start by reading works written by Emerson and Thoreau. Take notes on their beliefs, philosophies, and writing styles. Pay attention to their common themes, ideas, and also where they diverge.

2. Identify commonalities and differences: Look for shared ideas, beliefs, or subjects. Also, consider where they differ in terms of writing style, approach, or even their interpretations of certain concepts. This step will help you shape the comparative aspect of your thesis.

3. Compare and contrast: Think about the impact both writers had on American literature and society. Consider how their ideas influenced each other and how they contributed individually to the transcendentalist movement. Reflect on the implications and consequences of their teachings.

4. Create a thesis statement: Based on your analysis, write a clear and concise thesis statement that reflects the main argument of your essay. Make sure it explicitly states the comparison and contrast you will explore throughout the essay. For example: "While both Emerson and Thoreau advocated for individualism and a connection with nature, they diverged in their approaches to civil disobedience, as Emerson emphasized the power of intellectual protest, whereas Thoreau advocated for direct action."

Remember, your thesis statement should serve as a roadmap for your essay, guiding your discussion and providing a clear focus. It should be arguable, interesting, and supportable with evidence from both authors' works.

Once you have a well-crafted thesis statement, you can organize your essay around it and provide evidence and analysis to support your claims. Good luck with your comparative essay!