If anyone has read/heard about the books "The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri" and "The Writing on my Forehead by Nafisa Haji", can you please help me come up with a nice comparative thesis?

A topic/theme I have for both is identity. But can't think of good subtopics for that, except for the face that both main characters rebel against their culture and family to find themselves.

Please help?

You asked this the other day, and if anyone here had read those works, you would have gotten an answer. I've never read either, but here are some ideas.

In comparing the two works, what is a LARGE comparison (similarity) or a LARGE contrast (difference) you believe exists. Comparing/contrasting the two works is a fact. What you need to come up with is YOUR OPINION about one or the other.

Certainly! When formulating a comparative thesis, it is important to identify the commonalities and differences between the two books. Since you have already identified identity as a main theme in both "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri and "The Writing on my Forehead" by Nafisa Haji, you can build your comparative thesis around this theme.

To develop your thesis, you can consider the following subtopics related to identity:

1. Cultural heritage and its impact on identity:
- How does the cultural background of the main characters shape their sense of identity in both novels?
- Do they experience conflicts or challenges in reconciling their cultural identity with their personal aspirations?

2. Self-discovery and the search for identity:
- How do the main characters navigate their journeys of self-discovery in these novels?
- What role do rebellion and breaking away from cultural norms play in their quest for personal identity?

3. Generational and familial influence on identity:
- How do the main characters' relationships with their families and previous generations contribute to their development of identity?
- Do they struggle with the expectations or pressures placed upon them by their families or cultural heritage?

4. Identity and belonging:
- Do the main characters in both novels face conflicts in terms of finding a sense of belonging?
- How does their search for identity intersect with the desire to belong to a certain community or culture?

Using these subtopics, your comparative thesis could be structured something like this:

"Through exploring the themes of identity, cultural heritage, self-discovery, and the impact of familial and generational influence, both 'The Namesake' by Jhumpa Lahiri and 'The Writing on my Forehead' by Nafisa Haji delve into the complexities of personal identity among characters who rebel against their culture and family traditions in their pursuit of self-actualization."

Remember that a thesis statement should be clear, concise, and provide a roadmap for your essay. It should guide your analysis of both books and the connections you'll be making between them throughout your paper. Good luck with your essay!