Works needed for assignment: "Students" by Tom Wayman and "Crow Lake" by Mary Lawson. I am trying to properly state my thesis but cant word it properly. "Both pieces originate from the same lack of motivation that leads to conflict, but the views and motivations of the teachers differ". The second part after the comma, I don't seem to understand the differences between these two pieces. Could someone help me distinguish the difference and give an example? Also what can be the thematic conclusion for this piece?

Is this supposed to be your thesis?

"Both pieces originate from the same lack of motivation that leads to conflict, but the views and motivations of the teachers differ".

Yes. Does it make sense? I don't know how to word tt properly

To properly state your thesis, you are trying to highlight that both "Students" by Tom Wayman and "Crow Lake" by Mary Lawson explore the theme of the lack of motivation leading to conflict. However, you are struggling with understanding the differences between the views and motivations of the teachers in these two pieces.

To distinguish the differences and provide an example, you need to analyze the characters of the teachers in each work. Consider their actions, words, and attitudes towards the students, as well as their motivations and the impact they have on the conflicts that arise in the stories. By doing this, you can identify contrasting aspects of the teachers' views and motivations.

For instance, in "Students" by Tom Wayman, the teacher's lack of motivation can be seen in their repetitive routine, unengaging teaching methods, and their disregard for the individuality and creativity of the students. This lack of motivation contributes to the conflict between the teacher and the students, as the students are frustrated by the uninspiring learning environment.

On the other hand, in "Crow Lake" by Mary Lawson, the teacher's lack of motivation may stem from personal struggles or dissatisfaction with their own lives. This lack of motivation might lead to conflicts with the students, but in this case, it could be more nuanced and complex compared to "Students." The teacher's motivations and views may be influenced by external circumstances, such as family or relationship issues, or even the rural setting of the story.

To summarize, analysing the contrasting actions, attitudes, and motivations of the teachers in each work will help you distinguish the differences between the two and provide specific examples to support your thesis.

As for the thematic conclusion, you will need to explore how the lack of motivation leading to conflict in both works contributes to a deeper thematic understanding. Consider what these conflicts reveal about the larger themes or messages being conveyed in each piece. For example, you could discuss how the lack of motivation in the educational system or personal lives of the teachers and students reflects larger societal issues, such as the devaluation of creativity or the impact of external circumstances on individuals' motivation.

Remember, analyzing the themes and drawing a thematic conclusion will require a close reading of the texts, considering the character development, conflicts, and broader social or cultural contexts presented in the works.