I need to write an essay that will include the following: The Iliad, Richard III, War and Peach and Henry IV. I need to compare and contrast these four stories in relation to war. Can someone help me 1.) with a possible thesis and 2.) how to go about constructing an outline on what to write about.
Thanks,
Michelle
Is this in place of the topic you wrote about last night? Or in addition to it?
In place of, I didn't realize I had to use all four readings to do my essay.
Think about this for a thesis statement.
For justice, for pride, for peace, for independence - war has been fought for all of these. I believe each of those wars can be linked to one of those "causes".
You could do the same thing, except you'd be doing a contrast and comparison among the four.
Or you might try this: Identify one major character in each work who would qualify as a war hero -- http://www.answers.com/topic/hero -- and describe each character completely along these lines. Then compare/contrast those characters.
Your thesis statement could be something about how people's concept of a war hero has changed over time. If you choose to do this, you should arrange the characters in your paper chronologically so that readers' concept(s) of the war hero (at the time of the work, as well as for readers of today) would be presented from earliest to most recent.
Here are two excellent links to help you differentiate between bad or non thesis statements and good thesis statements:
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html
http://blog.eduify.com/index.php/2009/06/21/5-tips-on-how-to-write-a-strong-thesis-statement/
Remember: 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!)
Thanks for the possible thesis (sounds great)
What do you think would be a good title for this essay?
I'm not good at writing, can you offer any help on I can transition each of these wars and how I would compare and contrast each.
Michelle
Don't worry about a title yet. How can you introduce a paper that you haven't written yet? Follow the writing process:
Prewriting: brainstorm, research, plan, outline, thesis statement
Writing: write first draft by starting with section II of your outline; write introduction after the body of the paper is written; write the conclusion last.
Polishing: revise, concentrating first on the body of the paper, then the intro, then the concl (revision = making sure ideas are logical and sequential and support your thesis); proofread (spelling, grammar, usage, etc.)
Make sure you do your researching, note-taking about each book, brainstorming, etc., and then your thesis statement draft FIRST.
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/catalogue.html#org
from http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/catalogue.html
http://www.angelfire.com/wi/writingprocess/
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
Check in the Essay & Research Paper Level.
Of course, Michelle! I'd be happy to help you with your essay.
1. Developing a Possible Thesis:
To begin constructing a thesis, you need to identify the common themes or ideas related to war that can be found in The Iliad, Richard III, War and Peace, and Henry IV. Consider the following questions:
- How is war portrayed in each text? Do they present war as heroic, tragic, or necessary?
- How do the characters in each story interact with war and its consequences?
- What are the differences and similarities in the causes and outcomes of war in these texts?
Based on your analysis, here are two possible thesis statements:
Option 1: The Iliad, Richard III, War and Peace, and Henry IV depict war as a multi-faceted phenomenon, exploring its destructive nature, the motivations behind it, and its impact on society and individuals.
Option 2: Through their portrayal of war and its consequences, The Iliad, Richard III, War and Peace, and Henry IV expose the complex human experiences and ethical dilemmas that arise during times of conflict.
2. Constructing an Outline:
Once you have a thesis, you can build an outline based on the main points you want to discuss. Here's a general outline that you can adapt to fit your essay structure:
I. Introduction
- Briefly introduce the four texts and their significance to the topic of war.
- Present your thesis statement.
II. Portrayal of War
- Discuss how war is depicted in The Iliad.
- Compare and contrast the portrayal of war in Richard III.
- Analyze the depiction of war in War and Peace.
- Examine the portrayal of war in Henry IV.
III. Motivations for War
- Discuss the motivations behind the conflicts in The Iliad.
- Compare and contrast the motivations for war in Richard III.
- Analyze the motivations for war in War and Peace.
- Examine the motivations for war in Henry IV.
IV. Consequences of War
- Discuss the consequences of war in The Iliad.
- Compare and contrast the consequences of war in Richard III.
- Analyze the consequences of war in War and Peace.
- Examine the consequences of war in Henry IV.
V. Themes and Reflections
- Identify common themes or reflections on war that can be found in all four texts.
- Discuss any notable differences or similarities in these themes across the texts.
VI. Conclusion
- Summarize your main points.
- Reinforce your thesis statement and its significance in understanding the portrayal of war across these texts.
- Provide any additional insights or reflections.
Remember to use specific examples, quotes, and evidence from each text to support your points throughout the essay.
Good luck with your essay, Michelle! If you need further assistance, feel free to ask.