Prompt #1: American Dream
I. Introduction: title, author, thesis
II. Power of the dream: what it means to Lennie
a. Topic sentence
b. Context for the quotation
c. Quotation p.14
d. Reflection
III. How the dream pulls in Candy
a. Topic sentence
b. Context for the quotation
c. Quotation p.59
d. Reflection
IV. How even George begins to believe
a. Topic sentence
b. Context for the quotation
c. Quotation p. 60
d. Reflection
V. How the dream almost pulls in Crooks
a. Topic sentence
b. Context for the quotation
c. Quotation p.76
d. Reflection
VI. Loss of the dream
a. Topic sentence
b. Context for the quotation
c. Quotation
d. Reflection
VII. What Steinbeck says about the inevitable failure, but still potently strong power of the dream.
(could combine this with the conclusion)
a. Topic sentence
b. Context for the quotation
c. Quotation
d. Reflection
VIII. Conclusion
Topic #2: Compare and Contrast
I. Introduction: thesis, author, title. Similarity: Have the same dream
II. Difference #1 (Lennie is: slow 6-7, 9, 22)
a. Topic sentence
b. Intro to the quotation
c. Quotation or specific example
d. Reflection/Analysis
III. Difference #1 (George is: quick 22-23)
a. Topic sentence
b. Intro to the quotation
c. Quotation or specific example
d. Reflection/Analysis
IV. Difference #2 (Lennie is: irresponsible because he kills the puppy or CW 85, 91, 102)
a. Topic sentence
b. Intro to the quotation
c. Quotation or specific example
d. Reflection/Analysis
V. Difference #2 (George is: responsible because he must kill Lennnie105, 106)
a. Topic sentence
b. Intro to the quotation
c. Quotation or specific example
d. Reflection/Analysis
VI. Central Theme (could combine this with conclusion)
a. Topic sentence
b. Intro to the quotation
c. Quotation or specific example
d. Reflection/Analysis
VII. Conclusion
Sample Thesis Statements
In Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck compares two completely different characters in order to show us the power of friendship in a cruel world.
In his novel, Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck contrasts two men who believe in the same dream in order to reveal the power of the American dream and then its ultimate failure.
John Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men, reveals the power of the American dream, of living “offa the fatta the land,” just as it ultimately argues that this dream is merely a fantasy.