Discussing Genre - Thesis

As of now, my thesis is mainly focused on the topic of genre and I will be using texts to support my argument of how love poetry can be detrimental and preach false ideas to the adolescent mind.  So, with love poetry as my genre, I am choosing to focus on the poems that are written in the context of being in love and falling in love.  I will lightly mention some of the heartbreak type poetry, which is definitely under the umbrella of love poetry, but some would consider it to be its own sub-genre, especially since the tone is most often opposite of the aforementioned types.

Since love poetry is such a large genre, I am going to try and hone in on the poems of the sub-genre I am titling, "Head-Over-Heals In Love" poems.  Very whimsical, airy, sometimes light feeling, other times VERY heavy.

Fortunately, everyone can relate to this genre in one way or another, whether they hate it or love it. Love is the most fundamental characteristics of humanity.  It is not a genre that is restricted to one time period or one philosophical movement.  It is universal and can be found in in literature from all different places and times.

Discussing the genre evidently benefits my argument because it is a part of my argument!

On The Road To A Thesis Paper!

So far, this has been an interesting and fun "road" to travel as I have "pitched" thesis claims to class mates, family and even neighbors.  It has been most helpful to receive these thoughtful comments that have inspired more thought concerning my analysis for "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost.  The claim I have decided to use will actually be more of a combination of the evaluation and cause/effect claims, as they will allow a broader look at the poem as well as the author.  Dr. Burton posed a good question that will challenge the way I analyze this poem.

Thank you for your comments and questions that have guided my thinking and decision.

Claiming a Thesis!

Mmkay.  Just because I feel like my argument isn't that abstract, and doesn't require too much explanation, I'll jump right into the different claims I could make.  Though I'm almost certain I want to make a policy claim (for obvious reasons). However, I do think it would be, yes, fun, to force my mind to think in different ways about this topic.

So here it goes! And thank you, Charly, for the formatting idea.... :///

1. POLICY     Though some may see it as an imposition of religion or a violation of its sanctity, the Bible should be objectively studied in American public schools for its literary merit and historical context, because it would help the coming generations have a better understanding of biblical allusions made in popular culture, give greater insight to the history of a foundational civilization, as well as illustrate literary devices taught in language arts classes.                 Phew.  I know it's a fatty.  Help me whittle it down.    

2. DEFINITION  This is where I start agreeing with Kirsten about driving the "struggle bus" trying to crank these out.  I'm convinced it'll be worth it....              Though the Bible is recognized as a religious and sacred text, it also contains history that's foundational to our modern culture, as well as exemplifies literary devices worth studying in an academic setting.  Thus, the Bible cannot singularly be categorized as a religious text, but as a tool for otherwise secular study. 

3.  COMPARISON    (Perhaps number two could be....a comparison, also?)  I'm stuck on this one.  I could compare the works of Shakespeare, and studying them literarily, vs. studying the Bible in the same way.  What more could be gleaned, what less?

4.  EVALUATION  Though the works of Shakespeare have greatly influenced the course of literature in the western civilization, the Bible has contributed more to the style and history of literature in the same, and has a greater role to play in the future of language study, if we allow it.         Hahahaa. I don't even know if I believe that.  But it was good practice(?), and would make for an interesting paper.

5.  CAUSE/EFFECT Studying the Bible in American public schools may lead to a minor violation of its sanctity by those who disregard it as a religious text, but greater academic benefits can be gleaned from its literary merit, history of Christian and European civilizations, as well as help future generations of students understand frequent biblical allusions made in popular western culture. 

A Raw Thesis!

The emphasis made in most of my posts has been on the real and the raw. That's why I chose non-fiction for my group, and have enjoyed being a part of it.  Issues that have real application, connections between sub genres that are relevant to now.  

Memoirs, confessions, histories, biographies, "how to" books, moral sermons and the like....    What is it about this genre and the realness of it that peaks my interest?   I like to think that I'm drawn to truth.  To honesty.  I'm drawn to the idea that I'm making a real-time discovery, albeit vicarious.