This week’s classes on thesis statements and epistolary fiction were really interesting. I think that Annalise did a great job explaining thesis statements. I have always felt that an essay cannot begin without a thesis statement. I was taught that the thesis statement should be the first step in writing an essay. Annalise explained the purpose of a thesis statement in a way that I didn’t consider before. Thesis statements are definitely formed early on in the essay writing process, but there should be research done before. That way you don’t accidentally lock yourself into an essay topic before you’ve really found what you’re interested in.
Annalise also explained the topic of a working thesis, which my high school did not really explain. In high school, the thesis statement came first and that was what your essay was on, no ifs, ands, or buts. To me, that always felt extremely daunting, since I always find that my essay will expand and grow as I write it. Using a thesis statement as a jumping off point as opposed to an unchanging foundation of your entire essay was a really nice way to rework a concept that I had always perceived in a certain way.
I also really liked the epistolary novel that we listened to and read in class, Address Unknown. Not only did I find it extremely well written, but I thought that the harsh twists and turns were shocking and realistic. The pain that Max felt about his friend’s betrayal was so raw and although his revenge was cruel, it was cathartic. Martin was a prime example of how Hitler and the Nazi regime were so convincing and how that power was addictive and corrupted so many well meaning individuals. Many members of Hitler’s party genuinely felt, as Martin did, that they were really working for the good of Germany. The details in the letters made you connect to the characters and they felt like real people. At first I almost thought it was a true story! There are many examples of stories like this one, of friendships that were ruined because of the war.
Martin’s plea for Max to stop and spare his life was the most interesting part in the book for me. Martin was finally understanding the pain that he put Max through, but Max did not relent. His commitment to avenge his sister and his grief was so strong and I think that that is what makes the novel so powerful.
