Anansi Thesis Statements

Evaluate this thesis statement:

“All Stories Are Anansi’s” is a tale from African folklore that explains how Anansi, a demigod often portrayed as a spider, became associated with all stories.

• Good

• Unsatisfactory

Answer explanation

This is merely a thesis statement for a story summary, NOT for a literary analysis essay.

Evaluate this thesis statement:

Anansi stories, originating from the Asante/Ashanti kingdom of western Africa and spreading to the Caribbean and beyond, have continuously stood as beacons of the global African diaspora.

• Good

• Unsatisfactory

Answer explanation

It argues that Anansi has an influential role in the lives of Africans living in the diaspora. The stories of Anansi are examined using postcolonial theory and/or new historicism.

Evaluate this thesis statement:

Anansi has become symbolic of the traumas of enslavement and the resilience of the enslaved.

• Good

• Unsatisfactory

Answer explanation

It argues that Anansi plays a symbolic role in the lives of enslaved people. The stories of Anansi are examined using postcolonial theory.

Evaluate this thesis statement:

Anansi is a folktale character that has a spider-like shape.

• Good

• Unsatisfactory

Answer explanation

This statement merely introduces or describes Anansi; it holds no arguments about the character of Anansi or the significance of his stories.

Evaluate this thesis statement:

Despite Anansi's trickster nature, he is often seen as the protagonist in his stories, learning from his weaknesses and turning them into messages of triumph and goodness.

• Good

• Unsatisfactory

Answer explanation

It argues that Anansi, despite being a trickster character, can actually be considered a good protagonist. His character is examined using formalism.

Evaluate this thesis statement:

Anansi’s determination to own all the stories leads him to overcome seemingly impossible tasks, underscoring the power of determination and the idea that nothing is impossible when one is truly committed.

• Good

• Unsatisfactory

Answer explanation

The statement argues for a theme seen in the story, and that theme is examined using formalism.

Evaluate this thesis statement:

Some retellings of Anansi stories have challenged traditional gender norms by featuring female characters in the role of Anansi.

• Good

• Unsatisfactory

Answer explanation

The argument is evident (the retellings challenge traditional gender norms), as well as the literary theory used (feminism). This is a good example of an effective thesis statement for a literary analysis essay.

Evaluate this thesis statement:

Anansi, often portrayed as a small spider, uses his wit and cunning to overcome challenges that are much larger than him. This can be seen as a metaphor for the struggle of the working class against the bourgeoisie in Marxist theory.

• Good

• Unsatisfactory

Answer explanation

The argument is evident, as well as the literary theory used. This is an excellent example of an effective and strong thesis statement for a literary analysis essay.

Evaluate this thesis statement:

The symbolic elements in Anansi's stories, such as Anansi’s outwitting of larger and stronger creatures, represent the unconscious thoughts and desires of the African people.

• Good

• Unsatisfactory

Answer explanation

The argument is evident, as well as the literary theory used (psychoanalytic theory). This is a good example of an effective thesis statement for a literary analysis essay.

Evaluate this thesis statement:

The Anansi tales are believed to have originated in the Ashanti people in Ghana.

• Good

• Unsatisfactory

Answer explanation

This statement merely provides some context on the stories of Anansi; it holds no arguments about the character of Anansi or the significance of his stories.