Observers examining Rockwell illustrations on covers of the "Saturday Evening Post".
Writing a thesis on Norman Rockwell is a wonderful way to explore one of the master American artists of the 20th century. A thesis is a statement or idea you intend to prove. The way you prove a thesis is through investigation, research and a presentation of findings. Many countless approaches are available for crafting a thesis on the late Norman Rockwell. Well known for his realistic portrayal of American life, Rockwell's images became an iconic staple on the cover of the "Saturday Evening Post" magazine.
Instructions
1. Organize your research. Review as many books, journals, essays, articles, analysis and interviews on the life and work of Norman Rockwell as possible. Conduct your own interviews with friends, family, colleagues and associates. Maintain research and interview notes. Establish a journal to help you connect thoughts and understandings about Rockwell. Use your research to formulate a thesis statement.
2. Draft a thesis statement. Make your statement original and concise. In other words, approach an issue regarding the life and/or work of Rockwell in a distinctive manner. Seek to answer an exceptional question with your thesis and/or make a rare and exclusive statement about the life and times of Rockwell. Use your thesis, for example, to validate that Rockwell's art symbolized inspiration for the following line in the poem entitled "Norman" (author unknown): "Your canvas was an America that can't be store-bought." Write in language and terminology matching your audience --- artistic experts and/or thesis committee members, for example.
3. Organize your thesis into a logical and coherent argument. Use the introduction to outline to highlight key observations you intend to elaborate and expand upon in the body of the thesis. Comment on Rockwell's New York City upbringing and exceptional eye for the minutiae of human life, for instance, as observations and circumstances that contributed to the profundity of his art.
4. Write the body of the thesis. Defend your thesis statement with substantive analysis of pertinent research materials. Point out specific research methods you employed and how you used them to determine your findings. Discuss how Rockwell's work progressed from documenting small town life, for example, to the intense image of a black girl taken to school by federal marshals at the start of the civil rights movement in 1960. List results of any sociological experiments you may have conducted, for example, and actual statements of observations you found as a result of your work. Divide the body into chapters and sections, as necessary.
5. Conclude the thesis. Sum up your findings and make a final declaration on the validity of your initital statement. Include a bibliography of all research and works cited. Follow all academic and institutional guidelines to ensure your final draft is in direct compliance with your thesis committee's requests.
