ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Examples of Conclusions for the Research Paper

In the conclusion, you should rename the author and title of the work, and you should restate your thesis (but not verbatim). In general, you should begin with restating your thesis and slowly become more general with your thoughts. To conclude your essay, you may want to consider its impact on the literary world, the author’s significance today, the relevance of its theme to society, etc. Here are some examples:

Example #1:

Although Toni Morrison’s novel The Bluest Eye is fiction, many of the characters’ behaviors, traits, and characteristics come from the real and true negative attitudes thrown upon the black people by white people—attitudes which destroy the black individual’s sense of self. White Americans stole the identity of the African-Americans through their perceptions of what beauty is, through their racial prejudices, and through acts of discrimination. These demeaning acts combine to make the black experience one of loath and jealousy toward the white person. Until society faces the truth of the demoralization of the black individual, only then can it truly help them begin to repair, rebuild, and remodel their place in society.

Example #2:

The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor makes one keenly aware of the struggles of African-American women in America. Throughout the history of the world, cultures of people attempt to dominate other cultures. Naylor’s portrayal of the struggles of black women in the mid to Twentieth century should be a lesson for all. The black women of this nation should freely express their individuality proudly and freely. White America should follow the example of the women of Brewster Place tearing away the blood-soaked bricks that reminded them of an ugly, unfortunate deed by tearing down walls of racism and injustices, and recognize other cultures as the fabric of America, beautiful, diverse, and united.

Example #3:

Although Chiyo’s story is fictional, there are many historical facts throughout Memoirs of a Geisha that can help readers connect to this different culture. A geisha’s life may seem like a fairytale world to many individuals, but it is clear after reading Arthur Golden’s novel that there are much deeper and more difficult struggles faced by everyone, whether that person happens to be a businessman, an artist, or even a geisha. Many of the struggles faced by Chiyo connect to every reader, whether it be learning independence, trying to survive an evil rival, striving to fit in and be successful, or searching for true love. Chiyo is able to find her way throughout a life she could not always control and ultimately finds happiness and independence. As Anne Allison concludes, “ . . . [Chiyo] was a tough woman, whose life story of surviving and coping with the endless challenges and heartbreaks that litter the text was pure triumphalism” (392).