Can you use a quote as a thesis statement

Using Direct Quotations in Your Thesis or Dissertation. Whenever you quote the exact words of another author or speaker in your thesis or dissertation, it is essential that you quote those words with accuracy and observe with precision and consistency all appropriate scholarly techniques and editorial styles.

Explanation:

No you can't.

Explanation:

A thesis is your own thought on the subject. Using someone else's thoughts/quote would not be a proper thesis statement.

- "the answers are a and b.  

when cullen speaks of planting while others reap, and standing "abject and mute," he is speaking about the racial injustices present in american society. as these injustices have changed over time, the american identity  has also shifted. those changes are, in turn, reflected in american literature."