A Fiery Reading Log: Short Summary-Response Essays

A Fiery Reading Log:

Short Summary-Response Essays

Overview: As you read each of the four acts of The Crucible, you will keep an analytical reading log.

THE FIRST SUMMARY-RESPONSE READING LOG YOU WILL BE DOING AS AN IN-CLASS WRITING.

For each act, please address the following:

1. Provide a short (5-8 sentence) synopsis of the act in your own words.

2. Provide a 1-2 paragraph analytical response in which you complete the following

a. Open with an engaging introductory sentence

b. Include a thesis statement that is specific, makes a judgment, and avoids “I” or “you.”

c. Provide 2-3 quotes from the play to support your thesis. Make sure you lead into each quote, incorporate the quote into a sentence of your own, cite the act and line number, and follow the quote with sentences of analysis (explain HOW the quote supports your thesis).

d. End with a concluding sentence.

3. You may be asking yourself, “What should I analyze in my response?”

Good news! I will be your muse and help you find an analytical focus!

Take a look at the ideas below:

a. Act One: Characterization

·  Select one character and attach this character to a larger idea.

·  Argue in your thesis what this character represents and why. For example: Eckels in “A Sound of Thunder” represents man’s inability to predict and control advanced technology. OR The angel in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” represents the deterioration of spirituality.

b. Act Two: Conflict

·  Identify what you see as the central conflict in the play thus far.

·  In your thesis, argue what the conflict is and why it is significant. In your analysis, be sure to identify whether the conflict is internal, external, or an amalgam.

c. Act Three: Motif and Theme

·  Identify a pattern—a repeating image or emotion—and argue in your thesis why this motif is significant. For example: In The Catcher in the Rye, the motif of the frozen pond reveals Holden’s fear of change and his helplessness.

d. Act Four: Feminism or Psychoanalysis

·  Pick ONE school of thought—feminism or psychoanalysis—and make a thematic argument about the play based on this type of criticism.

Format

a. All responses must be TYPED.

b. All responses must be 12 point Times New Roman, double spaced.

c. All responses must have an MLA heading.

d. All quotes must be cited properly.

e. Responses should be carefully proofread for spelling and grammar.

DAZZLE ME WITH YOUR ANALYTICAL PROWESS AND CATLIKE GRAMMATICAL REFLEXES!