The Scarlet Letter Analysis Essay
Point of viewis defined as the way in which an author chooses to present a piece of writing. While it is usually easy to identify the type of point of view used, it is more complex to examine why an author chose that perspective, and how it enhances the author’s argument. This essay assignment allows you to examine point of view, along with other stylistic devices.
Write an essay in which you analyze how Hawthorne usesspecific language devicestodevelop an argument about a particular aspect of human nature.
You must write a paragraph focused on point of view. For the other two paragraphs, you may choose among descriptive detail/ imagery, figurative language, and characterization.
WARNING: An analysis essay requires you to examine the novel closely. Skimming the surface will result in a simplistic analysis that does not reflect your intellect or abilities. Therefore, focus your writing on specific aspects of the novel. For example, if you are writing about characterization, deal with one character only. Three chunks on one character allows for greater depth than one chunk each on three characters.
Steps:
1.While reviewing the novel, keep in mind the essay prompt, and the devices that most interest you. Selectevidence that supports your thesis and method statements.
2.Write your thesis and method statements. HINT: The thesis should clearly identify Hawthorne’s argument. The method statement should outline the devices you will use to prove the novel’s argument(Due on Wednesday, October 3rd).
3.Shape your body paragraphs. Each paragraph must have 3 chunks (1 chunk=1 concrete detail, and 2 commentary sentences). One paragraph of shaping is due on Monday, October 8th.
4.Write your rough draft. The introduction should follow the inverted pyramid structure and begin with an image-based hook; the conclusion should add final insights to the paper, answering the “so what” question: What understanding does the reader gain from the novel?
5.Review your point of view paragraph. This is the focus of the essay prompt and a larger portion of the overall essay grade.
6.Revise and edit your essay. Peer Responses of rough drafts will be held in class on Friday, Oct. 12th and Monday, October 15th.
7.Prepare your final draft. Due on Tuesday, October 16th.
Requirements:
The essay must be formatted according to MLA guidelines, including double-spaced, typed in 12 pt. Times New Roman font, proper heading, creative title (not The Scarlet Letter Analysis Essay) and in-text citations. The essay must be written in formal voice (3rd person), and avoid inappropriate word choice (contractions, “things,” to be verbs, “there is” sentence construction, etc.). Use present tense verbs when discussing literature.
Electronic submission of this essay is required in order to receive a grade.
Submit to Turnitin by 11:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October16th.