The Scarlet Letter Perspective Analysis Essay Assignment

I. Consider THREE POTENTIAL essay topics.

For each…

You may choose to analyze one aspect of the novel from a specific perspective or critical lens, such as historical, psychological, social, moral, or feminist perspective.

----- OR -----

You may choose to make a point about Hawthorne’s use of an element of the literature, such as symbolism, personification, a certain character, the setting, a conflict, irony, motif, etc. in the story. This is considered structuralism.

II. Write a thesis proposal FOR EACH potential essay topic (3)

Review the guidelines for writing a thesis statement in your Wadsworth Handbook, pages 8-9; 128-129; 139;

Your thesis proposals must be written or typed out and handed in on Monday, October 27.

III. I will review your thesis proposals and select ONE thesis to become the basis for your essay.

IV. Learn the thesis that has been selected for you at the beginning of class on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

V. Write your essay in class on Tuesday, Oct. 28 and Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Essays are due at the end of the hour on Oct. 29.

Bring with you to class any notes on one or all of your proposed topics.

Also bring your Wadsworth Handbook to refer to citing your sources properly.

Use MLA style: begins on p. 183 of Wadsworth

Writing About Literature Assessment Rubric
A / B / C / D
Critical Thinking / Essay shows evidence of strong skills of analysis and synthesis. Logic is virtually flawless. / Essay shows evidence of application of skills of analysis and synthesis. Logic is nearly flawless. / Essay shows inconsistent application of skills of analysis and synthesis. Logic may be flawed. / Essay shows inconsistent application of skills of analysis and synthesis. Logic may be flawed.
Application of Critical Technique & Perspective / Essay reflects mastery of the literary perspective applied. The writer is fluent in the language and theory behind the perspective. Analysis and conclusions drawn are virtually incontrovertible. / Essay reflects a solid understanding of the literary perspective applied. The writer is using much of the language and theory behind the perspective. Analysis and conclusions drawn are strong with minor "errors." / Essay reflects a some understanding of the literary perspective applied. The writer struggles to use the language and theory behind the perspective. Analysis and conclusions drawn are somewhat questionable with a few obvious "errors." / Essay reflects little understanding of the literary perspective applied. The writer barely uses the language and theory behind the perspective. Analysis and conclusions drawn are questionable with obvious "errors."
Idea / Essay remains focused on one clear and original thesis with every support powerfully connected to the thesis. / Essay remains focused on one clear and original thesis with every support clearly connected to the thesis. / Essay remains focused on one original thesis with most supports adequately connected to the thesis. / Essay may lose focus on or lack a clear thesis; some supports are not connected to the thesis.
Quality of Support / Powerfully chosen textual proof supports each point. The textual proof is thoroughly examined, explained, and clearly relevant to the thesis. Four or more relevant sources. / Well chosen textual proof supports each point. The textual proof is adequately examined, explained, and relevant to the thesis. Four or more relevant sources. / Acceptably chosen textual proof supports most points. The textual proof may be inconsistently examined, explained, and relevant to the thesis. Four or more relevant sources. / Questionably chosen textual proof supports a few points. The textual proof is likely insufficiently examined, explained, or relevant to the thesis. Four or more sources.
Essay Organization & Transitions / Essay is strikingly organized with a keen sensitivity to building an argument. Transitions are sophisticated and varied. / Essay is well organized with a logical approach to building an argument. Transitions are solid and varied. / Essay is competently organized with a logical if uninspired approach to building an argument. Transitions are ordinary but sufficient. / Essay is inconsistently organized with a haphazard approach to building an argument. Transitions are choppy or lacking.
Sentence and Paragraph Fluency / Paragraphs flow well internally with each sentence building and flowing into the next. / Paragraphs flow well internally with each sentence building into the next. / Paragraphs are choppy internally with sometimes confusing jumps between ideas. / Paragraphs are choppy internally with confusing jumps and between ideas.
Conventions, and Word Choice / Essay is flawlessly written with a flair for academic style. Excellent word choice, sentence variety. / Essay is well written with a solid academic style. Some strong word choice and sentence variety. / Essay is acceptably written with some academic style. Word choice and sentence variety are ordinary. / Essay is poorly written with a little academic style. Word choice and sentence variety are below expectations.