Mask Essay/Literary Analysis
Paragraph I-Introduction
~Begin with a very good general definition of mask.
Name:
~ In the next sentence, talk about masks. For example, they can be intimidating to others. They sometimes free us and enable us to do things we might otherwise be inhibited from doing. They protect our true identities. You learned a lot about masks from your research, so use some examples.
~ Then talk about how some of the boys begin painting their faces in the Lord of the Fliesby William Golding. The title and author should appear in this paragraph. By painting his face, Jack is freed from self-consciousness. Quote Golding. Incorporate the excerpt (on your quote handout) into your own sentence.
~ Finally, write a sentence in which you explain a little about the character you chose and the mask you created. List three things your mask represents about your character. Make sure you have parallel structure. This is your thesis. The thesis statement of an essay is what the paper is about. (Here is an example: For my mask project, I chose Piggy. My mask represents Piggy's intelligence, his loyalty to Ralph, and his fear of Jack.)
Paragraph II-Body
» Begin this paragraph with a good topic sentence which introduces your character. Analyze your character so far in the book. Do this by comparing and contrasting him to other characters in the book. Use transitions to show the similarities or differences. (Here are some examples: similarly, in comparison, in contrast, while, although.) Another way to analyze your character is to think about the events in the chapters so far. What were the effects of these events on your character? Did your character have anything to do with the causes of the events? Use transitions to show cause and/or effects. (Here are some examples: because, therefore, so, as a result.) Based on the facts in the novel about your character, what is your opinion of him?
Paragraph III-Body Continued
}> Begin this paragraph with a good topic sentence which introduces your mask. Next, explain aU of the symbols, colors, etc. on your mask. Show how the items on your mask represent your character. Use strong verbs. (Here are some examples: symbolizes, represents, shows, demonstrates, illustrates.) Use transitions between one symbol and the next. (Here are some examples of transitions you might use: first, next, then, next to, underneath, below,across from, above, beside, finally.)
Paragraph IV-Conclusion
}> In your concluding paragraph, explain how sometimes masks "unmask" the truth. Think about it.
Who is the real Jack? The boy in the choir robe or the boy with the painted face? How does your mask "unmask" your character? Or did you happen to make a mask that hides his true identity? Interesting. Explain it. End your paper with a quote about masks. You may use the Oscar Wilde quote on the bulletin board, one of the quotes on the back of this paper, or one that you found on your own.