Lord of the Flies: Analytical Paragraph Assignment

Throughout our work with William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, we have discussed symbols, close readings of passages, and themes. Your final assessment for the novel will be your opportunity to show off your conclusions by using these skills to construct an analytical paragraph on the novel. Rather than jumping into a full-length literary analysis paper, these paragraphs should help you focus on the details of your argument, both in content and style. It is important to realize that you will not be able to discuss everything you have discovered about the novel in such a short assignment; instead, focus on a particular detail that you think truly supports your larger conclusions about Golding’s project. Although the assignment is relatively short, it will be carefully graded; be sure to pay attention to the specific requirements and rubric below.

Assignment Details:

Respond to one of the following prompts in a one page (1-2 paragraph) typed essay.

·  Choose one symbol from the book (it can be an object or person) and explain its importance in the construction of the novel’s theme.

Content Requirements:

Your essay should

·  begin with a thoughtful thesis statement that holds true throughout the whole paragraph, and to which all your evidence connects.

·  reveal what you think the main theme of the novel is.

·  contain at least one well-chosen and juicy quote that supports your thesis statement.

·  thoroughly analyze your chosen quote, pointing to specific words and phrases and connecting them to the rest of the novel and your stated theme.

·  avoid plot summary, focusing instead on analysis. You can assume your reader has read the book.

·  finish with some sort of conclusion statement to show that you have proved your point.

Mechanics Requirements:

Your essay should

·  be typed in double-spaced Times New Roman 12 point font, with 1 inch margins on all sides. (You may need to go to File and then to Page Set Up on your tool bar to check and/or change your margins.)

·  follow correct MLA formatting for quote citations.

·  smoothly integrate your quotes into the body of the paragraph, as modeled in class.

·  be carefully proofread for errors in spelling, punctuation, run-ons and fragments, and other grammatical problems.

·  be written in a formal style, avoiding contractions and use of the first person (“I”).

Grading:

This assignment will be worth a 60 point paper grade, broken down in the following categories:

Thesis Statement/Communication of Theme: Does the thesis statement thoroughly answer the prompt? Is it clearly stated? Does the writer connect to this theme again at the end of the paper without simply restating the opening? / 20 points
Quotes and analysis: Is the quote juicy and appropriate for the thesis? Does the analysis connect back to the thesis? Does the body of the paper avoid plot summary? / 20 points
Mechanics/Style: Does paper follow all mechanics requirements? Is the writing interesting and lively? Does the essay flow well from one point to the next? / 20 points

Due Dates:
Outline: Tuesday Sept 30

Rough Draft: Wednesday Oct 1

Final Paper: Thursday Oct 2

Prewriting Outline

Symbol:

Meaning:

Thesis Statement:

Other details to include in introduction (must include title and author):

Supporting Quote (include the page number in parenthesis after the quote):

Analysis of QUOTE and relation to the THEME:

Details to support thesis:

Conclusion: