Assignment
Write an essay of at least 700 words that analyzes (zooms in on) a specific aspect of Merchant of Venice that enables the reader to think more about life and the human condition. Your essay should include an introduction with a specific, debatable thesis, as well as body paragraphs and a conclusion. You may choose from any of the following prompts, or write an essay of your own choosing, provided that you clear you topic with the instructor.
Option One: Symbols and Motifs
Merchant of Venice returns again and again to images of flesh and blood, boats at sea, the caskets of Belmont, the law, and people in disguise. Select one of these motifs (recurring structure or image) and write an essay that explains how the motif develops a theme in the play.
· Example: The three caskets, and the three suitors who choose them, clearly represent different ways of expressing what we value as we make a judgment about love or character. What do the caskets symbolize? What does this symbolism teach us about love or judgment?
Option Two: Character Analysis
Merchant of Venice is full of characters that are more complex than they seem at first glance. Why does the author include these characters, and what do their actions and relationships suggest? Select one of these characters and write an essay that explains how changes in the character or his/her circumstances help us understand a theme in the play.
· Examples: How do Shylock’s monologues change our understanding of his character? What does his character suggest about revenge, mercy, or prejudice? What do Jessica’s actions suggest about the love between family members versus romantic love? Is Portia a clever and wise judge, or blinded by prejudice?
Option Three: Choose your Own Topic
Merchant of Venice is a rich and complex text. Perhaps another aspect of the play, like its exploration of ethics, prejudice, mercy, or love, has caught your eye. Come up with a debatable, specific thesis and propose your topic below. Write about an aspect of the play that you are interested to explore in depth. Your topic must address some aspect of a universal theme.
Essay Proposal
At this point, which option would you like to select?
What will you focus your essay on? Any ideas about your thesis ?
What are three possible moments from the play so far that you think connect to your paper topic?
1)
2)
3)
What questions do you have about this assignment?
Advanced / Proficient / Basic / DevelopingThesis and Theme
____/30 / * Thesis makes an intriguing statement about how literary techniques reveal a debatable theme in the text / * Thesis clearly states how literary techniques reveal a debatable theme in the text / * Thesis generally relates literary techniques (symbolism, characterization, etc.) to a theme in the text / * Includes some topic sentences that generally allude to a theme or topic
Context and
Transitions
____/10 / * Provides concise, necessary background information that fluidly introduces each piece of evidence;
* variety of transitions between ideas / * Provides relevant background information that introduces each piece of evidence;
* clear transitions between ideas / * Provides accurate background information that introduces most pieces of evidence;
* attempts transitions between ideas / * Provides general background information for some evidence;
* few transitions included
Evidence
____/20 / * Provides specific, provocative, well-chosen evidence to support the thesis;
* Includes at least three properly formatted, smoothly integrated examples / * Accurately and coherently provides specific, ‘juicy’ evidence to support the thesis;
* Includes at least three properly formatted, quoted examples / * Accurately and coherently provides relevant evidence to support the thesis;
* Includes at least three quoted examples with minimal formatting errors / * Provides some evidence in each paragraph, although it may not be quoted with page numbers or properly formatted
Analysis
____/30 / * Thought-provoking analysis explains the significance of specific details and supports the thesis
* Analysis ties together different pieces of evidence together to build an overall argument / * Thoughtful analysis explains the significance of specific details and supports the thesis
* Analysis clearly supports and builds an argument / * Analysis generally explains the significance of the evidence and relates to the thesis
* Analysis may be obvious, repeated, or forced (this shows…) / * Analysis paraphrases the evidence with limited connections to the thesis
OR
analysis connects to the thesis with little explanation of the evidence
Conventions
____/10
Total
____/50 / * Writing demonstrates stylistic maturity;
* Effectively uses different sentence structures and phrase types to create a flow that leads thee reader through the argument
* uses consistent verb tense and avoids passive voice / * Writing demonstrates attention to style;
* Occasionally uses different sentence structures and phrases to add interest
* combines sentences effectively using semicolons and commas;
* uses consistent verb tense / * Writing is controlled; combines sentences correctly;
* Includes errors in spelling grammar, or usage that do not interrupt the reader; / * Writing is somewhat controlled;
* Includes errors that distract the reader
WELL DONE TO BE IMPROVED