Semester I Language Arts Formal Literary Analysis Essay Prompts

Semester I Language Arts Formal Literary Analysis Essay Prompts 2017

Macbeth Essay Prompt Choices—Matheny/Doran Honors Block

1. Trace Shakespeare’s use of one of the following images (blood, sleep, hands, milk, birds, stars, clothing, dreams or night) and explain the significance of that image, as well as how and why Shakespeare develops it through the course of the play. (You cannot use the same image for this and for your image tracking poster.)

2. Analyze the significance of the paradox “Fair is foul and foul is fair …” in the play.

3. Compare and contrast two characters Shakespeare creates as foils for each other. How do these character foils reveal a significant theme? a. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth b. Lady Macbeth and Lady Macduff c. Banquo and Macbeth d. Macduff and Macbeth

4. To what extent does Macbeth’s duality between his internal and external persona cause his violent actions throughout the play?

5. How do characters’ fears emerge through dreams and visions during the play? What do these visions reveal about the characters? How does this motif relate to an overall theme?

6. Analyze the use of dramatic irony throughout the play or in a specific scene or two. What is the effect/impact on the reader/audience?

PROCESS:

 Select one prompt, find six relevant quotes, and write an initial thesis statement on your initial thesis and evidence sheet before class on Monday, 11/13  Monday, 11/13 In-Class: Peer edit and revise your initial thesis statement.  Tuesday, 11/14 In-Class : Have a revised thesis statement on your thesis refinement sheet for peer-editing in class. Begin to draft your MLA outline, which is due Thursday.  ½: Laptop Cart 5 & 6 & 12 in block room  4th: Rm 1304 Lab  Wednesday, 11/15 In-Class: Passive Voice, Introductions & Conclusions lesson  Thursday, 11/16 In-Class: We will use turnitin.com to peer-edit your outline. You will have the rest of that class period with laptops to work on a draft of your essay.  ½: Laptop Cart 5 & 6 & 13 in block room  3rd: Large Lab Rm 2207  Friday, 11/17 In-Class: Drafting with laptops for ½ and 5th  ½: Laptop Cart 5 & 6 & 13 in block room Semester I Language Arts Formal Literary Analysis Essay Prompts 2017  3rd: Large Lab Rm 2207  Monday, 11/20 In-Class: Type a draft of your double or 1.5-spaced 900-word paper. We will use turnitin.com to peer-edit and revise your paper in class.  ½: Large Lab Rm 2207  3rd: Large Lab Rm 2207  Create a final publishable draft of your paper and submit your paper to turnitin.com by 3PM on Wednesday, 11/22.

“Superb” literary analysis organization which exceeds the standard includes:

 Introduction Paragraph: o An intriguing HOOK initially grabs the reader’s attention o Appropriate BACKGROUND INFORMATION introduces the reader to your topic o The TITLE AND AUTHOR of the text(s) you’re examining are introduced o The introduction closes with your THESIS STATEMENT . Criteria to reach ‘exceeds standard’ for thesis writing

 Take a position on an arguable issue  Go beyond class discussions and class readings  Answer the “so what” question (don’t just tell, analyze and make the case)  Use interesting and intelligent word choice  Body Paragraphs: o Begins with a TOPIC SENTENCE that alludes to your thesis o EVIDENCE (quotes) is fluently introduced . Effective transitions . Details from the text provide content to lead into your quote o ANALYSIS . Fully elaborate to show how your evidence supports your thesis statement . Follows every piece of evidence you use o Ends with a CONCLUDING SENTENCE to resolve the paragraph and restate the connection to the thesis  Conclusion Paragraph: o Begins with a RESTATEMENT OF YOUR THESIS in different words o Introduces no new information o Can briefly restate your evidence o Closes with a resolution statement . Persuasive writing will close with a call to action Semester I Language Arts Formal Literary Analysis Essay Prompts 2017 Name:______

Macbeth Semester I Essay Thesis Refinement Sheet (TRS) The purpose of this sheet is to keep track of the development of your thesis. You will improve your thesis at each stage.

#1 My writing prompt is (write the whole prompt here):

______

#2 Six relevant quotes and citations: Due Monday, 11/13

#2 Preliminary Thesis: (due Monday, 11/13)

#3 Refined Preliminary Thesis : (done In-Class Tuesday 11/14) Semester I Language Arts Formal Literary Analysis Essay Prompts 2017