Honors English I Summer Reading Assignment:

The Alchemist- Writing Assignment / Literary Analysis- Theme

A theme is a big idea, a main idea, or a message that the author wishes to convey to his or her reader. Think of some themes from the book:

 personal legend

 the principles of favorability

 Universal Language

 Coming of age

 all things are one

 the soul of the world / universe

 perseverance

 the universe conspiring to help people

 alchemy

Choose one theme from the book and analyze it by breaking it down into parts to determine the relationship among the parts. Use evidence from the text in the form of quotations, summary, and paraphrasing to examine how the author establishes the theme and then expands upon it throughout the novel.

Essay requirements: 10 points each

 5 paragraphs- introduction, 3 body, conclusion _____

 Punctuation / grammar: caps, apostrophes, etc... _____

 5 direct quotations from the book- introduced, cited, punctuated (REFER TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR MODEL) properly____

 MLA format (REFER TO NEXT PAGE) _____

 final copy typed _____

 no first person pronouns- I, me, we, us _____

 no comma splices or run-on sentences _____  no spelling errors / missing words _____

 must stay focused on writing prompt / do not just summarize- _____ ANALYZE THE THEME!!!

 Must have relevant, logical evidence to support claims AND HAVE ORIGINAL THOUGHTS / COMMENTARY / ANALYSIS!!!!! (quotes) ____

*All of the checked requirements above are 10 points each.

Parenthetical Documentation: Always introduce the quotation and document it correctly. EXAMPLE: Integrating Quotations:

The theme of perseverance is evident when the crystal merchant states, “I’m afraid that if my dream is realized, I’ll have no reason to keep on living” (Coelho 55). Part of what keeps this character motivated and productive is the fact that he has not accomplished his ultimate dream. He feels as if he accomplishes his goal he will have no reason to live.

MLA FORMAT:

 12 POINT, TIMES NEW ROMAN FONT, DOUBLE SPACED  HEADING (NAME, TEACHER, CLASS, DATE)

 PAGE NUMBERS (LAST NAME AND # UPPER RIGHT CORNER)

 TITLE (CENTERED AND SAME AS REST OF TEXT)

 SPACING (DOUBLE SPACED, 2.0 )