Much Madness Is Divinest Sense

One definition of madness is “mental delusion or the eccentric behavior arising from it.” But Emily Dickinson wrote: Much madness is divinest Sense To a discerning Eye Novelists and playwrights have often seen madness with a “discerning Eye.” In Hamlet, the apparent madness or irrational behavior of several characters plays an important role. Does Shakespeare view madness with a “discerning Eye” in Hamlet? Are the actions of his “mad” characters “divinest Sense” or are they simply exhibiting “eccentric behavior”? Analyze the origins and the impact of a character’s apparent madness on the central ideas of the text. ESSAY DUE: 12/7/15 Essay Exceptional – 8-9 Good – 6-7 Fair – 4-5 Poor – 1-3 Element

Ideas Clearly identifies the “madness” Describes the origin and nature of the Gives a simplistic or incomplete Compounds the weaknesses and/or “irrational behavior” of a character’s “madness”. In addition it understanding of the play. May fail to found in a 4-5. Often, they are character. Persuasively explains shows the significance of that delusion to establish how the character’s “madness” unacceptably brief. the nature and origin of this the play as a whole. Although not without can be judged or how that behavior informs delusion and how it impacts the insights, the analysis provided is less the work as a whole. Contains little central ideas (think essential thorough, less perceptive, and less specific analysis. Relies on plot summary. questions) of the text. than an eight.

Proof Uses apt and specific textual Uses adequate textual references which The assertions made are unsupported or The observations are presented references without belaboring the lead to a reasonable conclusion. At times irrelevant. Textural evidence is with little clarity, analysis, or plot. This quotes are seamlessly the quotes seem to stand out, rather than insufficient. textual evidence. woven throughout the text and add reading as a connected piece of the entire to the persuasiveness of the writing. essay.

Conventions Contains a clear and controlled Thesis is evident. Generally well-written Thesis is weak. Much repetition and No clear thesis. Little clarity or thesis. Grammar errors are with few mechanical errors. wordiness is found. Mechanical errors are organization is found. virtually non-existent. Writing is apt. Mechanical errors are distracting. clear and cohesive.

Voice Author shows a unique voice Style is developing, but lacks consistency Style is indistinguishable, but diction, Anyone could write with this through diction, syntax, tone, etc. and strength. syntax, etc. is attempted. style; unidentifiable.

Vocabulary Correctly incorporates at least Seven words are present in, but they are Less than seven words found in the essay; Vocab words? Oops seven vocabulary words from lists forced and/or used incorrectly vocab words don’t always fit. #1-12.

Total:______/45