HEART OF DARKNESS ESSAY

AP English 12

Ms. Thompson

Write an essay of 3-4 pages in which you analyze one of the following motifs and relate it to the larger themes of Heart of Darkness:

Women Work Lying

Journey Restraint Nature

Since motifs are often woven together, you may discuss more than one of these motifs; however, you should be sure that your essay focuses primarily on only one.

In addition to referring to Heart of Darkness, you should also consult some of the secondary sources found in the Norton Critical Edition of the text. Your final essay will contain at least three quotations: one from Heart of Darkness, and one each from two separate secondary sources. You should weave the secondary sources into your essay by challenging their ideas or by using them to support your own observations. All quotations must be correctly introduced, cited, and analyzed. You must include a list of works cited at the end of your essay.

Step 1: On other paper, list your topic and note the secondary sources you will use.

Step 2: List at least 6 examples or quotations from the novel and/or secondary sources that relate to your topic.

Step 3: Organize your thoughts in a detailed web or outline and formulate a specific thesis statement.

Step 4: Write a draft. Your draft should be as complete as you can make it and should include the required three quotations.

Step 5: In-class peer review. If you are absent, you must find someone to complete the peer review sheet.

Step 6: Revise your essay. Make sure it’s double-spaced, and give it a title. Staple your work in the following order: rubric, final draft, works cited page, rough draft, prewriting, peer review. All parts of the essay must be turned in at once.

Name _________________________________________________

Period ____

Essay Title _____________________________________________

Date __________________________________________________

HEART OF DARKNESS ESSAY

This essay is worth 100 points. Essays lose 10 points for every day late, up to a maximum penalty of 30 points. Essays turned in without this rubric lose 5 points. Essays are due at the beginning of class. Make sure to turn in all components of your essay.

_____ Thoughtful analysis of the selected motif (30 points)

--The author focuses on one of the assigned motifs.

--The author uses specific examples.

--The author demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all texts discussed.

_____ Correct and effective use of quotations (20 points)

--The author includes at least three quotations, one from each text.

--The author introduces, cites, and analyzes each quotation using the “sandwich” method.

--The author documents the texts in a works cited page.

____ Organization (20 points)

--The thesis is specific and relates to all aspects of the paper.

--The author includes effective introductory and concluding paragraphs.

--Each paragraph centers around one main idea, expressed in a topic sentence.

--The author uses transitions to move from one topic to the next.

____ Proofreading for correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation (20 points)

____ Evidence of effective revision (10 points)

--The author includes Steps 1-4 and a peer review sheet.

--The author has revised previous work to produce an improved final draft.

____ Total

____ Grade