Directions: Employing the analytical paragraph style, analyze a theme or the use of a symbol in the book you read for the Marginalized Voices Seminars. Your analysis must include two direct quotations from the text.

THEME

SYMBOL

A theme is the central, underlying, and controlling idea or insight of a work of literature.

• Theme is the idea the writer wishes to convey about the subject — the writer’s view of the world or a revelation about human nature.
• Theme is always expressed in a complete sentence.

EXAMPLE:

The theme of Ernest Hemingway's short story "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," for example, has been stated by X.J. Kenney as: "Solitary people need a place of refuge from their terrible awareness that their lives are essentially meaningless."

A symbol is any object, person, place or action that has both a meaning in itself and that stands for something larger than itself, such as a quality, attitude, belief or value. What is symbolized is often abstract.

EXAMPLE:

A wedding band is simply a ring of metal. However, our social understanding of that object is that it symbolizes love and fidelity.

The land turtle in Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath suggests or reflects the toughness and resilience of the migrant workers.

Sophisticated

Exceeds Standards

30

Proficient

Meets Standards

27-25

Approaching Proficiency

24-21

Beginning

20-10

Ideas &  Development

Argument is well-defined and focus is clear from the first sentence to the last; thesis statement is crystal-clear and well-developed; details are tightly connected to topic sentences;

Argument is adequately defined; uses appropriate supporting details; thesis statement is clear; details are connected to thesis statement;

Argument is defined, although a few obvious details are missing; little analysis;

Argument is not clear; limited supporting details and analysis;

Organization

Organization enhances and showcases the central idea or theme. paragraphs contain well-chosen quotations, adequate set-up and convincing analysis. Order, structure, or presentation of information is compelling and guides the reader through the text. Skillfully employs thoughtful transitions to connect ideas.

Organization supports central idea or theme. paragraphs contain well-chosen quotations, adequate set-up and strong analysis. Order, structure, or presentation of information moves the reader through the text. Transitions are generally effective.

Central idea is present but not always supported by organization. paragraphs contain well-chosen quotations, adequate set-up and convincing analysis. Transitions are basic and do not always assist the reader.

Paper lacks both direction and focus. Paragraphs may not contain well-chosen quotations, adequate set-up nor convincing analysis. Transitions are confusing or absent.    

Conventions

(e.g., spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage, paragraphing)

The writer demonstrates a good grasp of standard writing conventions and uses conventions effectively to enhance readability. Errors tend to be so few that just minor touch-ups would get this piece ready to publish. The writer may manipulate conventions for stylistic effect—and it works!

The writer demonstrates a good grasp of standard writing conventions (e.g., spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage, paragraphing) and uses conventions effectively to enhance readability. Errors tend to be so few that just minor touch-ups would get this piece ready to publish.

The writer shows reasonable control over a limited range of standard writing conventions. Conventions are sometimes handled well and enhance readability; at other times, errors are distracting and impair readability.

Errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, usage, and grammar and/or paragraphing repeatedly distract the reader and make the text difficult to read.