[SOLVED] Fiction Critical Reasoning

ENGL 101 – : Fiction Critical Reasoning

Spotting that Damned Spot Everywhere
GENERAL INTRODUCTION: As you may have all realized over the course of writing Paper
1, what we have to say about literature relies greatly on our own perspective and the past
experiences that have shaped that perspective. It is only after we can understand how and why
our perspective was shaped that we are able to accurately explain the meaning we draw from the
literature we read (and, by extension, all the media we consume). Paper 2 is our next step in
building our critical lens in that you will be asked to identify, analyze, and articulate how the
perspective of another person can create new and different understandings of literature.
INSTRUCTIONS: Paper 2 will utilize Inductive Reasoning, or reasoning that requires your
reading and research on the topic to help formulate your thesis/main idea. We will be reading
William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth AND watching the latest film adaptation of the
play (starring Denzel Washington and Francis McDormand). While our in-class discussions of
how the filmmaker adapted the play into the visual representation we have will act as the
example of how to analyze literature and an adaptation of it, you will all be tasked with finding
and comparing an adaptation of the play to it. Below are some options if you have difficulty
finding your own adaptations.
PROMPT: Choose an adaptation of the play The Tragedy of Macbeth and argue for how the
creator of the adaptation uses Shakespeare’s universal themes of ambition and duplicity while
also including new and relevant details to make the play relevant to their intended audience.
ADAPTATION OPTIONS:
● Macbeth (2015)
● Macbeth (2010)
● Macbeth (2006)
● Macbeth (1979)
● Throne of Blood (1957)
DELIVERABLES & DATES:
● Invention Exercise – Sunday 3/13
● Draft 1 – Sunday 3/20
● Draft 2 – Sunday 3/27
● FINAL – Sunday 4/17
Fernando 2
GRADING CRITERIA (RUBRIC)
Introduction (30%) Your introductory paragraph provides a clear and concise introduction to
your topic, sources, and overall argument:
● Hook statement is used to broadly introduce the subject of the essay
● Sources and topics are each introduced in clear and concise fashion
● Thesis is an Analysis & Evaluation Claim responding directly to the essay prompt
Evidence & Analysis (40%) Your use of inductive analysis is shown by:
● Topic Sentences expressing the main idea (claim) of each paragraph and identifying the
type of evidence to be explored
● Provides accurate and relevant background for cultural and social implications of sources
(historical approach to analysis)
● Chosen sources/evidence provide truth, authority, veracity, persuasive evidence, &
arguments
● Proper evidence/quote integration and explanation of your inferences in relation to your
major claims
Rhetorical Outcome (20%) Your use of effective rhetorical strategies include:
● The essay having a clear consideration of audience in connecting your message (main
idea/thesis) and purpose (purpose for the main idea – found in your conclusion)
● The essay builds authority through appeals to audience (ethos, pathos, logos)
● The essay incorporates voice and style that shows, rather than tells
● Recognize & utilize critical terms specific to the study of literature/fiction (i.e. literary
devices, film elements, etc.)
Mechanics Outcome (10%) Your writing mechanics show polishing by:
● Controlling conventions, format, and structure (grammar, spelling, order of information,
etc.)
● Showing flexible strategies for generating, revising, editing, and proofreading (as
demonstrated through previous drafting materials)
● Use previous drafts to rethink position by revisiting information or hearing the thoughts
of others (i.e. workshops) Fiction Critical Reasoning