Name: __________________________________ Block: ______

African Literature Mastery Work #2: Theme Analysis Essay for Things Fall Apart

The theme of a work of literature is the comment the author makes about his
subject matter, a revelation about the behavior of human beings or the conduct of
society; an insight into the human condition. It is the insight we gain from thinking about
what we have read. At times, the authors theme may not confirm of agree with your
own beliefs, but even then, if it is skillfully written, the work will still have a theme that
illuminates some aspects of true human experience.

Questions for Theme Analysis

1. What important idea or theme does this literary work convey? Choose a topic or
two from your theme tracking worksheet.
2. What do characters do that helps illustrate this idea?
3. What do characters say that helps to illustrate this idea?
4. What events take place in the work that help to illustrate this idea?

Writing your Essay

1. First, pick one theme to write your analysis (question #1).
2. Next, you need to form your thesis statement (clearly state
what the theme of the novel is for your topic)
3. After deciding on a thesis, you need to outline your essay.
a. Intro
i. Hook
ii. Background info
iii. Thesis.
b. Body Paragraphs (x3)
i. TE/EA format
c. Conclusion
i. Restate your thesis
ii. Sum up your main points
iii. Leave the reader with a final impression
4. NOTE: Dont rely on the quotes to explain themselves. You
need to lead into the quote, and also comment on the
quote after you quote it. You need to effectively show how
the quote helps to prove your point!

First Draft: March 20, 2017 Final Draft: March 27, 2017

DO NOT LOSE THIS SHEET! IT MUST BE SUBMITTED STAPLED TO BACK

OF YOUR FINAL DRAFT.
RUBRIC
4 3 2 1
Introductio Introduction Introduction Introduction Introduction
n paragraph has a paragraph has a paragraph has a paragraph is
captivating hook, interesting hook, weak or missing a clear
provides detailed and provides relevant confusing hook, hook, lacks or
relevant background background provides poor has poor
information and has a information and background background
strong, unique thesis. has a strong, information and information,
Shows a strong clear thesis. has an unclear or thesis is unclear,
understanding of the Shows a good weak thesis. confusing or
theme. understanding of Attempts to show missing entirely.
the theme an understanding No clear
of the theme. understanding of
the theme.
Body TE/EA format followed TE/EA format TE/EA format TE/EA format
Paragraph precisely. Two pieces followed followed with followed with
s of relevant evidence precisely. Two some errors multiple errors
per paragraph and a pieces of relevant (missing (missing
detailed, evidence per evidence, unclear evidence, unclear
sophisticated paragraph and a topic sentence, topic sentence,
analysis. detailed analysis. etc). Analysis is etc). Analysis is
weak and/or weak, confusing,
confusing. or absent entirely
Command
of Demonstrates proper Demonstrates Demonstrates Does not make
Evidence & consistent citation consistent inconsistent appropriate use
of sources when citation of citation of of citations when
dealing with direct sources when sources when dealing with
quotes and dealing with dealing with direct quotes and
paraphrased material. direct quotes and direct quotes and paraphrased
paraphrased paraphrased material.
material. material.
Present ideas fully
and clearly, making Presents little or
effective use of a Presents ideas Presents ideas no evidence from
wide range of specific sufficiently and briefly, making the texts
and relevant accurately, use of some
evidence making adequate evidence.
use of specific
and relevant
evidence.
Conclusion Conclusion recaps all Conclusion Conclusion fails Conclusion fails
of the relevant points recaps all of the to recap all of the to recap all of the
from the essay relevant points relevant points relevant points
without sounding from the essay. from the essay, is from the essay, is
repetitive. Leaves Leaves reader repetitive and repetitive and
reader with a with a relevant unoriginal. Value unoriginal and/or
profound and question or idea. of essay is conclusion is
 interesting question Shows the value unclear. missing.
or idea. Shows the of reading the
value of reading the essay.
essay.
Conventio 0-3 errors in spelling 4-6 errors in 7-9 errors in 10 or more errors
ns (including spelling and spelling and in spelling and
capitalization) and grammar grammar grammar
grammar (including
subject-verb
agreement and
punctuation)

RUBRIC SCORE: ______________ FINAL SCORE:

__________