Things Fall Apart: ​Final Essay

Description:
● As a way to put closure on our study of ​Things Fall Apart​, you will be required to write an essay
that demonstrates literary analysis through a specific critical lens.

Specific Requirements:
● You will write an essay analyzing the whole text through a specific critical (literary) lens. This
essay needs to include the following:
o An introductory paragraph explaining your given lens and how the lens enhances the
readers understanding of the novel (author purpose, theme(s), motif(s), character and/or
plot development).
o Appropriate text evidence to support your analysis of ​Things Fall Apart​ through your
given lens. At least ​one​ piece of evidence per paragraph.
o New insights or thoughts discovered through analysis using your given lens that was ​not
discussed in class.
o Honors:
▪ Use of multiple complementary lenses to analyze themes, motifs and/or characters
in ​Things Fall Apart
OR
▪ Synthesize ​Things Fall Apart ​with another piece of fiction or non-fiction text
● You must also complete and turn in the following:
o Prewriting – theme generation, thesis testing, evidence gathering and/or sorting
o Rough Drafts – at least two drafts with evidence of personal, peer and adult edits,
revisions and/or feedback
o Peer editing activity – classroom procedure including reflection and other editing as
needed

Formatting:
● Typed
● Minimum of ​three​ pages
● Double-spaced; Times New Roman 12pt. font
● Spelling/grammar checked (PROOF READ PEOPLE)

Due Date:
● ____________________
o You will receive class time to brainstorm, outline and gather evidence.
o You will also need to spend some time working on this at home to finish on time.

**See reverse side for the rubric and writing expectations**

 NAME:__________________________________________________ Total: ____/100

D – Standard Not Met C – Approaching Standard B – Standard Met A – Exceeding Stand

There is no clear introduction of the
main topic or structure of the paper.
Introduction No conclusion
& particularly inviting to the reader.
Conclusion
The thesis statement (claim) is
missing, not clear or not arguable.
A preview of the main arguments is
Thesis
inadequate or not included.
The introduction states the main
topic but does not adequately
introduce the lens, preview the
structure of the paper nor is it
Conclusion is present, however
uses the same phrasing and
sentences from the introduction.
The thesis statement (claim) of
the author's position on the topic
is weak. A preview of the main
arguments is weak.
The introduction clearly
introduces the lens, states the main
topic and previews the structure of
the paper but is not particularly
inviting to the reader.
Conclusion expands on the
information in the introduction by
presenting it in a new way,
challenges and/or questions the
readers’ assumptions​.
The thesis statement (claim)
provides a clear statement of
position on the theme, idea or
symbol. A preview of the main
arguments is included.
The introduction is invi
effectively introduces th
states the main topic an
the structure of the pape
Conclusion effectively e
the information in the in
by presenting it in a new
challenges and/or questi
readers’ assumptions
The thesis (claim) provi
strong statement of posi
theme, idea or symbol. A
(blueprint) of the main a
included.

Lens is merely mentioned or Some effort to use lens for Analysis is relevant to the lens and Seamlessly weaves liter
Literary nonexistent. Use of lens is both analysis of the novel. Use of lens novel. into analysis of the nove
Lens Use unclear and inaccurate. Analysis is unclear or inaccurate. Analysis Use of lens is mostly clear and lens is clear and accurat
does not enhance understanding of somewhat enhances accurate. Analysis enhances enhances understanding
the novel. understanding of the novel. understanding of the novel. novel.
Details are missing or insufficient Details are not integrated and may Details adequately support main Appropriately selected d
to support the task not support key points or overall points but may lack integration a) are combined to enha
meaning. and may demonstrate some meaning
Use of Inconsistencies in execution or
Evidence There is insufficient evidence to b) support the analysis t
support the analysis or details are application the response
not always adequate to support
analytical points
Analysis is inaccurate or totally The analysis may not accurately Presents an interpretation/analysis Presents an interpretatio
Overall absent interpret the work or is a detailed that may be inconsistent or does that goes beyond a litera
Analysis summary of the novel not reach beyond literal or obvious
levels
The organization lacks focus and Some flaws in organization or The organization is adequate but The organization is clea
clarity; transitions may be unclear; lack of clarity and transitions may not allow material to be supports:
material is not integrated interfere with the successful integrated as smoothly as possible a) the integration of mat
Organization successfully integration of material and the and support the analysis throughout the response
analysis hard to b) support the analysis
follow throughout the
response
No structure identifiable or one Attempted to use TREAL Mostly uses TREAL structure with Effectively uses TREAL
TREAL
long paragraph structure. Structural elements are elements correctly placed in structure throughout ess
paragraph
there but no logic to the paragraph. Minor lapses in express ideas and argum
structure
placement within the paragraph one-two elements.
Writer makes more than 6 errors in Writer makes 5-6 errors in Writer makes 3-4 errors in Writer makes 2 or fewe
Grammar &
grammar or spelling that distract grammar or spelling that distract grammar or spelling that distract grammar or spelling tha
Spelling
the reader from the content. the reader from the content. the reader from the content. the reader from the cont