ENG 2DP
The Scarlet Letter
Verbal Visual “Essay” Assignment: Chapters 14 - 24
Definition:
A verbal visual essay is an assignment that combines a visual element (images and symbols)
and a verbal component (quotes, words and/or statements) to analyze the themes,
characters, conflict etc. in a piece of literature.
Task: To complete a creative review of the style, diction, character, symbols and themes in
the romantic novel The Scarlet Letter. You will focus on the last 5 – 10 chapters of the novel
for this task. The point is to examine how Hawthorne’s ideas become clear at the end of the
novel. To complete this, review the notes provided at the beginning of the unit and select a
topic – ex. the nature of sin, natural law vs. civil law, alienation vs acceptance and examine
through diction, character or symbol
Visual Component:
The visual component consists of 5 – 10 visual images that represent your selected topic.
1. Verbal Component:
a. Select a narrow topic – almost a thesis (ex. Chillingworth is proof that the desire for
revenge will destroy a person physically and mentally). This should be on your visual
b. For the verbal component, choose 5 – 10 quotes and words from the novel that
“prove” your thesis
c. Additionally, one word to one sentence (max.) which accompanies the images
effectively organized on the page. (*see examples)
Requirements:
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You may write or type out the quotes and words then cut images from a magazine or
print from the internet and cut and paste neatly onto 8 ½ x 11 paper.
If you have access to photo programs, Mac or check out a site called glogster these
are the technical options
5 – 10 quotes, words and “original” statements
a “thesis” / topic –on the verbal visual
5 – 10 images
Page size 8 ½ x 11 or 8 ½ x 14 (not poster size please!)
Due Date: Wednesday, June 8th – Friday, June 10th, 2016.
Note: This is a “floating deadline” you may hand it in between these days
with no penalty. The closing date will be Monday, June 13th, 2016. 10%
deduction. No assignments will be accepted past this date.
Good luck, be creative and have fun!!!!!
ENG 2DP
The Scarlet Letter
Verbal Visual Rubric
Name:
__________________________________
Categories and
Criteria:
Knowledge/
Understanding
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4

Demonstrates little
or no knowledge of
the novel and its
elements; character,
themes, symbols
etc.

Demonstrates
some knowledge of
the novel and its
elements;
character, themes,
symbols etc.


Demonstrates
exceptional knowledge of the novel
and its elements;
character, themes,
symbols etc.

Central idea or
thesis is unclear
Image choice has
little relevance to
novel element
selected
Quotes, statements,
words selected are
ineffective or
irrelevant

Central idea or
thesis is vague
Image choice has
some relevance to
novel element
selected
Quotes, statements
and words selected
are adequate

Demonstrates
considerable
know-ledge of the
novel and its
elements;
character,
themes, symbols
etc.
Central idea or
thesis is clear
Images chosen
are relevant to
novel and
element selected
Quotes,
statements and
words selected
are relevant

Central idea or
thesis is clear and
insightful
Exceptionally
effective Images
chosen to illustrate
novel and topic
Quotes, statements
and words selected
are insightful and
highly effective
Some spelling and
grammatical errors;
some editing
needed
Some style or
fluency in written
and visual
Central idea is
somewhat clear;
some sense of
purpose
Some use of
symbols, colour
and images
Satisfactory use of
space and layout

Few grammatical
and spelling
errors; minimal
editing needed
Considerable
style or fluency in
written and visual
Central idea is
clear; sense of
purpose

Good use of
symbols, colour
and images
Good use of
space and layout

/5
Thinking/Inquiry

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/10
Communication

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/10
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Application

/10
/35

Many spelling or
grammatical errors;
extensive editing
needed
Limited style or
fluency in written
and visual
No clear central
idea; limited sense
of purpose
Limited use of
symbols, colour and
images
Ineffective use of
space and layout
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No grammatical or
spelling errors; no
editing required
Exceptional style or
fluency in written
and visual
Central idea is
exceptionally clear;
clear sense of
purpose
Exceptional use of
symbols, colour
and images
Exceptionally
creative use of
space and layout
Overall Rating is:
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