The Merchant of Venice-Thematic Response Writing
Thematic Journal 1
The Merchant of Venice
English 10
Write about how the theme “Things are not always as they appear” applies to people or a person. Your
response should contain two separate paragraphs.
Paragraph #1 – Appearance
 I or __________ originally held this view of another person. This view was based on…be as
descriptive as possible about the person’s appearance, behavior, associations, etc. that led to this
initial view.
Paragraph #2 – Reality
 But then I or ___________ realized that…be as specific as possible in demonstrating what
situations, actions, words, or moments led to a greater understanding of the reality of this person.
Thematic Journal 2
Write about how the theme “Ultimately mercy or forgiveness will yield better results than revenge ever could”
applies to people or a person. Your response should contain two separate paragraphs.
Paragraph #1 – Mercy/Forgiveness
 Define “mercy” and “forgiveness.” Describe a situation in which someone offered someone else
mercy and/or forgiveness for a wrongdoing.
Paragraph #2 – Revenge
 Define “revenge.” Describe a situation in which someone refused to forgive, and instead, insisted
on revenge. Explain how the individual(s) in paragraph one ended up happier than those in this
paragraph.
Thematic Journal 3
Write about how the theme “The true test of a person’s character lies in how he responds when in a position of
power” applies to people or a person. Your response should contain two separate paragraphs.
Paragraph #1
 Describe a person or people who arrived in a position of power and used that power for good.
Paragraph #2
 Describe a person or people who arrived in a position of power and used that power for evil.
Thematic Journal 4
Write about how the theme “Women are just as strong as men, maybe even more so” applies to people or a
person. Your response should contain one fully developed paragraph.

Describe a woman in your life who has displayed strength. Make sure you give all the details of
her situation or the event. (Hint: If you write about your mother, grandmother, or other female
family member, make sure you show it to her!:)
Rubric:
Each written response will be scored on the following rubric.
All four responses will be worth a total of 60 points.
Focus– _____/5 points
 A clearly stated topic sentence that clearly answers the question and provides a purpose for your writing
 Supporting concepts that specifically reinforce the idea presented in your topic sentence
Content – _____/5 points
 Specific, detailed examples that support the focus established in topic sentence
Style and Conventions – _____/5 points
 correct word usage
 avoids telegraphic statements like “My next point is…”
 capitalization and punctuation
 subject/verb agreement
 pronoun/antecedent agreement
Thematic Journal Wrap-up
The Merchant of Venice
English 10
Over the past few weeks, you have explored the important themes of The Merchant of Venice through informal
journal reflections. Each prompt asked you to apply the theme to someone you know or have encountered in
some way. You will receive these writings back now. Look over them, and decide which prompt meant the
most to you or was the clearest to you. Then, in your final journal reflection, explain how that theme
represents a lesson learned by a character in The Merchant of Venice. Tomorrow, you will turn all five
journal reflections in together for a total of 50 points. (Please note: failing to complete the journal on its
designated homework day does not preclude you from completing it now and turning it in with the others).