Senior Paper: turned in by 1pm
Due May 28, 2013-for possible rewrites
Due May 29, final draft—no rewrites
Late papers will not be accepted. This is a test grade=20% of your Q4 grade.
The paper must follow MLA guidelines. (see handout for examples)
The paper must be four to five pages double-spaced.
It must contain at least four citations from The Heart of Darkness.
You must cite at least four other academic sources (Galelio and Google Scholar may help). NO
WIKIPEDIA, SPARKNOTES, SHOOMP, or the similar non-academic sources. Also, see Ms. Bir for other
possible academic articles.
-Your Works Cited page should contain 5 entries (Conrad + 4 other sources)
You are to choose one of the following topics on which to write. You may choose your own topic, but it must
be approved prior to turning in the final paper.
The Heart of Darkness Essay Topics
1. Some critics believe that in Heart of Darkness Conrad illustrates how "the darkness of the landscape can lead
to the darkness of social corruption." What does this statement mean? How can one's environment affect one's
actions, feelings, and morals? Is this statement believable or not?
2. Kurtz's dying words are a cryptic whisper: "The horror, the horror." What "horror" could Kurtz have been
talking about? What do the words mean? What is the importance of the words?
3. Choose a complex and important character who might - on the basis of the character's actions alone - be
considered evil or immoral. In a well-organized essay, explain both how and why the full presentation of the
character in the work makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might. Avoid plot summary.
(You may compare and contrast Kurtz with another literary character.)
4. "The struggle to achieve dominance over others frequently appears in fiction." Write an essay showing for
what purposes the author uses the struggle.
5. Conrad uses lots of symbols and motifs in his novel. Choose one of the following and explain how it is used
as a symbol or motif in The Heart of Darkness. Water, darkness, hearts, animal likenesses, women’s role in the
novel, flames, hearts/portals of darkness, savages, restraint, efficiency, sanity
6. Contrast Kurtz’s African mistress with his Intended. Are both negative portrayals of women? Describe how
each functions in the narrative. Does it make any difference in your interpretation to know that Conrad
supported the women’s suffrage movement?
CATEGORY
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Basic Requirements
The paper includes all
formatting
requirements (12 point
times new roman, MLA
format, correct 1"
margins and spacing, 45 pages).
The paper includes most
formatting requirements,
but is missing one
requirement.
The paper is missing two
formatting requirements.
The paper does not show
an attempt to follow
formatting instructions.
Thesis statement
The thesis statement
The thesis statement
clearly states the
states the paper's
paper's position and
position on the issue.
introduces points to be
discussed in the essay
The thesis statement
refers to the topic, but
does not clearly indicate
the topic of the paper
The thesis statement
does not address the
paper's topic OR the
thesis statement is not
present in the paper.
Organization
Information is very
Information is organized
organized with wellwith well-constructed
constructed
paragraphs.
paragraphs. Includes a
strong introduction and
conclusion
Information is organized,
but paragraphs are not
well-constructed.
The information appears
to be disorganized.
Body paragraphs
Body paragraphs
include information that
clearly relates to the
main topic. Each body
paragraph includes
several supporting
details and/or examples
from the novel or from
research.
Body paragraphs contain
information that clearly
relates to the main topic.
Some body paragraphs
include supporting details
and/or examples.
Body paragraphs include
information that clearly
relates to the main topic.
Few details and/or
examples are given.
Information in body
paragraphs has little or
nothing to do with the
main topic.
Source/Quote
Requirements
Five sources are
included in the paper,
with at least one quote
or paraphrase from
each source.
Four sources are
included in the paper,
with at least one quote or
paraphrase from each
source.
Three sources are
Less than three sources
included in the paper,
are included and quoted
with at least one quote or in the paper.
paraphrase from each
source.
Quotations
All quotations are
properly incorporated
in the paper, and
provide support for
original claims made by
the writer.
Most quotations are
properly incorporated in
the paper, and provide
support for claims made
by the writer.
Some quotations are
Quotes are improperly
properly incorporated in
incorporated or
the paper, and are related unconnected to the topic.
to the writer's claims.
Works Cited
All sources are
accurately documented
in a Works Cited page
at the end of the paper.
All sources are accurately
documented, but a few
are not in the desired
format.
All sources are accurately The paper does not
documented, but many
contain a Works Cited
are not in the desired
page.
format.
Development of
Argument
The paper consistently
reinforces its main
point, making a wellsupported and
thoughtful statement
about the selected
topic.
The paper is consistent in
reinforcing its main point,
although some examples
do not fully support
claims.
The paper includes one
The paper is inconsistent
example or argument that in developing its
does not accurately
argument.
reflect the paper's overall
argument.
Mechanics
generally free of most
may exhibit some lapses
errors in grammar,
in grammar, usage, and
usage, and punctuation punctuation
Diction
-appropriate and
effective use of
language, vocabulary
contains an accumulation contains serious errors in
of errors in grammar,
grammar, usage, and
usage, and punctuation
punctuation
demonstrates some
use of language is
limited control of
generally weak, limited
language and vocabulary, control of language
with some, but minor
inconsistency
limited vocabulary
frequent problems with
syntax