Name_____________________________
The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet Essay
Goals:
 I can write a formal essay with a funnel introduction, supporting body paragraphs, and
a reverse funnel conclusion.
 I can use direct quotes to support my argument.
 I can revise and proofread my essay to ensure there are no grammatical or
punctuation errors and it meets all the requirements on the rubric.
Assignment: Using two literary devices, prove how Shakespeare develops a theme
(characterization, verbal irony, situational irony, dramatic irony, motif, symbolism, figurative language, imagery, etc.).
Themes to Choose from:
• Unresolved feuds lead to severe consequences and suffering.
• Stubbornness and selfishness leads to unnecessary violence.
• Innocence / immaturity leads one to act rashly causing irreversible problems.
• Fate / destiny dictates a person’s decisions.
Guidelines:
 Create a thesis statement that includes the theme and the two literary devices that prove the theme.
 Include a funnel introduction.
 Each topic sentence must include the argument (theme) and the literary device that proves the theme.
o The second topic sentence must include a transitional word or phrase.
 Each paragraph must include one direct quote that illustrates the literary device and proves the theme; only
the essential parts of the quote are used.
 All direct quotes include a proper lead-in (speaker and context) and a proper MLA parenthetical citation.
 Each direct quote must be thoroughly analyzed to show HOW the quote proves the thesis statement (theme
and literary device).
 Create a closing sentence that summarizes the paragraph but does not preview the next paragraph.
Reminders:
 MLA format (header, heading, font, margins, spacing, title, etc.)
 present tense verbs
 no first or second person – third person only
 no contractions or questions
 Avoid phrases such as This quote shows…, In conclusion…,
 Proofread, proofread, proofread!
Name_____________________________
The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
Essay RUBRIC
Funnel Introduction Paragraph:
/ 10 points
 The general statement is broad but relates to the topic of the essay.
 Linking sentences support and explain the general statement and become narrower.
 The author and text are introduced smoothly.
 Appropriate and relevant background information is included.
 The thesis statement includes the theme (argument of the paper) and the three supporting details.
Body Paragraph One:
/ 10 points
 The topic sentence includes the argument and focus of the paragraph; it is the same order as the thesis
statement.
 Relevant background information is included before the direct quote.
 At least one direct quotation is presented with an appropriate lead-in (speaker and context). The lead-in and
quote form one complete sentence. A proper MLA citation is included.
 The quote relates to the thesis statement and topic of the paragraph; only essential parts of the quote are
used.
 The analysis supports the topic sentence and answers the question, “How does this support the topic
sentence and thesis statement?” The analysis is thorough; it does NOT summarize the quote.
 There is a closing sentence that sums up the argument but does not preview the next paragraph.
 The paragraph is logically and chronologically organized.
Body Paragraph Two:
/ 10 points
 The topic sentence includes the argument and focus of the paragraph; it transitions from the previous
paragraph.
 See guidelines above.
Reverse Conclusion:
/ 10 points
 First sentence(s) re-explain the thesis statement with new words.
 The main ideas are summarized into concise sentences explaining the most important aspects of the paper.
 Paragraph concludes by referring back to the original generalization discussed in the introduction paragraph.
 Paragraph leaves a lasting impression and provides new insight to the topics discussed.
MLA Format and Grammar / Mechanics:
/ 10 points
 All MLA rules are followed (header, heading, font, margins, spacing, title, etc.)
 Present tense verbs are used.
 Paper is proofread for grammar and punctuation (commas).
 Agreement is correct.
 Varied use of sentence structure is used.
 Third person point of view is used.
 Formal language is used (strong word choice and no contractions).
TOTAL________ / ____points
Name_____________________________
Romeo and Juliet Essay Organizer
Theme: Write the entire theme statement you will be proving.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Literary Devices: List the two devices you will be using to prove the theme statement.
____________________________
____________________________
Thesis Statement: Write your thesis statement below. Remember, each thesis statement must include the theme
(argument) and the two literary devices to prove the theme.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Brainstorm: How will you prove the theme statement?
Paragraph Topic
Paragraph One
Direct Quote to Support the
Thesis Statement (Theme &
Literary Device)
Analysis
How does the quote illustrate the literary device?
Literary Device:
How does this device prove the theme?
Paragraph Two
How does the quote illustrate the literary device?
Literary Device:
How does this device prove the theme?