Hawthorne Comparative Paper - Honors
Using two of the following literary techniques, compare The Scarlet Letter and an approved Hawthorne short
story read in class (see below). You will write an introduction, one paragraph of comparison using one literary
technique and one paragraph of comparison using the second literary technique. The main focus of your paper
should be: So what does Hawthorne want to prove with his similar plots and literary techniques? So what does
he want to show his readers about society? You must have direct textual evidence to support your comparison
(minimum 8 pieces).
Possible thesis: Hawthorne uses setting and tone to prove love affairs around the world are not perfect.
Literary Technique Choices:
Symbolism
Characterization
Setting
Foreshadowing
Figurative language
Short Story Choices:
“The Minister’s Black Veil”
“The Birthmark”
“Rappaccini’s Daughter”
Hawthorne Comparative Essay Rubric
Each category will be graded on a 5-point scale:
5=Excellent
4=Good 3=Fair 2=Poor 1=Inadequate
0=No attempt made
1. _____ Paper begins with an original formal literary opener (WP.C6)
2. _____ Introduction contains an effective, non-redundant, funneling transition into the thesis (WP.C6)
3. _____ Paper contains a thesis statement that addresses the comparison of the “so what?” of the paper and follows all
formal writing rules (WP.A3)
4. _____ Each body paragraph contains a topic sentence introducing the comparison focus of the paragraph. (WP.C8)
5. _____ Body paragraphs provide correctly cited textual evidence in context (MLA Format). (WA.B2)
6. _____ Comparison between works is clearly proven through textual evidence and corresponding explanations.
(RAL.D4)
7. ______Evidence from both sources aligns to what the thesis is trying to prove and is the best evidence to prove the
thesis. (WA.B2)
8. _____ Each body paragraph concludes with a sentence tying the body paragraph back to the “so what” of the thesis.
(WP.C8)
9. _____ The conclusion refers back to the thesis idea of the paper and includes a concluding thought reflecting the
American Society. (WP.C6)
10. _____ Transitions are used to connect the main ideas of the paper. (WP.C13)
11. _____ The paper contains correct usage of spelling, grammar, and varied sentence structure. (WP.C9)
12. _____ The paper contains high level vocabulary including literary terms that are appropriate for the paper. (WP.C9)
13. _____ The paper is written in literary present and follows all formal writing rules. (WP.C9)
14. _____ The paper follows the assignment requirements: heading, typed, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt.
font (WP.E16)
Total Points: _____/70