Mask Project and Informative Process Essay
Oedipus Rex
English II
Objective – Create a mask (similar to the masks used in Greek drama) that represents a
character, motif, or theme from the play. Create a four paragraph process essay that includes
an introduction and thesis statement, a body paragraph detailing the steps you completed to
create the mask, a body paragraph explaining what your mask and its elements symbolize, and
a conclusion that reflects on what you learned by completing this assignment. Use MLA format
for formal writing.
Requirements
 The mask represents a specific character, motif, or theme from the play. It includes at
least 5 specific details and/or symbols that represent the character, motif, and/or
theme.
 The mask shows planning, detail, creativity and artistic effort. Color and space are
utilized wisely and proportionally.
 The informative process essay is at least four paragraphs in length, adheres to MLA
format for formal writing, and includes the following:
 Introduction – Grabs the reader’s attention, includes information about how you picked
your topic, presents thesis statement that involves what you learned why completing
this assignment.
 Body Paragraph #1 – Presents a topic sentence, includes vivid details about the steps
you completed to make the mask, provides commentary on what worked, as well as
struggles and problems you encountered.
 Body Paragraph #2 – Presents a topic sentence, explains the meanings behind the
details/symbols of the mask, connects these meaning back to details/lessons from the
play.
 Conclusion – Returns to the thesis statement about what you learned, summarizes the
main ideas of the 2 body paragraphs, leaves the reader with a final thought about your
process and the play.
Grades – The mask is worth 40 points.
The process essay is worth 35 points.
The quick write information process piece is worth 3 points.
The mask planning sheet is worth 5 points.
The 2 project logs are worth 3 points each.
The process essay rough draft is worth 10 points.
Total = 100 Points for all parts of the assignment.
Steps in the Process
Step One – Writing an Informative Process Essay
 Read page 179 and pages 193-196 to learn about writing an informative process essay.
 Complete a quick write process piece to practice this writing technique.
 Critique process writing in class for further understanding
Step Two – Read Oedipus Rex
 Understand the characters, motifs, and themes of Oedipus Rex well.
 Read, both during class and at home.
 Complete character analysis worksheets.
 Answer study guide questions.
 Engage in the whole class discussion after reading the play.
Step Three – Plan your Mask
 Select your topic (character, motif, or theme). Be creative and pick something that you
find interesting.
 Complete the mask planning worksheet
 Make a rough sketch of what you want your final mask to look like. Use pencil and
crayons, colored pencils, or markers to draw a picture of it.
Step Four – Record your Creation Process
 As you create you mask, record everything that you do.
 Complete the 2 process logs, which will help you with your body paragraphs
Step Five – Create your Mask
 Begin your mask at home.
 We will have one class workday, and I will provide some basic art supplies – glue,
scissors, etc. Bring additional art supplies with you to class (glitter, paint, beads,
feathers, etc.) to use for your mask.
 Finish your mask at home.
Step Six – Rough Draft – Informative Process Essay
 After finishing your mask, complete the rough draft of your process essay.
 Remember to include a thesis, 2 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Step Seven – Revision
 Complete the self-review sheet for your process essay.
 Fix parts of your essay that don’t work.
 Correct grammar and spelling; eliminate use of ‘to be’ verbs
Step Eight – Presentation
 Bring your completed mask to class for a grade
 Submit your informative process essay for a grade