Essay #1 Literary Analysis
Topic Choices, Possible Outline Format, Rubric
Topic #1 Betrayal & Revenge
Write an analytical essay that evaluates the topics of betrayal and revenge in the literature
of the Middle Ages, as revealed in Song of Roland.
To narrow the focus of your essay, ask yourself questions such as the following:
1. How do the archetypes in this excerpt reveal the values of the French culture?
2. In what ways does Roland represent a tragic hero? How does this lead to his
demise?
3. What is the larger conflict in this story and how is it depicted?
Topic #2 The Quest
Write an analytical essay that evaluates the theme of the quest in the literature of
the Middle Ages, as revealed in Perceval “The Grail.”
To narrow the focus of your essay, ask yourself questions such as the following:
4. What does the event in this excerpt reveal about the purpose of Perceval’s quest?
5. What kinds of obstacles will he have to overcome?
6. What changes will he have to make in order to achieve maturity?
Topic #3 Duality of Man
Write an analytical essay that evaluates the theme of the duality of man in the literature of
the Middle Ages, as revealed in “The Lay of the Werewolf” by Marie de France.
1. What is the nature of Bisclavaret’s wife in “The Lay of the Werewolf?”
Is her behavior consistent with her appearance?
2. Is Bisclavaret’s behavior consistent with his appearance?
3. Explain what this says about the duality of man.
Possible Outline – note that this is an example; you may have 1 or more body paragraphs
Formatting Intro Paragraph:
S1-universal statement
S1-EXAMPLE: In order to live life to the fullest people must experience the world around them.
S2 and S3- Answers the question: What is the overall theme and purpose of the excerpt?
OR
What do men quest for?
OR
How do men show their dual nature?
Note: Be sure to include, somewhere in your intro. paragraph, the title and author of the literary
work you will be discussing in your essay.
S2-___________________________________________________________________________
S3-___________________________________________________________________________
S4-Thesis Statement:
In _______________, _______________ uses _______________ to portray his theme that
___________________________________________________.
Formatting Body Paragraphs:
S1-intro/topic sentence
S1-___________________________________________________________________________
S2-quote with lead in (concrete detail)
S2-___________________________________________________________________________
S3 & S4-explain quote in two sentences (commentary)
S3-___________________________________________________________________________
S4-___________________________________________________________________________
S6-quote with lead in (concrete detail)
S6 - __________________________________________________________________________
S7 & S8-explain quote in two sentences (commentary)
S7-___________________________________________________________________________
S8-___________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion paragraph: *purpose is to wrap up your paper and tie in the theme from
the first paragraph, also to summarize your body paragraphs. Be careful not to simply restate
your
intro. paragraph. Extend ideas to the real world.
S1-restatement and extension of the thesis statement
S1-___________________________________________________________________________
S2 through S4-a summary of the two main points
S2-___________________________________________________________________________
S3-___________________________________________________________________________
S4-___________________________________________________________________________
S5-final statement/tie in to universal statement
S5-___________________________________________________________________________
ESSAY RUBRIC
Intro paragraph includes a universal statement, progresses from
general to specific as discussed in class, has a connection to a
literary theme from one of the selections, and ends with a clearly
stated thesis statement
2 quotes from the text with correct: application, lead-in,
punctuation, citation
Commentary connecting quote to thesis statement
Concluding paragraph extends idea of theme (not a restatement)
MLA formatting: heading, header, spacing, margins, Times NR,
12”font
Correct grammar & mechanics (no “no-no” words (I, me, my, we, our,
Possible
Points
20
15
20
20
5
20
you) or contractions)
TOTAL SCORE
100
Points
Earned