Midsummer Literary Analysis Essay Due February 24

In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare writes characters that “belong” in one of three distinct worlds: the world of the Athens court (e.g. Hermia), the world of the forest (e.g. Oberon), and the world of Athens tradesmen (e.g. Bottom). The ways in which these worlds interact and intersect is the heart of the play.

In a well-organized and polished essay, explain why you think Shakespeare designed his story like this. Why are there three worlds in one play? What effects does Shakespeare intend for this structure to have on the audience?

Procedure: Use these three pre-writing activities to lead you to a thesis statement.

• Make a tree map of the three worlds. In each branch, list the appropriate characters and events.
• Begin by brainstorming common and distinct characteristics of each of the worlds. It may be helpful to use a double-bubble (or triple-bubble?!) map to show your thinking on this.
• Then, carefully consider how the characters and the settings function in the play. What incites humor? What introduces conflict? How do characters reveal themselves and/or grow and change? How does conflict resolve?
• A thesis may follow this format: In Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, ___________ , ____________, and _______________ interact in order to show/reveal/prove/illuminate __________________________________.

Then, write at least two body paragraphs. Each body paragraph will include at least two PIEs. In the Explanation of each PIE, you’ll discuss how one literary device (imagery, rhythm/meter, pun/malapropism, or irony) in the quote you chose furthers your argument. In other words, each Illustration should contain a literary device that furthers your thesis.

Evaluation: Your essay will be assessed according to these criteria

Ideas:
• Thesis statement reflects deep thinking about theme, character development, and/or conflict.
• Topic sentences are analytical and clearly connect to thesis statement.
• Each body paragraph contains at least two PIEs with quotes smoothly integrated.
• Explanations contain analysis of literary devices.
• Essay reflects original and creative thinking.

Organization:
• Introduction is engaging and significant.
• Opening lines provide insight into the text and establish context for analytical discussion.
• Each body paragraph has a topic sentence, a concluding sentence, as well as a transition.
• Closing paragraph is engaging and significant.
• The author addresses how the ideas have evolved during the essay, and may include connections to other pieces of literature or real life.

Conventions:
• Errors in mechanics, grammar, or usage do not detract from the meaning of the essay.
• Careful word choice enhances the meaning of the essay, as well as the enjoyment of the reader.
• Proper MLA format is followed throughout including document design, direct quotations cited in Shakespearean format, and a works cited entry.
• Sentences flow nicely because the writer has varied sentence types and openings.
• Essay reflects hard work in editing and polishing.

**The Writing Center can help you at any stage in your process! Please visit The Writing Center, as they are prepared to offer extensive one-on-one support. They will not grade your essay; however, they will conference with you to discuss your questions regarding ideas, organization, and usage. Students who have visited The Writing Center have reported that they feel it helped.

Due Dates

• Rough Draft: Wednesday, Feb. 24 (peer review day)

• Final Essay Window: Thursday, Feb. 25 to Friday, Feb. 26 at 3:10 p.m.

• Papers turned in on Monday, March 1 will receive a 10% deduction. However, if you have visited The Writing Center at any time during the writing process, you may turn in your paper on Monday, March 1 without any point deduction. Just make sure that you have Ms. Gonzales or Ms. Mohs sign your rough draft to show that you visited The Writing Center.

• Papers turned in on March 2 or later will only receive half credit.