TRAGIC-HERO ESSAY

 

UNITY, FOCUS, AND ORGANIZATION

 

____Underline thesis and topic sentences

 

____No thesis statement in introductory paragraph.

 

____Tragic-Hero Characteristics not defined.  Let reader know what you’re talking about.

 

____Sentences not focused on the tragic-hero’s traits or on topic sentence. Some body sentences only summarize.  Focus each independent clause on the tragic-hero’s traits.

 

____Use subordination to ensure that independent clause focus is on the tragic-hero’s traits and that plot details, quotations, etc. appear in dependent elements.

 

____Faulty organization.  Ensure that each paragraph covers different ground.  Ensure that matters discussed in the same paragraph logically belong together.

 

DEVELOPMENT

 

Not enough specific evidence for  _____Position    _____Tragic Flaw    _____Reversal    ____Recognition.  Use examples, details, and direct quotations as specific evidence with which to develop your topic sentences.

 

Not enough analysis and explanation for  _____Position    _____Tragic Flaw    _____Reversal    ____Recognition .  Explain clearly how the evidence reveals the characteristic.  Make reader see what you mean.

 

____ Identify characters, situations, contexts,  etc.  with which the reader may be unfamiliar.  Don’t assume he’s read the work or already understands the point you are trying to make. Don’t expect reader to read your mind.

 

____ Errors of fact. 

 

STYLE AND MECHANICS

 

____Follow MLA Form.

 

____Choppy or stringy sentences.  Combine related sentences by subordination.

 

____Vary beginnings of sentences.

 

____Vary phrasing of same or similar ideas. Vary sentence patterns.

 

____Establish transitions between paragraphs and between sentences

 

____Wordiness.  Make statements more concise.  Eliminate unnecessary words by choosing diction more carefully and by combining related sentences.  Avoid passive voice; use strong, active verbs.

 

____Tense.  Write about literature in present tenses.  Do not shift tenses unnecessarily.

 

Mishandled direct quotations. 

 

____Make each quotation part of one of your sentences.  Introduce each quotation, clearly identifying speaker, context, and any unclear references within the quotation. 

 

____Put line number(s) in parenthesis after quotation.	____Use virgules to separate lines.
____Set off verse quotations longer than three lines.	____Put period at end of sentence.

 

PROOFREAD.		Wrong Punctuation
____Fragment	____Miscopied quotation	____Quotation within quotation
____Run-on sentence	____Diction error or misused term	____Coordinating conjunction
____Misspelling	____Lack of parallelism	____Introductory element
____Garbled or wrong syntax	____Wrong or misplaced modifier	____Restrictive/non-restrictive element
____S-V disagreement	____Omitted or misused apostrophe	____Concluding adverb clause
____Wrong case	____Omitted or redundant words	____Title
____Wrong principal part	____Unclear or illogical pronoun reference	____Other