Question 3: A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and, focusing on one symbol, write an essay analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot. You may choose a work from the list below or another novel or play of comparable literary merit.
S T U D E N T 3 A
I was actually surprised at how well and analytical this student response was written. I honestly found the introduction to be poorly organized, being very general and vague. I have not read the play, The Wild Duck. I found the plot summary to be helpful, beneficial to the prompt, and not too excessive. The student’s essay flowed impressively as their transitions were quite strong. Their claims become clearer and more concise throughout the essay (much better than their train wreck of an introduction). Their complex exploration of duck as a symbol of Hjalmar family and the family as one of Greggers is complex and warranted skillfully. Student 3A’s sample student response not only mentions the symbols, the duck, but reveals how it affects the other characters sophicatedly. Despite their wEaK thesis and introduction in general, I would give Student 3A a score of 8 for their insightful analysis of the work to the prompt.
I was actually surprised at how well and analytical this student response was written. I honestly found the introduction to be poorly organized, being very general and vague. I have not read the play, The Wild Duck. I found the plot summary to be helpful, beneficial to the prompt, and not too excessive. The student’s essay flowed impressively as their transitions were quite strong. Their claims become clearer and more concise throughout the essay (much better than their train wreck of an introduction). Their complex exploration of duck as a symbol of Hjalmar family and the family as one of Greggers is complex and warranted skillfully. Student 3A’s sample student response not only mentions the symbols, the duck, but reveals how it affects the other characters sophicatedly. Despite their wEaK thesis and introduction in general, I would give Student 3A a score of 8 for their insightful analysis of the work to the prompt.
S T U D E N T 3 B
While this sample student response seemed to have a stronger introduction than that of Student 3B’s response, I found much of their response to be very surface-level and showed less maturity. Their first claim has a very simple and pretty shallow. Their connection of Blanche’s fear of aging to the lampshade makes sense but it is not warranted in a captivating or insightful way. The second claim is barely explained in regards to the symbol. There is a rushed reference to the lampshade at the end with no thoughtful connection. The last paragraph is actually done quite wonderfully as it provides a myriad of evidence as well as an in-depth analysis. Student 3B’s last claim beautifully brings together the symbol and the theme as portrayed by the characters, Blanche and Alan. The conclusion ties together all of their claims and the prompt cleverly. Student 3B has a sufficiently written essay despite the flaws. Taking this into account, I would give Student 3B a score of 6.
While this sample student response seemed to have a stronger introduction than that of Student 3B’s response, I found much of their response to be very surface-level and showed less maturity. Their first claim has a very simple and pretty shallow. Their connection of Blanche’s fear of aging to the lampshade makes sense but it is not warranted in a captivating or insightful way. The second claim is barely explained in regards to the symbol. There is a rushed reference to the lampshade at the end with no thoughtful connection. The last paragraph is actually done quite wonderfully as it provides a myriad of evidence as well as an in-depth analysis. Student 3B’s last claim beautifully brings together the symbol and the theme as portrayed by the characters, Blanche and Alan. The conclusion ties together all of their claims and the prompt cleverly. Student 3B has a sufficiently written essay despite the flaws. Taking this into account, I would give Student 3B a score of 6.
S T U D E N T 3 C
This student sample response immediately begins with an introduction that seems to be all over the place. It is obvious that Student 3C shows a lot less maturity and control over their writing. The student constantly paraphrases Things Fall Apart but they do not aid in answering the prompt whatsoever. While the essay contains the right skeleton and idea for an response to the prompt, the execution is quite weak. They make claims that the machete is used as a defense weapon and a symbol of pride. However, they do use evidence from the book to back this up or make elaborate warrants. The student does not eloquently tie in the symbolism to the meaning of the work nor do they ever thoughtfully reference it. There is no complete conclusion as the student brings up prude randomly. They make a statement about no pride in killing oneself which is not entirely valid or proved through evidence that is insightful. Due to this, I would give Student 3C a score of 4.
This student sample response immediately begins with an introduction that seems to be all over the place. It is obvious that Student 3C shows a lot less maturity and control over their writing. The student constantly paraphrases Things Fall Apart but they do not aid in answering the prompt whatsoever. While the essay contains the right skeleton and idea for an response to the prompt, the execution is quite weak. They make claims that the machete is used as a defense weapon and a symbol of pride. However, they do use evidence from the book to back this up or make elaborate warrants. The student does not eloquently tie in the symbolism to the meaning of the work nor do they ever thoughtfully reference it. There is no complete conclusion as the student brings up prude randomly. They make a statement about no pride in killing oneself which is not entirely valid or proved through evidence that is insightful. Due to this, I would give Student 3C a score of 4.
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