Dr. Gingrich,
AP Lang
Fall 2011
Rough Draft is due Monday, September 26th at the beginning of the period
2nd Draft is due Friday, October 3rd by 4pm
Write a story of 3-5 pages in the style of the Romantic Writers or of the Dark Romantics/Gothic Writers. The following is a guide of characteristics for the story.
Stories will be graded on originality, description and detail, quality and sophistication of writing, and illustration of Romantic/Gothic characteristics.
Values feeling and intuition over reason
Places faith in inner experience and the power of the imagination
Emphasizes individual freedom
Is very sympathetic toward the past
Believes in primitivism/noble savage
Mysticism
A Love of nature
The Romantic Hero has the following characteristics:
· Young, or possesses youthful qualities
· Innocent and Pure of purpose
· Sense of honor based not on society’s rules but on some higher purpose
· Knowledge of people and of life based not on society’s rules but on some higher principle
· Knowledge of people based and of life based on deep, intuitive understanding, not on formal learning
· Loves nature and abhors town life/society
· Quests for some higher truth in the natural world
Most gothic novels or stories are tales of mystery and horror and include the elements of
· the supernatural,
· wild and desolate landscapes (dark forests, feudal halls, mysterious castles),
· monstrous apparitions and curses
· stupefying atmosphere and setting of doom and gloom
· heroes and heroines in the direst of imaginable straits—who do not always triumph
· wicked villain (witches, monsters, evil lords and ladies)
·
“4”
A story in this category is very creative, imaginative, and descriptive. This paper shows a strong understanding of the Romantic/Gothic categories and integrates those aspects in the story in a highly sophisticated and effective manner. Images, style, and description make a powerful impression on the reader. The reader is highly engaged with the story from the outset and maintains their interest throughout the reading. Characters, setting, and plot are extremely engaging and developed. Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure do not interfere with reading.
“3”
A story in this category is very creative, imaginative, and descriptive. This paper shows a some understanding of the Romantic/Gothic categories and integrates those aspects in the story in a sophisticated and effective manner. Images are clear, crisp, and make a strong impression on the reader. The reader is highly engaged with the story from the outset and maintains their interest throughout most of the reading, with few lapses in interest. Characters, setting, and plot are well developed and explained. Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure do not interfere with reading.
“2”
A story in this category shows limited creativity, imagination, and description. This paper shows a little understanding of the Romantic/Gothic categories but may not connect those ideas to the story very effectively. Images may tell not show, and may not make much impression on the reader. The reader might find the story slightly interesting or may find it highly interesting but hard to follow. Characters, setting, and plot may need more explanation and development. Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure may interfere with the reader’s comprehension.
“1”
A story in this category may not use any of the Romantic/Gothic features, may not be at all imaginative, may not have any development, or may have serious grammatical problems which may make it impossible to read.