Download Merchant of Venice RESPONSE JOURNAL

Your Merchant of Venice Literary Response Journal (LRJ) should convince me that you have read and
thought carefully about each scene. You will have a separate response (page) for each scene of the play.
Your grade is based on content -- what you have to say, how well you say it, your thoughts and feelings
about the play, and your explanation of the logic that led to your interpretation. The gist: You must
choose a quote, decide what element of literature it best represents, and explain how and/or why that
quote represents an important idea in the play (that supports the author’s intention). We will attempt the
first Act and Scene together.
Your grade is also based on following directions. Following the conventions of grammar and usage will
be necessary but not specifically graded (as an AP student should ALWAYS heed correct grammar and
usage) – HOWEVER, to receive credit, you MUST include the following in every LRJ:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
the Act and Scene on the top of the page- 3.1 or III.i
a quotation from the scene with line numbers
the element of literature you are employing (see #1-12)
analysis- the how and or why it supports your claim and its importance in the play
specific references to the play
thorough and careful thought
After you've included the six MUSTs above, you may choose any of these below to guide your response.
You may even choose the same one every time (if it fits). Consider the possibilities (Elements of
Literature):
1. Characterization- an analysis of a major character -- flat/round, static/dynamic, internal / external
conflicts, dominant traits, significant actions, personal relationships
2. Characterization- a comparison / contrast of related characters -- protagonist / antagonist, foils,
doubles, stereotypes, stock characters
3. Characterization- a discussion of the role(s) played by minor character(s)
4. Setting- a discussion of how the setting effects other elements of the play
5. Setting- an analysis of the effect of setting -- time, place, circumstances, symbol, point of view
6. Plot- an analysis of elements of plot (exposition, narrative hook, rising action, climax / turning
point, falling action, resolution) , plot patterns, shift (yes, shift).
7. Point-of-View- an analysis of the effect of the author's chosen point of view
8. Symbol- an explanation of symbolism in the play and its effect on other elements of the play
9. Theme- a discussion of the validity and development of the theme(s)
10. Title analysis- a discussion of the title's significance to the chosen part of the play
11. Diction or Tone analysis- a detailed response to a specific word, phrase, line, sentence, passage,
or scene (especially in Shakespeare) and how or why it is significant
12. Style (and cite which one in your #2)a close analysis of the writer's style -- figurative language,
imagery, sentence structure, specific word choices, or connotation and denotation
13. Good ‘ole IRONY! A detailed response to the analysis of the irony and its effect on the play
Length: Approximately 1/2 to 1 page long for each scene
Format: Blue or black ink, front side of the paper only