English Graded Assignment: Semester Test Part 2 Analysis and Answers

This assignment provides a comprehensive analysis of an English semester test, focusing on three key literary works: Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales," Shakespeare's Sonnet 73, and Shakespeare's "Hamlet." The solution explores the inclusion of both positive and negative representations in "The Canterbury Tales," examining character traits and societal reflections. It delves into the poetic elements, imagery, symbolism, and central theme of Sonnet 73, highlighting Shakespeare's exploration of mortality. Furthermore, the assignment compares and contrasts Hamlet and Fortinbras, examining their similarities and differences, and the implications of these contrasts. The analysis provides detailed answers and insights into each question, offering a thorough understanding of the literary works and their significance. This assignment is a valuable resource for students studying English literature, providing detailed explanations and examples to aid in their understanding and improve their performance on similar assessments. The document is available on Desklib, a platform offering study resources.

English | Graded Assignment | Semester Test, Part 2
Name: Date:
Graded Assignment
Semester Test, Part 2
The semester test has two parts. Part 1 has online, computer-scored questions. Part 2 has offline, teacher-scored
questions. Complete the offline portion of the Semester Test now. Read each question carefully. Answer in the
space provided.
When you finish, submit it to the teacher. Remember: You need to complete both parts of the test by the due
date to receive full credit.
Total score: ____ of 45 points
(Score for Question 1: ___ of 10 points)
1. Why does Chaucer include both positive and negative representations of people from different estates in The
Canterbury Tales? Give one example of a positive representation and one example of a negative
representation. Explain how each character shows either positive or negative traits. Your answer should be at
least one paragraph.
Answer:
Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” is in no doubt a close weaving of the medieval English society and as the
reflection shows both the positive and negative which were present and the characters show realistic portrayal for
no society could be wholly positive or entirely negative. An example of a positive nature is that of the knight who
shows a deviation from the aristocratic tendencies of overusing his power. And the case of the negative character
is that of the Miller who lives up to the reputation of the third state of being corrupt and depriving people of their
money through overpricing grains.
(Score for Question 2: ___ of 10 points)
2. Reread Sonnet 73 by William Shakespeare now. It is located on page 69 of your Journeys anthology.
Describe the poetic elements of this sonnet. What imagery and symbolism does Shakespeare use? What is
the central theme of the work? Your answer should be at least one paragraph.
Answer:
Shakespeare uses iambic pentameter to give a sense of urgency to the readers who represent the central
theme of time fleeting. The central theme of sonnet 73 by William Shakespeare is the mortality of human life
where he calls upon his lover’s love and complete attention due to his ageing and the fatality of death roaming
over his head. The imagery used in the sonnets is very visual with the use of colors symbolizing death and decay
with the passing of time. The symbolism of the yellow drying leaves with the passing of time symbolizes his
ageing and ‘black night’ for death.
(Score for Question 3: ___ of 25 points)
3. Compare and contrast Hamlet and Fortinbras in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. How are the two figures
alike? How are they different? What do readers and audience members come to understand as a result of the
similarities and differences that exist between these characters? Your answer should be two or more
paragraphs.
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English | Graded Assignment | Semester Test, Part 2
Answer:
Shakespeare’s Prince Hamlet from the tragedy ‘Hamlet’ shares a similar clear fate with Fortinbras, who is
the prince of Norway and is seen to be on the way to avenge his father’s death who is killed by Hamlet’s father.
They are both the only living heir of their kingdom and is shown to be adamant in their will to avenge themselves.
The differences are however more in quantity as the hamlet suffers due to his nature indecision and at times
acting without getting to the bottom of the situation. For example, in the case of Polonius he does not bother to
find out who is behind the curtain and ends up killing him. While Fortinbras acts as the foil of the Prince as he is
always certain of his actions.
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Copying or distributing without K12’s written consent is prohibited.