Creative
Writing Assignment #3: Epitaph Analysis
Epitaph Assignment: Crafting a
Meaningful Tribute
Assignment Overview: In
this assignment, you will explore the art of creating epitaphs – concise and
impactful inscriptions on gravestones or memorial plaques that honor and
remember individuals who have passed away. Epitaphs are an opportunity to
capture the essence of a person’s life, values, and impact in just a few words.
You will delve into the creative process of distilling someone’s legacy into a
meaningful epitaph.
Assignment Steps:
Step 1: Research and Inspiration Begin by researching different epitaphs from
historical figures, literature, and real-life examples. Consider epitaphs that
evoke emotion, convey a person’s achievements, capture their personality, or
provide a glimpse into their values.
Step 2: Choose a Historical Figure Select a historical figure (real or fictional) whose
life and contributions you find intriguing. It could be a scientist, artist,
leader, writer, or any individual who left a significant impact on society.
Step 3: Reflect on Their Legacy Conduct further research to understand the chosen
historical figure’s life, achievements, challenges, and significance in their
respective field or era. Reflect on their personal values, beliefs, and how
they influenced the world around them.
Step 4: Drafting Epitaphs The
chosen epitaph should capture a distinct aspect of their life, character, or
legacy. Use expressive/moving language, metaphors, or concise statements to
convey depth of meaning.
Step 5: Reflection After
in-depth personal reflection, justify your choice with a brief explanation.
Step 7: Presentation Prepare
a 2-3 page reaction paper where you showcase the historical figure, their
achievements, and the chosen epitaph. Explain how the epitaph encapsulates
their legacy and why it is a fitting tribute.
Assessment Criteria:
- Creativity and originality in crafting epitaphs.
- Depth of understanding of the chosen historical
figure’s life and legacy. - Clear and concise communication in the
presentation. - Justification for the final epitaph choice based
on research and reflection.
Submission: Submit
a written document containing the following:
- Introduction: Historical figure’s name and
context. - Epitaph Chosen
- Justification for the final epitaph choice
(150-200 words). - Presentation outline with key points and visuals
(slides, images, etc.). - Reflection on the assignment process and the
significance of epitaphs in honoring legacies (100-150 words).
Remember
that epitaphs are a unique form of literary art, requiring thoughtfulness,
empathy, and precision to capture the essence of a person’s life in just a few
words.
An
epitaph assignment rubric typically assesses students’ ability to create
meaningful and concise inscriptions for gravestones or memorials. Here’s a
sample rubric with points for different criteria:
Content (60 points):
- Clarity and conciseness of the message. Is the
message easy to understand and to the point? - Reflective and meaningful content. Does the
epitaph capture the essence of the person’s life or convey a heartfelt
sentiment? - Originality and creativity. Does the epitaph avoid
clichés and present a unique perspective? - Appropriate language and tone. Is the language
respectful and suitable for the context of a gravestone?
Grammar and Spelling (20 points):
- Proper grammar and sentence structure. Are there
no major grammatical errors? - Accurate spelling. Are there no spelling mistakes?
- Punctuation and formatting. Is the epitaph
properly punctuated and formatted for clarity?
Aesthetic and Emotional Impact (20 points):
- Visual presentation. Is the epitaph visually
appealing and well laid out? - Emotional resonance. Does the epitaph evoke
emotions and engage the reader on a personal level?
Historical/Cultural Relevance (40 points):
- Historical or cultural context. Does the
epitaph fit within the context of the time period or cultural background
of the deceased? - Inclusion of
relevant details. Does the epitaph mention any significant achievements,
affiliations, or qualities that are culturally or historically
significant?
APA
Formatting (20 points)
Total: 160 points
Remember
that this rubric is just a sample and can be adjusted based on the specific
requirements and learning objectives of the assignment. Always provide clear
instructions to students and ensure that the rubric aligns with the goals of
the task.