Satan's Last Speech
Among the most famous passages in Paradise Lost are these words from Satan's last speech (lines 254-255):
The mind is its own place, and in itself
Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.
In a one page, double-spaced essay, explain what these words mean and whether they address something that is true about the human condition. In your opinion, are Satan's last words an accurate description of what the mind can do? Use examples from your own experience and knowledge to find ways in which these words are (or are not) true in everyday life.
The mind is its own place, and in itself
Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.
In a one page, double-spaced essay, explain what these words mean and whether they address something that is true about the human condition. In your opinion, are Satan's last words an accurate description of what the mind can do? Use examples from your own experience and knowledge to find ways in which these words are (or are not) true in everyday life.
Assignment Rubric
Ideas and Content20 points
Essay provides an insightful and thoughtful answer that explains Satan’s words from Milton’s epic. Essay is on prompt and draws upon the writer’s own personal experience and knowledge to completely answer the question. |
Organization10 points
Essay is at least one page in length, intelligible, typed and double-spaced. Paragraphs are arranged in a logical sequence. Intro – body – concluding paragraphs give the essay structure. |
Word Choice10 points
Well-chosen words convey the intended message in an interesting, precise, and natural way. The writer uses language that is clear and concise. |
Sentence Fluency10 points
Strong and varied sentence structure clearly conveys meaning. There are no run-ons or sentence fragments. |
Conventions5 points
Writer makes no errors in spelling or grammar. |