Goals:
1) To conduct an analysis of your chosen play which draws on judicious use of textual evidence;
2) To place this analysis within the play’s cultural or generic context;
3) To develop an informed response based on reasoned analysis;
4) To produce an effective piece of writing that begins with a refined thesis, follows a logical progression relying on specific evidence, and offers an argument to support its thesis and defend its meaning;
5) To demonstrate research and information literacy skills.
Format: It should use MLA-style formatting, citations, and bibliography. Documentation and formatting will be considered during grading.
Directions:
For this paper, you may write on any ONE of the plays read over the course of the semester except the one on which you wrote your close reading paper. If you wish to use one of the final two plays, read ahead since a draft of this paper is due on Apr. 14. Once you have chosen your play, you should think of a social or genre aspect of the work that interests you. Then ask the following questions:
(1) How is your chosen aspect treated in the text?
(2) How does knowing about this aspect affect your understanding of the text?
Your paper should include a clear explanation of the aspect you chose, as well as your opinions about its relationship to the work.
In addition to your play, this paper must have a research component. For your secondary texts, you must make use of the library’s catalogue and/or databases. (Texts not gathered via the library will not be accepted). The minimum number of secondary texts for this assignment is four. When researching do not read any criticisms of your play. Only research your chosen aspect.
