Overview
Choose one option:
OPTION 1-
Antigone – Sophocles
According to Hegel, Sophocles’ tragic play, Antigone, is not a conflict between right and wrong, rather it dramatizes “a collision between the two highest moral powers,” family and state. Hegel says that: “Each of these two sides realizes only one of the moral powers…and the meaning of eternal justice is shown in this, that both end in injustice because they are one-sided”. For Hegel, therefore, Antigone and Creon are equally right and equally wrong. Do a character analysis* of either Antigone or Creon, arguing the reasons for their actions and decisions, and showing why they are morally right. Then proceed to critique the character’s choices and behavior, showing why they are simultaneously wrong. In writing this paper, use proper terminology to discuss Greek tragedy (see my PowerPoint).
*In a character analysis, you crystallize what makes the character tick. It is a kind of psychological profile in which you reveal the key to understanding the character, the reasons why they behave in a certain way, their contradictions, their mistakes, their humanity, etc.
**Your paper should be based solely on textual evidence from the play. This is not a research paper, and you should not use the Internet or outside sources to complete this assignment. Using the Internet can lead to plagiarism. Each paragraph (except the introduction and the conclusion) must be supported by adequate citations from the play. Citations should be introduced, analyzed, and used to support your argument. Your paper must contain a clear thesis that responds to the prompt.
OPTION 2-
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – William Shakespeare
In William Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the world of dreams, and of fairies becomes indistinguishable from the real world for the characters in the play. This romantic comedy seems to suggest that the world of dreams spills into reality and, at times, it is hard to know if we are dreaming, as we cannot separate one from the other. At the end of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Theseus says: “The best [plays] in this kind are just shadows[1], and the worst are no worse if imagination amends them”[2] (5. 1. 211-12). Write a paper in which you argue the role of dreams and imagination in Shakespeare’s comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In writing this paper you might consider the importance of the magical setting, the similarities and differences between the world of fairies and the real world, and the function of the craftsmen’s play, in relation to the main play.
[1] “shadows” Theseus means “likenesses,” or representations; therefore, not real.
[2] By this Theseus means that the best plays are only illusions, and the worst are just as good if we use our imagination to fill them in.
*By imagination I am referring to our willingness to “suspend our disbelief” when watching a play; the willingness, on the part of the audience, to believe the unbelievable, or to believe the world that is presented to us in the play for the sake of enjoyment. What is the effect of this magic world on the audience and the characters? Does the play-within-the play re-affirm the importance of imagination? How does it affect our understanding of the main play? What commentary does the play-within-the play offer on the events of the main play?
**Your paper should be based solely on textual evidence from this play, do not use any other play by Shakespeare alongside this play. This is not a research paper, and you should not use the Internet or outside sources to complete this assignment. Using the Internet can lead to plagiarism. Each paragraph (except the introduction and the conclusion) must be supported by adequate citations from the play. Citations should be introduced, analyzed, and used to support your argument. Your paper must contain a clear thesis that responds to the prompt.
OPTION 3 -
The Importance of Being Earnest - Oscar Wilde
In the play The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde makes a critique of English upper classes. Write a paper in which you analyze how such critique is being delivered* and what aspects of upper-class society’s habits and attitudes are being critiqued.
* This paper must focus on an analysis of language, including verbal humor, situational irony, witticisms, etc.
** Your paper should be based solely on textual evidence from the play you have chosen. This is nota research paper, and you should not use the Internet or outside sources to complete this assignment. Using the Internet can lead to plagiarism. Each paragraph (except the introduction and the conclusion) must be supported by adequate citations from the play. Citations should be introduced, analyzed, and used to support your argument. Your paper must contain a clear thesis that responds to the prompt.
General Criteria for Evaluation:
- Argument: Argument directly and fully answers the prompt; is clearly stated early in the paper; is original, compelling and logical, avoiding absolute claims
- Evidence: Appropriate amount of relevant, accurate, and justifiably interpreted quotation. Quotations are thoroughly introduced, explained, analyzed, and connected to argument. Possible counter-arguments are considered.
- Organization: Paragraphs maintain argumentative focus, exclude extraneous information, appear in a logical order, and transition smoothly. Introduction sets forth argument and goals of essay. Conclusion opens up avenues for future research.
- Audience: Consistent, academic tone. Appropriate amount of contextual information, anticipating audience questions. Addresses significant issues and makes them important to audience.
- Grammar and Format: Errors in grammar, spelling, and usage limited or non-existent. Correct MLA format, including proper quotation citation.
Formatting Guidelines for Papers:
All formal writing assignments must:
- use MLA style (including a work cited page)
- be typed in Times New Roman 12 font ONLY
- be double-spaced
- have one-inch margins all around
- indicate, in the upper left-hand corner, your name, the instructor's name, course information, date, and assignment number
- have a creative title
Paper Length:
Rough draft should be 3-4 pages long (This means that you must go onto pg. 4; minimum is top of pg. 4, maximum bottom of pg. 4)
Final draft should be 4-5 pages long (This means that you must go onto pg. 5; minimum is top of pg. 5, maximum bottom of pg. 5)