General Instructions
- Your essay should begin with a clear statement of your thesis. This thesis
should be an opinion, something requiring an argument. If the thesis is
merely factual, it is not a thesis. Ask yourself, “Can my thesis be
refuted? Can it be doubted? Is it possible to imagine a contrary point of
view?” If the answer is “no,” aim to refine it
slightly.
- Build your essay’s argument around evidence from the texts. This evidence
should include citation of specific passages. There is no need to copy out
the passage to which you are referring. Instead, simply indicate the act,
scene, and line numbers. For example, if you wish to cite lines 23-25 from
Act 3, Scene 2 of
Richard II, simply write
“3.2.23-35”. There is no need to write “Shakespeare” or
“Richard II” or the words “Act,”
“Scene,” and “Lines.”
- Do not fill your essay with numerous citations. It is better to cite a
pertinent few, judiciously selected, and to analyze each in some detail as
it pertains to the argument.
- Do not refer to yourself. Phrases such as “I think” or
“I believe” are totally unnecessary and should be avoided. Also,
be sure to use the literary present tense. For example, do not write,
“Hermia said to Helena”; write, “Hermia says to
Helena.” What happens in a work of literature happens in the
present—every time we see or read it. Do not think of it as taking
place in the past.
Prompts
Choose one of the following, or devise your own prompt. If you opt for the
latter, you must clear it with me first.
Feel free to devise and respond to some variation of any one
of these prompts. Whatever you decide, however, your essay must reference to at
least two plays.