Use Times New Roman font, Font size 12, no Boldface, and use of All Caps Put page numbers. Double spaced. 1 inch margin in all sides Put your STUDENT NUMBER (NO NAMES, SURNAMES OR NICKNAMES) on the upper right hand of the paper. And your section across it. 7. Include your own title of your essay.
GUIDE QUESTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS
1. Word Count SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN 3,000 WORDS. 2. As you ponder these elements, answer the following questions about the play, in paragraph format. Use complete sentences and good grammar to develop a good paragraph response to each question. Your style need not be formal, but it should be polished and thoughtful. WRITE YOUR OWN THOUGHTS, and DO NOT use outside internet sources or any other resources, other than for context. Steps to follow in writing a play analysis: CONTEXT: Consider the period setting of the play, and then research the events of the world during that time period. For example, if you are analyzing a play that takes place during the great depression, you will need to research and understand the current events and everyday human concerns of that period in order to write a dramaturgical analysis. The time setting is the most important part of dissecting the inner workings of a play. Characters are defined by their environments, just as we human beings are. So understanding the world events of a play's time period is essential in order to truly grasp the intended setting. When writing your analysis, include not only the broad events of the period, but also smaller scale concerns that would have affected the characters in the play at that time. These smaller, more personal glimpses into life during the period will actually prove to be the most beneficial to someone reading your analysis. CHARACTER: Analyze each character, answering the following questions: Who is the character? How is the character related to the other characters in the play? What is the character's position/job in the world? What does the character want? How does the character go about achieving what he or she wants? What is the ending result in the play for the character? These are the absolute essentials for an analysis. But more in-depth analysis is necessary for more central characters of the play. The importance of a character's role in the play should determine the extent to which their character is dissected. Search for more and
more detail, answering as many questions as possible about the function,
environment and methods of each and every character in the play. THOUGHT or THEME: Dissect the thematic elements of the play. Look for a broad, singular overall theme topic. For example, is the play really about love or sacrifice or family loyalty? Define this overall theme as the main intention of the play. From there, identify sub-themes which tie in with the overall intentions of the play. Look for contradictory thematic elements as well, as these are often used to create a diversity of opinion. Write a complete analysis of all the themes you are able to identify in the play. Include as many specifics as possible as to how the themes are demonstrated within the context of the play. DICTION/LANGUAGE: How would you characterize the dialogue? Is there anything distinguishing about the word images, the flow, the period language, etc.? What kind of words do the characters speak to discuss their ideas, feelings, and actions? Are there recurring words or ideas that take on symbolic or ironic meaning? What kind of tone do the characters use as they speak their words? (As you are reading the play, you must imagine this by putting yourself into a few roles.) MUSIC: What sounds do the characters or their surroundings make as the plot unfolds, builds, climaxes, and resolves? What musical or rhythmic patterns are used to develop ideas or atmosphere? If there is singing or instrumental music, why is it significant to the action? SPECTACLE: How do the costumes, props, and ground plan help or hinder the characters as they try to resolve their conflicts? Are there strong visual images in costume or set design which become significant or symbolic in the meaning of the play? (This is the central image which will help you determine the directorial concept. ) Summarize your opinions about this play in a short paragraph before you launch into the answers to the questions. Remember, you must respond to all 8 questions, in order. MY GRADING SYSTEM for STAGE PLAY ANALYSIS: Various point deductions: 5 each for failing to underline the title, to name the playwright, or to give the title of the play 10 for mixing your verb tenses 10 for each day it is turned in late 3 for each comma splice, run-on sentence, fragment, subject-verb agreement 1 (usually) for inaccurate statements, unless its REALLY wrong and you develop it to the point that you demonstrate a total misreading---or worse, that you didnt really read it.
1 (usually) for other mechanical errors (spelling, minor punctuation, awkward
wording, usage, or other misdemeanors)
Briefly, and generally speaking:
The A paper: shows careful thought, sincere responses, honest probing into the workings of the play. An A paper uses good grammar and spelling, good development of paragraphs, concrete details, active verbs, good vocabulary, careful proofreading, neat presentation. The A paper fully answers all of the questions listed above. Beyond this, this paper possesses a certain je ne sais quoi that shows me the writer REALLY spent some time thinking about the play and its impact. The B paper: All of the above, but perhaps not as well-developed, perhaps a few mechanical errors. Still a sincere effort. The C paper: GRADE: 75 The effort is there, but the execution is not as complete, nor as thoughtful, nor as accurate. Errors may be more frequent. All of the questions are answered but lacking some detail. The D paper: GRADE: 70 A paper which should be redone, because it is unfinished, full of mechanical errors, sloppy, or otherwise not ready to be turned in. The F paper: GRADE: 50 A paper which shows little effort, which misses the content of the play completely, which barely meets the requirements, and which will be returned to the writer for a complete revision to earn a passing grade. The 0 paper: One which is never turned in.
MY TYPICAL CORRECTION MARKS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SYMBOLS AND
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