Write a well-developed and well-organized essay about:
prompt: Women’s rights / the treatment of female characters (Trifles)
Each paragraph needs to have the following:
1. A strong first sentence that reflects the argument of the thesis
2. Sentence / punctuation variety & adequate detail
3. Organized writing & objective voice (no pronouns)
4. At least one quote–toward the middle of the paragraph (paragraphs 2- 5 only)
5. Eight to twelve (8-12) sentence
6. MLA formatting and no mistakes
Paragraph Design
Paragraph #1: Include a clear and exciting hook; one or two (1-2) sentences about drama/theater; one or two (1-2) sentences about the playwright; three to five (3-5) sentences to summarize the play; one or two (1-2) sentences, thesis & essay map. Suggested length: 10 – 12 sentences.
Paragraph #2: This paragraph is about Renaissance theater (if you are writing about Hamlet) or Modern theater (if you are writing about Trifles.) Use any of the links under MODULES; you may also use the pages, 1,076 – 1,081 in your textbook if you like. You must include at least one quote. Suggested length: 8 – 12 sentences.
Paragraph #3: This paragraph is biography only; you may use either www.poetryfoundation.org OR (Links to an external site.) www.biography.com OR a website devoted to Glaspell. (Links to an external site.) You must include at least one quote. Suggested length: 8 – 12 sentences.
Paragraph #4: This paragraph is about the play. It must support the argument of the thesis. Review and reference specific moments in the play to “prove your point.” What characters are most convincing? Are there any stage directions OR symbols that you deem important? Is there something else that the playwright does—that is especially valuable? Suggested length: 10 – 12 sentences. Warning: Do not merely summarize the plot.
Paragraph #5: This is a second paragraph about the play. It, too, must support the argument of the thesis. Review and reference specific moments in the play to “prove your point.” What characters are most convincing? Are there any stage directions OR symbols that you deem important? Is there a conversation between two characters—or a soliloquy—that is crucial to the meaning of the play? Suggested length: 10 – 12 sentences. Warning: Do not merely summarize the plot.
Paragraph #6: Conclusion—it is time to gradually “step away” from the play. How and in what ways is the play important today? Remind me of your major points but do not repeat them. In the middle of the paragraph, include either a useful quote OR a rhetorical question, if you like. Suggested length: 8 – 12 sentences.
