I’ve got two other assignments due next week and I haven’t even started on this one because I’m not sure what word/phrase to choose, and this professor seems like he’s going to be an issue. the assignment is generally as follows.
Focusing on a key line, a short phrase, or a keyword in the text of Timon of Athens or in the text of Antony and Cleopatra, which by its frequency, strategic location in the text, or thematic and symbolic importance summarizes a key concept in Antony and Cleopatra OR in The Life of Timon of Athens, write an essay in
which you analyze the text of the play, trace and contextualize the usage of this word/concept, and demonstrate the significance of this word/concept/line for one’s understanding of the play. You need to look up the word(s) in the Oxford English Dictionary (do not use any other dictionary) and see what definitions apply to the specific passage you are focusing on. The Oxford ED is an authoritative, historical, etymological dictionary. Your essay must have a title and a thesis statement. The thesis statement needs to appear in your first paragraph. This is a DEFINITION essay.
This is an argumentative essay. You need to present, develop, and support an argument about the text of the play. Formulate a clear thesis. Your introduction needs to contain a statement that clearly summarizes the central argument of your essay. All essay assignments require academic prose in the thesis-and-support format, a methodical organization of structure, and textual evidence analyzed in support of your central argument. This assignment entails a close reading of the text. Your essay should be fully and amply supported with short quotations from the text of the play.
Review on how Shakespeare’s plays contain a combination of verse and prose. Prose and verse passages are cited differently.
Use of Crib notes, materials on the Internet, and any sources other than the OED and the text of the play are strictly forbidden.
Underline or place in italics titles of plays (as well as titles of books, journals, and magazines), but do not underline titles of essays. In a bibliography, the titles of essays are placed in quotation marks. Do not underline or place in quotation marks the title of your own essay on the title page.
Introduction (Organization): The introduction is inviting, states the main topic, articulates the thesis, and previews the structure of the paper.
Sequencing: Details are in a logical order and are presented effectively, keeping the interest of the reader. A variety of thoughtful transitions are used. They clearly show how ideas are connected.
Conclusion: The conclusion is strong, meaningful, and thoughtful.
Definitions: Clear and well-defined extended definition; does an exemplary job of supporting the thesis. Effective use of definition from OED.
