Designate each essay by question number and question title.
Choose TWO of the following questions (prompts), and write a coherent, well-reasoned, well-evidenced essays in response to both. For each question, you are required to discuss at least three (3) plays read since the midterm (i.e. from The Merchant of Venice through Hamlet)—although you may mention other relevant plays and sonnets if you wish. Draw first on the featured play texts themselves, but also on textbook introductions, teacher commentary, class notes, and class discussions. Read each question carefully and use your time wisely. Be as specific as possible. Here are the Shakespeare plays read and discussed: The Merchant of Venice, I Henry IV, Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V, and Hamlet. You can mention other plays but these 5 are the main plays that should be discussed.
1. Dads and Daughters: Compare and contrast father-daughter relations in three (3) plays. Consider such questions as these: What are the ideals of father-daughter relations, and how (if at all) are they articulated in each play? How do particular father-daughter pairings fulfill, violate, or modify these ideals? What consequences follow from such fulfillments, violations, or modifications in each play? Do the plays seem to endorse any model(s) of father-daughter relations? How or how not? Be as specific as possible.
2. Hal and Hamlet: Discuss the resemblances and differences between Hal/Henry, Prince of Wales (later Harry/King Henry V) and Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, as potential (and actual) rulers. (Discuss I Henry IV, Henry V, and Hamlet.) Consider such questions as these: What are the apparent virtues and flaws of each young man? What obstacles and perils does each face? What strategies does each adopt to face them? What questions preoccupy them? What models does each have for manhood and for leadership, and what does each make of them? How effective are these models shown to be? In the short run? In the long run? Be as specific as possible.
3. Couples Compared: Discuss the significant romantic pairings in three (3) plays. Consider such questions as these: To what extent do we know the lovers as individuals? What attracts them to each other? What are the obstacles to their attraction? How do they respond to these obstacles? What consequences follow from their actions—or inactions? Within individual plays, how are various couples paralleled and contrasted? Which attitudes and deeds seem to make for happiness? For tragedy? Do the plays seem to endorse any model(s) for romantic relations? How or how not? Be as specific as possible.
4. Varied Villains: Discuss the agents of evil in three (3) plays. Consider such questions as these: To what extent do we know each villain as an individual with recognizable motivations? Against which standards of good is each villain defined? How central are the villains’ deeds to each play’s action and meaning? What is significant about his choice of victims? What are his methods? What consequences follow from his actions, and how is he finally foiled? Does the play encourage us to feel any sympathy for the villain? How or how not? Be as specific as possible.
