English 105
Essay 4
For your final essay, you may choose any play covered from weeks 8-10. You will analyze the play with the elements of drama covered back at the beginning of the course. You should discuss how the playwright incorporates the elements discussed to create an effective play. You may find it useful to review Chapter 26 as you consider how to approach this essay.
As you discuss how the author uses the element, make sure to explain how this element contributes to developing the play’s overall theme or purpose. This means that you will have to decide how you wish to interpret the play before you begin, so you need to allow yourself enough time to read the play thoroughly more than once. Once you have decided how you interpret the play, then you can explain how the author’s use of plot/character/dialogue/setting/diction etc. serves to communicate the message you see in the play.
Your paper should have a clear thesis, such as:
Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby uses poetic diction, religious symbolism, and a Jazz Age setting to critique the values of the 1920s.
Such a thesis makes it clear to me what elements you will discuss and will help you keep your focus through the paper.
To prove your analysis is correct, you will need to back your claims with specific references to the play you are discussing. Your paper should contain at least 3 passages directly quoted from the play. Document these passages with the playwright’s last name and the page number.
Your paper should be at least 1000 words (please remember to include your word count at the top of your paper). It can be longer, but not shorter. Please ensure that you have fully explained your points because simply meeting the word count limit is not enough—your discussion must be complete as well.
Your paper should be a minimum of 1000 words, with a word count appearing at the bottom of your header (see example below).
Your Name (Jane Smith)
Professor Name (Dr. Russell)
Class Number (English 105)
Word Count (1000 words)
