The Tempest
Discuss the power of storytelling as it is depicted and explored in The Tempest.
Examine (post-)colonial themes in The Tempest
Investigate the vital role of a minor character in the play.
Explore the masque (Act IV) and its significance for the play as a whole.
Should Prospero be considered a hero?
This essay requires the student to offer a close reading of one of the listed poetic or dramatic texts. In each case, the essay should respond to the prompt given. PLEASE NOTE: the topic options provided below are merely a starting point and do not constitute a full-fledged thesis: the student must develop their own reading and thesis concerning the text as part of the assignment. In the cases of the poetic texts, which are considerably shorter, this guidance is particularly important to observe: simple explication is not acceptable. Similarly. in the cases of the dramatic texts, mere summary does not equate to mounting an argument. In all instances, you must ofter an analysis and discussion in order to advance the interpretation vou are oftering
Essavs should make use of textual evidence-quotations and, where necessary, paraphrase which should be incorporated into the flow of the analvsis and discussion: all of which must be cited. Material from the text should not dominate the argument, however; rather, the evidence should be used to demonstrate and support the paper’s thesis and analvsis. Secondary resources are not a requirement of this assignment: the aim and focus is a close reading and on crafting a coherent, well-organised, and well-supported argument. However, if secondary resources (critical, historical, scientific, etc.), the must be properly quoted and cited.
Further essay requirements:
a title that indicates both the topic selected and, ideally, a line of argument taken
a clearly stated thesis-be it one or two sentences in the introduction-_in bold-faced type at least four direct quotations from the texts) being analysed
these should be precisely connected to the point being made
quotations should be built into the flow of vour own sentences: do not plunk down quotations on their own and leave them to do the work for vou use quotations of a reasonable length: do not deploy enormous block quotations without engaging with them at appropriate length
Essays should be written in an appropriate. academic register. As has been re-iterated in class, this means, among Other issues.
no colloquialisms or slang:
no use of the second person (i.e., “you”) – please do note that “I” and “we” are acceptable; full sentences are required;
correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar is the expectation; and be sure to revise, edit, and proofread.
In addition to their theses, argumentation, and use of textual evidence, papers will be marked on the execution of the above requirements
