Professors Instructions:
Take this opportunity to say something substantial about the subtexts (Medieval and Modern) of dramatic attempts to deal with the larger moral and philosophical issues concerning (on the Macrocosmic level) the basis and function of the Flood myth, the relationship between the Human and the Divine, the icon of the Prophet in the Wilderness, and notions of Sin & Judgment. To this end, research and write a 2500-word paper comparing and contrasting the core elements of this type of internal spiritual struggle with any recent film or artifact of popular culture which seems to you to deal with similar themes. I leave the selection of the specific film or other text to your judgment, but the work in question should have broad popular appeal in contemporary America. This paper should draw upon several (3-5) published reviews and critiques of your chosen film or work from major news sources, as well as a like number (that is, another 3-5) of critical articles on Medieval Drama in general and/or on the play we are producing in particular. We’ll discuss appropriate sources in class. No more than a third of this essay should comprise necessary plot summary; the balance should represent a serious attempt to find common ground between Medieval and Modern concerns.
PLA Breakdown:
compare and contrast how the Wakefield Noah and some modern drama(s) tackle a somehow similar thing (theme, moral, philosophical issue, whatever) for their respective audiences.These themes can be the ones explored on a large scale, like the flood thing, the prophet thing, or the SIN AND ETERNAL JUDGMENT thing
Outline that may be useful:
~Introduction
~Introduce the Wakefield Noah
Plot, general themes, moral, etc.
Could be a good place to incorporate some of those scholarly sources
~Try to bring in modernity now, discussing themes from Noah that are classic and applicable to any society
Could use some scholarly sources here that make points about your theme in general, what have you
~First movie/TV show
Plot, general themes, moral, etc.
~Introduce first critical review
~Compare/contrast to medieval play
~Keep discussing first movie/TV show
~Introduce second critical review
~Compare/contrast to medieval play
~If you want to do more than one thing, here may be the time to introduce the second movie/TV show
~Introduce third critical review
~Compare/contrast to medieval play
~*If you have enough sources / need to make more points,* introduce fourth critical review
~Compare/contrast to medieval play
