Write a paper analyzing BOTH plays through the lens of that prompt
Incorporate a minimum of three library sources, and at least two must be peer-reviewed
You may use a peer reviewed psychological or historical article instead for one of the two peer-reviewed articles; however, you must also use at least one work of literary criticism. BOOKS written by scholars are a peer-reviewed source that counts.
All sources must come from the Sbcc college library (though you may find interesting references from a Google search for introduction and/or conclusion). You may, however, ADD to your sources with interesting alternatives. For example, you might find a great podcast or documentary or interview that helps a lot. By all means, use those sources, too!
Most of your analysis should come from the plays themselves; the research will support the plays. Most of your body paragraphs should have quotes or summaries from the plays themselves.
An “A” paper will use no fewer than four relevant quotes or paraphrases from critical studies or production reviews, especially creative use of sources.
Promt:
The Hairy Ape centers on a man who no longer knows how to belong. The dominance of capitalism, the place immigrants inhabit, the changing world in which Yank no longer has a place: these are forces Yank is up against. Similarly, in A Doll’s House, several characters, men and women, struggle to belong in the patriarchal world. Nora herself belongs, but only insofar as she subscribes to her husband’s dictates; does she belong when her fortunes reverse? Or what about Nils Krogstad; will he ever belong? Does Kristine Linde, or Anne-Marie find belonging, and, if so, under whose rules? Write a research paper in which you explore the dynamics of belonging. You might consider even researching the psychology of belonging. Focus specifically on who gets to decide who belongs and on what basis as portrayed in both plays. Is there any intersection, such as laws and economic dominance? What do the endings of both plays suggest about the possibility of change? To what extent has the world changed relative to belonging in the world we inhabit today? Responding to this prompt may well be enriched with research on historical contexts embedded in either play, particularly The Hairy Ape.
Length: 2000-2200 words (not including Works Cited page)
Content: Thesis-driven argument/interpretation paper. Assume your reader has a general understanding of the story (so do not provide a summary or overview)
Format: Standard academic form with MLA citations–Include separate Works Cited page
Sources: At least three sources from the college library; two must be peer-reviewed (and at least one of those must be a work of literary criticism). Physical (or online) books are GREAT sources, and they will count as a peer-reviewed source BUT only if it is written/edited by a scholar (in other words, books such as self-help books do not count). And remember that when you use a book you usually only find 1-2 chapter of the book helpful.
In class, we have explored two contemporary theater pieces. Theater is not only a written text; it is a genre to be viewed and performed. Therefore, I ask that you combine elements of theater, elements of live production, and feminist theory if appropriate to respond to one of two prompts.
Don’t make it sound to sophisticated please
