American Drama 565

Writing Assignments

Paper 1: Streetcar Named Desire

Due: Wednesday, Nov. 5--at class time.

Length: 5-7 typed pages

Directions: Select one of the following topics:

• Discuss Blanche as a symbolic character representing the dilemma of the artist (including writers) in modern society. In what ways do the values of "art" conflict with those of "modern society"? How is that conflict resolved by the end of the play?
  
  
• Why does Stanley rape Blanche? Why does he say they had this date from the beginning? What kind of resolution is the rape to the on-going problems of sexual attraction/antagonism through the play? (NOTE: Our modern understanding of rape is that it is motivated by the desire for power, and not as an expression of an over-active sex drive. And please avoid the "blame the victim" approach, although some characters in the play might hold that misplaced bias--which could raise some interesting questions about "why?")
  
  
• Discuss the conflict between past and present. What values does each represent? How does the past shape (mis-shape?) the present? Why is the present not an acceptable substitute for the painful past?
  
  

The assumption is that this paper will be your own analysis without assistance from any secondary sources. However, if you consult any outside sources, you must document, following MLA style (see directions below).

Paper 2: Eugene O'Neill

Due: Monday, Nov. 17.

Length: 5-7 typed pages

Directions: Select one of the Tyrone characters and write an in-depth character analysis of that Tyrone. Consider the various traits that make up the complexities of O'Neill's characters. Consider such traits as their hopes, fears, guilts, desires, values, etc. Note in particular the conflicts they experience. What are the causes of those conflicts? How do the conflicts affect their actions and decisions at crucial moments in the play? How do the conflicts affect their relationships with other family members? Which scenes and passages best demonstrate the character of your selected Tyrone? Are the conflicts resolved? Why or why not? NOTE: In class, we will be viewing selections from the video of O'Neill's play. However, we will leave most of the analysis of the play itself to you.

Organizing your Paper

All essays should include these three basic parts:

Introduction

Introductions in shorter papers should be somewhat short--maybe 4-5 sentences long. Begin with some general statement about your topic (if you are going to write about the American dream or Willy Loman, get those words, plus the author and title, somewhere in the opening sentence). Perhaps provide some pertinent background, or explain how your topic will enrich our understanding of some aspect of the literary work(s). Most of the introduction will be your own writing, but it is all right to include short paraphrases/quotations, properly cited, of course. End the paragraph with your overall thesis/conclusion. Remember that your thesis is what the rest of the paper will be about.

Body of Paper:

Since you can't talk about everything at once, sub-divide your thesis/conclusion into 5-6 sub-points. Those sub-points will form the topic sentences-- your own writing, what you have to say about that subject, the point you want to make--for the body paragraphs.

WRITING TIP: Arrange your sub-points according to the Order of Climax-- begin with your second-best sub-point followed by your weakest sub-point and then work your way up to your best sub-point at the end so that the paper finishes on a strong note.

Each topic sentence should be followed by lots of specific details and examples and short quotations, etc., from your texts, as well as your explanation/analysis of that information.

NOTE: I hate skimpy paragraphs that are only 1-2 sentences long; put some meat on those bones--another 6-7 sentences of details and examples and explanations, please!)

For quotations, include a page number (in parenthesis) directly after the quote. Avoid long quotations in short papers. It is often much more effective to work a quoted word or short phrase into your own sentence.

Conclusion:

Conclusions in short papers should be short--maybe 3-4 sentences long. Begin the concluding paragraph with a re-statement of your opening thesis/conclusion--but in language very different than was used in the introduction. In a couple more sentences, refer to your topic as a whole-- why it is significant and worth studying, for instance, or finally, what it all adds up to.

NOTE: In a short paper, do not repeat your sub-points--much too repetitious!

Avoiding Plagiarism

• The language used for paraphrases/summaries should be very different than the original language used by your source.
  
  
• The language used in quotations must be exactly the same as the original language used by your source.
  
  
• Quotation marks must be used around all quotations. If you have a quote-within-a-quote, use a combination of double and single quote marks (see me for assistance).
  
  
• Cite a source for ALL summarized and paraphrased and quoted secondary material (articles on your topic, etc.).

Citing Sources, MLA Style

See this short summary of MLA style: Using Modern Language Association (MLA) Format, created by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab. It gives the basic "rules" for in-text citation and bibliographies, including how to list Electronic Sources. See also MLA Style: Frequently Asked Questions.

Put all documentation on a separate bibliography page (labeled "Works Cited") and follow MLA directions.

For more detailed information on MLA style, consult a hardcopy of the "official" MLA Handbook.

Typing Directions:

Use Times New Roman font, size 11 or 12. Double-space everything--no exceptions. Use one-inch margins on all sides. Include your last name and page number in top-right corner (1/2 inch from top).

On the first page, in the top-left corner, put your name, your instructor's name, the class name and number, and the date. Below that, in the center of page, add a title.

See an MLA example (scroll down the page): Paper Format--Example

Put all documentation on a separate page and follow MLA directions.

See Organizing your Paper and Avoiding Plagiarism and MLA style.

Background set by: Quest Graphics Design