Choose a play we have not read, and write a paper in which you interpret the play and its lasting significance. Begin by carefully reading the play itself and deciding for yourself how you interpret it. Then, do background research on topics such as the author’s life, the times in which the play was written, the production history of the play, critical essays on the play, etc. Write a paper that demonstrates how this information illuminates your interpretive understanding and appreciation of that work. Be sure to clearly state your interpretive thesis clearly in your first paragraph, and substantiate that thesis throughout the paper by citing your research sources along with appropriate passages from the text of the play itself. 50% of your research must be from actual books and print sources that you find in the stacks of our library, or from interlibrary loan. Include footnotes and bibliography in MLA format.

Class Presentations:

Each of you will be in charge of one class presentation in which you decide how best to historically illuminate a play on the syllabus for the class. I am open to your creative approaches to this assignment, so long as your work is grounded in solid script analysis and careful historical research. Regardless of the kind of presentation of you choose to do, your goal is to convince the class (and me) that the historical perspective you have provided has deepened our understanding and appreciation of the play as an artistic achievement. You should offer us a perspective that we could not possibly have had just by reading the play. Possibilities for presentations include:

-a presentation in which you present historical information about and lead a discussion on, show video clips from, the play
-a performance in which you impersonate the playwright and talk about your life, your play, your intention as an artist, etc.