Drama+Analysis+Paper

Drama Analysis Paper English 12

According to //Perrine’s Literature Structure, Sound, and Sense// an analysis is defined as “(literally ‘breaking up’ or separation of something into its constituent parts), instead of trying to examine all parts of a work in relation to the whole, [the analysis] selects for examination //one// aspect or element or part that relates to the whole” (6).

Points to consider when analyzing fiction and selecting a thesis:

**Plot and Structure**
 * 1) Who is the protagonist of the story? What are the conflicts? Are they physical, intellectual, moral, or emotional? Is the main conflict between sharply differentiated good and evil, or is it more subtle and complex?
 * 2) Does the plot have unity? Are all the episodes relevant to the total meaning or effect of the story? Does each incident grow logically out of the preceding incident and lead naturally to the next? Is the ending happy, unhappy, or indeterminate? Is it fairly achieved?
 * 3) What use does the story make of chance and coincidence? Are these occurrences used to initiate, to complicate, or to resolve the story? How improbable are they?
 * 4) How is suspense created in the story? Is the interest confined to “What happens next?” or are larger concerns involved? Can you find examples of mystery? Of dilemma?
 * 5) What use does the story make of surprise? Are the surprises achieved fairly? Do they serve a significant purpose? Do they divert the reader’s attention from weaknesses in the story?
 * 6) To what extent is this a “formula” story?

**Characterization** **Theme**
 * 1) What means does the author use to reveal character? Are the characters sufficiently dramatized? What use is made of character contrasts?
 * 2) Are the characters consistent in their actions? Adequately motivated? Plausible? Does the author successfully avoid stock characters?
 * 3) Is each character fully enough developed to justify its role in the story? Are the main characters round or flat?
 * 4) Is any character a developing character? If so, is the change a large or a small one? Is it a plausible change for such a person? Is it sufficiently motivated? Is it given sufficient time?
 * 1) Does the story have a theme? What is it? Is it implicit or explicit?
 * 2) Does the theme reinforce or oppose popular notions of life? Does it furnish a new insight or refresh or deepen an old one?

**Point of View**
 * 1) What point of view does the story use? Is it consistent in its use of this point of view? If shifts are made, are they justified?
 * 2) What advantages has the chosen point of view? Does it furnish any clues as to the purpose of the story?
 * 3) If the point of view is that of one of the characters, does this character have any limitations that affect her or his interpretation of events or persons?
 * 4) Does the author use point of view primarily to reveal or conceal? Is important information known to the focal character ever unfairly withheld?

**Symbol** (Arp and Johnson 100-101)
 * 1) Does the story make use of symbols? If so, do the symbols carry or merely reinforce the meaning of the story?
 * 2) Does the story make use of symbolic settings?

**Assignment:** Select a theme and its related issues in the play //Macbeth// or //Oedipus Rex.// **Length:** 3-4 pages. Paper must be typed and double-spaced. Include a works cited page. **Resources:** 1 outside beyond the text; MLA or APA format. **Components of the paper:** Introduction-begins with an insightful hook; smoothly leads into the topic and places the thesis naturally and clearly near the end of the introduction. The writer’s point of view is clear and sharply focused.

Thesis-the claim (thesis) is clearly stated early in the paper and is the focus of the paper. The claim is worth thinking about, substantive, and specific. In other words, your thesis must include a well thought out opinion about an issue presented in the play.

Evidence-is accurate; facts are precise. The evidence gathered sufficiently develops the argument. The evidence is representative of the range of information pertaining to the thesis. The evidence uses the support of authoritative (expert) opinion. The evidence is clearly presented as evidence with correct use of parenthetical reference. Warrant-the writer clearly explains why the evidence cited logically proves the claim. The writer has clearly identified and explained assumptions behind the argument so that the reader can clearly see the reasoning. The warrant explains the evidence and ties it to the specifics of the thesis (claim). The warrant includes all steps taken in reaching the thesis (claim). The warrants are appropriate to the topic discussed and apply to the topic discussed.

Organization-enhances and showcases the thesis. The order is compelling and moves the reader through the text. When considering the paper as a whole, an inviting introduction draws the reader in, and a satisfying conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of a resolution. Transitions are smooth and weave the separate threads of meaning into one cohesive whole.

Style-writing has an easy flow, rhythm, and precision. Paragraphs have clearly developed ideas; each paragraph has unity and coherence. Sentences are consistently strong with varied structure, adding power and grace to the text. (Think about passive constructions, to be verbs, there is, etc.) Conventions-three or fewer punctuation or grammatical errors exist. Format (documentation, Works Cited, etc.) follows proper guidelines.

**Thesis due: 11/11/11** (10 points)

**Outline and first two paragraphs due: 11/14/11** **//USE STUDENT IID INSTEAD OF YOUR NAME!//** (20 points for outline; 20 points for paragraphs)

**Rough Draft due: 11/18/11Please bring 3 copies of your paper for edits.** (50 points)

**Final Paper due: 11/23/11** (100 points)