Analysis on Richard II A
paper’s required length is 4-5 pages (not including the work cited page), please write 5 pages (4 and a half is fine) long and feature a work cited page for the 6th page. The required number of sources is 2 or more which are at least 1 for original text from Richard II, and 1 from peer reviewed sources. If a proper academic database is needed for the source, please contact me and I will give you access to my school library’s database. Thank you so much! Below is the professor’s instruction for the assignment. There’s a list of topics to answer for the paper’s thesis (must have a clear one). You can choose depending on which one you feel like the easiest to work on, or use mine which I think is pretty easy to talk about: “Examine Richard’s struggle to find and live an authentic life or compare and contrast the Richard at the beginning to the Richard at the end of the play. How has he changed? How does he remain the same?”. Goals: Your purpose is to analyze one of Shakespeare’s Richard II. When we analyze, we separate a text into significant parts in order to explain the meaning of the text. The objectives for this essay are: (1) to demonstrate the ability to narrow down a topic, (2) to effectively present a focused analysis in which summary of plot and unnecessary details are avoided, (3) to use the drama concepts studied in class such as plot, character, performance, setting, conflict, etc. effectively in the analysis, (4) to use critical and innovative thinking in the analysis, (5) to prove points using the text, (6) to use grammar, mechanics, and punctuation conventions effectively, and (7) to use MLA conventions adequately. Length and Format: 4-5 typed pages (not including the Works Cited page), double-spaced, 1” margins, 12-point standard font size. Task: • Write a focused critical interpretation of Richard II. • The analysis must be both original and insightful. • It must reflect the point of view of psychological, feminist criticism, Queer theory or any other school of criticism you are interested in. • Focus on HOW and WHY rather than merely on describing. For instance, you might follow your thesis, “There is religious symbolism in Richard II with explanation of what a few important names mean. This is description without an argument (a point to prove). You can still use this topic, but focus on how and why. You could say, for example, “In Shakespeare’s Richard II there is much religious symbolism that enhances audience’s sympathies for the protagonist. Sources: The play + one source peer-reviewed source. Due Date: Submit on Canvas by 11:59 pm on Thursday, August 1 Criteria of Evaluation • Essay has to include a creative title that reflects your interpretation of the play. • Number the pages on the upper right corner of each page. Ex.: Jones 1. • MLA format (parenthetical citations and works cited entries for each source) is required. • Use sources that can either be directly about the play or about ideas you will bring into your interpretation of the text. • Don’t quote from Wikipedia, standard dictionaries, purchased/prewritten essays, nor literature summary websites such as Shmoop, SparkNotes, Cliff’s Notes, About.com, Infoplease, GraderSaver, or generic study guides, etc. • Avoid using sources that do not present an argument but only summarize the plot. • Avoid writing in the first person point of view in order to maintain stronger objectivity. • Avoid using the second person as well. • Use the present tense to refer to events that happen during the timeframe of the play. • Development of a strong introduction that includes a clear thesis statement, opening arguments, and writer-based techniques such as a forecast or a framing device. • As you go through the evidence, include assertions, examples, and explanations to convey critical readings and interpretations of the texts with which you are working. • Don’t over quote nor end your paragraphs with a quotation. Always explain the quote’s significance, especially in relation to the thesis statement. For quotes of four lines or longer use the “block format” and explain the details of this long quote and why it means. • Prove points using the text. • End with a concluding paragraph that presents more than a recapitulation of the thesis and main points, but a “Big Picture” of the importance of your analysis. • Proper use of grammar and syntax will be important in conveying ideas lucidly. Structure: Follow this outline 1. Introduction: “hook” the reader by introducing its author, by briefly summarizing the plot, by concisely describing an interesting aspect from the play, by describing its main themes, and by providing relevant background information about the play, its author, and any other relevant information. Then ease into your thesis: 1-2 sentences that encapsulate your interpretation of the play. Thesis should be arguable and not solely based on personal opinion or constitute a statement of fact. Articulate the thesis in specific and effective Underline this statement. 2. Body: Develop your analysis. Remember to make logical claims and prove them with ample and appropriate evidence from the play. Make analysis innovative. Do not summarize plot in the body. 3. Conclusion: End your analysis by paraphrasing your thesis and leaving readers with a sense of closure avoiding both a mechanical repetition of previously mentioned points as well as bringing up a new topic.
