Research-Informed Analytical Essay

Over the course of the semester, you will be tasked with writing an essay concerning Shakespeare's portrayal of power in one of the plays studied this term.

• Essay prompt: Your aim for this essay is to analyze some aspect of one of Shakespeare plays studied this semester by exploring the ways in which it reflects and/or challenges some of the Early Modern English culture’s attitudes, practices, and/or beliefs.
• Word count: At least 2,000 words.
• Total number of sources: At least four (not including the play).
  • For topics with information in our edition, you may use the text for your research, (i.e., the original documents that it includes from the early modern period as well as information from the editor).

  • You will also need to include at least two other excellent sources.

• Citation style: MLA
  • Make sure to document any secondary source that you use, including information from the preface of the text and from on-line sites.
  • To document references to the plays themselves, include parenthetical references to act, scene, and line numbers (e.g., 1. 3. 3-10). In your bibliography, list the edition of the play(s) that you are using.
  • You do not need to cite your own work or ideas that you get from class discussions of the plays.
• Due dates: 
  • Draft (at least 1,500 words) due by 1000 on Monday, April 29.
  • Complete draft (at least 2,000 words) due by 1000 on Wednesday, May 1.
  • Final draft due by 1000 on Friday, May 3. 

Use the tabs on the left-hand side of the page to find relevant books, scholarly journal articles, and tips for citing your sources in MLA style.

Here are some different terms you can use for the Early Modern English period:

• Renaissance
• Elizabethan
• Jacobean