Homework for Monday the 7th of November

Another (not so mini) essay. The point of this is to explore the different types of question you may encounter in the real exam, so you're not relying on one, memorised essay.

Here goes....

Now we will focus on exploring a theme. Your next task is to write a (sort–of!) mini-essay (700 – 1000 words) which shows how an important theme is introduced, then developed.

This is tricky, because you must be able to confidently navigate the play and find appropriate evidence. Take your time over the research you do for this essay, as you will be able to use the evidence again on other essays.

I advise you to pick either LOVE or FATE as your chosen theme, although death and conflict are possibilities for those looking for a challenge!

Find the scene where the theme first becomes clear. Show how the theme is made apparent in that scene through reference to the text.

Now plan out the rest of the essay. Pick THREE further points in the play which further develop your chosen theme. Try to pick examples from different acts, deal with them in chronological order, and take the last example from as close to the end of the play as you can.

For each of these three paragraphs, show how the playwright has developed the theme –try to make an evaluative comment in each paragraph, where you assess how successfully the theme is being developed.

Remember your short, TAGL based introduction, and your brief, evaluative, SUMMATIVE conclusion.

Your essay question is:
Choose a play whose main theme is made clear early in the action.
Show how the dramatist introduces the theme and discuss how successfully he or she goes on to develop it.

Answers to questions on drama should address relevantly the central concern(s) /theme(s) of the text and be supported by reference to appropriate dramatic techniques such as: conflict, characterisation, key scene(s), dialogue, climax, exposition, dénouement, structure, plot, setting, aspects of staging (such as lighting, music, stage set, stage directions . . .), soliloquy, monologue . . .