State an appropriate thesis with significance and topic sentences that develop and argue it. Support the ideas with textual details from the readings. And develop the significance throughout the body paragraphs. Don’t forget to entice and invite the reader into the discussion with a sound introduction and ease the reader out with a conclusion that wraps up the ideas. Please review the lectures in the weekly modules on “Writing a Literary Analysis” (4.3A), “Thesis Statements” (4.3C), and the supplementary handouts (4.3B, D, & E). The essay is worth 200 points; 20% of the total course grade.
To help develop and focus the essay, here are some suggested topics:
1. Discuss the parody and parallelism between M. Butterfly and Madame Butterfly. In essence, how does Puccini’s Madame Butterfly function in the play M. Butterfly? Its purpose?
2. Review the topic of stereotypes in “Los Vendidos, M. Butterfly and The Merchant of Venice, and compare and contrast the influences of race, class and gender on the characters.
3. Discuss the sexual, racial, social and political message M. Butterfly conveys and compare them to “Los Vendidos.” In the discussion, explain how you might adapt the plays to fit other groups.
4. How is the comedy of M. Butterfly similar or different to/from the comedy of another play you’ve read and studied (e.g. Shakespeare’s comedies).
5. Explore the satire and comedy in “Los Vendidos.” Why is it or is not effective in conveying Valdez’s messages of the actos?
6. Throughout the last unit of study on drama, we have been reading a variety of perspective and authors that comprise America. Reflecting on the plays and online discussions, we’ve talked about differences each provides in enabling us to better grasp a definition of what it means to be American and live in this country. And, through these differences, the overriding emerging theme is that we are much more similar than different, although we have different backgrounds, cultures, religions, languages, traditions and ethnicities. In essence, we have explored how we can better understand each other. Reviewing and thinking about the plays, choose ONE play studied and write a literate, well-organized essay on the following prompt, illustrating points with examples and details drawn from the readings.
Prompt: Since the greatness of the United States depends partly on its respect for diversity, the growing problem of intolerance to the differences of others cannot be ignored. Explain how people with different backgrounds and attitudes can learn to get along and respect each other.
7. As we’ve read literature, we have embarked on the investigation of literary elements in specific pieces, and how they’ve helped to gain a better understanding into the readings. Using the required plays for study, analyze and discuss selected elements of fiction. Determine the artistic purpose of the work and how well the author uses any of the literary elements to enhance or achieve that purpose(s).
8. I highly encourage students to develop a topic of their own made in consultation with me. In this case, a title or brief statement of the topic should be submitted. Contact me via CANVAS mail. Perhaps there were prompts or topics from the first two essays of interest that you’d like to explore and develop using the drama.
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