Drama Analysis essay

Assignment Description:

This drama analysis essay will make an argument about
dramatic elements in the docudrama play, The Laramie Project. A drama analysis offers your own ideas or
interpretation about the play–specifically focusing on your interpretation of
the meaning or message of the play in reference to elements of drama (themes,
character development, stage directions, props, setting, plot, symbols,
etc.). Your interpretation is then
supported with summaries, paraphrases, and direct quotations from the play and
your additional sources.

Essay Question Options: Please choose one of the
following essay topic questions.

1.Explore the essential question: Does everything
depend on perspective, or are there some universal ideas on right and wrong?
What does the play seem to argue in answering this question. Explain which
dramatic elements support your response.

2. Explore the following essential question: Who is
responsible for actions or beliefs: the individual or the community? What does
the play seem to argue in answering this question. Explain which dramatic
elements support your response.

3. Throughout the play, a lot of characters evolve,
grow, or show a change in thinking through the interview process. Select three
characters to focus on who change the most over the course of the play. Analyze
this character and reveal how they have grown and explain HOW this character
has changed.

4. Is the form of documentary theater (aka docudrama)
effective in shedding light on real events that take place in society? Why or
why not? What fictional elements make this avenue particular effective in
addressing difficult topics or tragic stories. Think about Why did Kaufman did
not just produce a traditional documentary–what advantages does this form have
over a documentary?

5. Evaluate the role of symbolism in the play. Select
3-4 symbols that are used to represent a larger meaning and explain how they
contribute to one central theme in the play. You should only focus on ONE theme
and pick 3-4 symbols that support this theme.

Your essay should meet all of the following
requirements:

Choose one of the essay questions to answer in your
essay.
Formulate a clear and focused thesis that explains the
argument you are making about the play.
Create an outline with headings & subheadings to
organize your ideas before composing the first draft of your essay.
Your essay should be at least 5 paragraphs and roughly
3-4 pages, typed, double spaced.
Use quotations from the play and your additional
sources as evidence to support your ideas and explain the relevance of those
quotations to the argument you are making in your thesis.
Use formal third-person objective language (no “I” or
“you,” no contractions, no slang, etc.) and a high level of insight into the
play in order to express ideas smoothly, clearly, and fluently. (Bring a
dictionary or thesaurus if you need it.)
You are required to have at least 3 direct quote
in-text citations using the play as your source.
Use appropriate punctuation, capitalization, spelling,
grammar, and paragraphing.
Your essay should be between 5-7 pages, typed,
double-spaced with one-inch margins. Please use 12 point font size and “Times
New Roman” or “Arial” font.
Follow the MLA format (MLA heading, double-space, blue
or black ink, etc.); format and cite your quotations correctly in the MLA
style.
Include an MLA “Works
Cited” page to document the short story (your primary source

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