First, select a single lone or phrase or sentence from the play and give a close reading of it. This should include the speaker, the audience, the context, the meaning, and the significance. Feel free, if you like, to also comment on the poetic/aesthetic quality of the excerpt – it’s natural beauty and musical quality.
Second, tie the significance of the quotation into the real world. In other words, what universal truth is contained in the quotation? Feel free to discuss apply the quotation to examples from other literature, real life events, politics, film, etc. Avoid getting too personal, however. Remember, this is a formal, 3rd person essay.
Be sure to pay close attention to the one-page essay criteria. If you don’t have a copy, you can click on it over on the right of the blog under “Class Handout.”
Keep in mind this essay doesn’t really have a specified central thesis. The thesis is more implied. Just break your essay into two parts and discuss your quotation thoughtfully and thoroughly. Your real purpose here? 1. To show me how well you can think about Shakespeare’s words 2. Show me how good of a writer you can be. That’s all I’m asking for.
One more note: You might want to check out the entry on “5 Qualities of Good Writing.” You can click on it over on the right under “Composition Cornerstones.”
Good luck, and have fun.
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