Topic: Literature
I'm doing an essay for my coursework on 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Macbeth'. For my essay i have to compare the presentation of women, with focus on Lady Macbeth and Juliet. I have to focus on language, stage craft, characterization and the audience's reaction.
It would be helpful to know what to include in each paragraph and my essay can only be 1200 words long. I have already done my introduction paragraph where i have talked about the two plays; how patriarchal society links with both the plays; Focus on Elizabeth 1st and James 1st who were king or queen at the time of the plays and focus on what i will include.
PLEASE HELP.... THANK YOU
You've written your intro to a paper you haven't written yet? That sounds backwards to me! Don't be surprised if you end up doing some revision there.
Do you have a thesis statement (ONE sentence in which you state your main idea)?
Do you have an outline yet? If not, sketch one out.
In your outline (and eventually in the paper), I'd make sure there's lots of focus on each of these women in respect to "how patriarchal society links with both the plays."
If you post your thesis statement and outline, you'll get better help here.
Thesis- Compare the presentation of women, with focus on Lady Macbeth and Juliet.
I did a plan for an introduction but i don't know what to include in the further paragraphs.
Forget the introduction for now. Set it aside.
That's not a thesis statement you posted. Your thesis statement must include factual information (which you already have) plus your position/opinion/stance. Without your position on the topic, it isn't a true thesis statement. So think of this sentence as the angle you want to take on the topic and what you intend to prove by the end of your paper. (If your statement is simply factual, then there's nothing to prove!)
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html
This is one of the very best places I've seen online to help students write good thesis statements. It shows you sentences that aren't thesis statements and how to turn each one into real thesis statements.
could you please give me some headers on what i could include in the paragraphs
Without a real thesis statement, it's not really possible to come up with a good outline, but here's a possible idea if I were writing this paper:
I. Intro w/ thesis statement
II. Patriarchal society -- define and describe; include info about the primary men in each play
III. Juliet's influence on Romeo in this patriarchal society with rival factions; her actions and the results of her actions.
IV. Lady Macbeth's influence on her husband in this patriarchal society; her actions and the results of her actions.
V. Conclusion
http://www.angelfire.com/wi/writingprocess/
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/intro.html
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/conclude.html
When comparing the presentation of women in "Romeo and Juliet" and "Macbeth" for your essay, it's important to structure your essay in a clear and organized manner. Since your essay has a word limit of 1200 words, it's crucial to allocate enough space to each paragraph and focus on the key elements of language, stage craft, characterization, and audience reaction. Here's a suggested breakdown for your essay:
1. Introduction (100-150 words):
In your introduction, you've already touched upon the two plays, their connection to patriarchal society, and the relevance of the time period with respect to the monarchs. Expand upon these points, briefly introducing the main female characters, Lady Macbeth and Juliet, and explain how you plan to analyze their portrayals through language, stage craft, characterization, and audience reaction.
2. Language (200-250 words):
In this paragraph, focus on the language used by Shakespeare for Lady Macbeth and Juliet. Analyze their dialogue, soliloquies, and interactions with other characters. Discuss the types of language they employ, such as prose, poetry, or specific rhetorical devices. Consider the tone, imagery, and metaphors used by each character to convey their personality and motives. Highlight any differences or similarities between the two characters in terms of language and its impact on the audience.
3. Stage Craft (200-250 words):
Here, delve into the stage craft employed in the portrayal of Lady Macbeth and Juliet. Discuss their entrances, exits, and notable scenes in which their presence is highlighted. Explore how their physical movements, gestures, and costumes contribute to their characterization and the overall atmosphere of the play. Consider the staging and set design choices that impact the audience's perception of the characters. Compare any significant differences or similarities between Lady Macbeth and Juliet in terms of their stage craft.
4. Characterization (250-300 words):
In this paragraph, analyze the way Lady Macbeth and Juliet are characterized by Shakespeare. Explore their traits, desires, motivations, and the way they evolve throughout the plays. Discuss how their relationships with other characters shape their identities and actions. Examine any conflicts they face within themselves or with external forces. Compare and contrast the ways in which they are portrayed, highlighting any notable differences or similarities in their characterization.
5. Audience Reaction (200-250 words):
Focus on how the audience reacts to Lady Macbeth and Juliet during the performance. Discuss the emotional impact these characters have on the audience, as well as any specific reactions they might aim to elicit. Analyze how the portrayal of women in these two plays may have challenged or reinforced societal norms at the time. Consider the role of gender dynamics and female agency in eliciting different responses from the audience. Highlight any notable differences or similarities in the audience's reaction to Lady Macbeth and Juliet.
6. Conclusion (100-150 words):
Summarize the main points discussed in your essay, emphasizing the key findings from your analysis of the language, stage craft, characterization, and audience reaction for Lady Macbeth and Juliet. Reflect on the significance of these findings in relation to the portrayal of women in "Romeo and Juliet" and "Macbeth". You may also provide a brief closing statement that highlights the relevance of your essay's findings to the broader context of the plays and their social and historical influences.
Remember to adjust the word count allocation for each paragraph based on your own preferences and the specific emphasis you wish to place on each aspect. Additionally, ensure a coherent flow of ideas and a smooth transition between paragraphs to create a well-structured and compelling essay. Good luck with your coursework!