Select one of the following prompts to serve as the basis for a persuasive analytical essay. Take a firm stance on the prompt and write a 5-paragraph, double-spaced essay supporting your position. Make sure that you have a strong thesis statement at the end of your introduction and clear topic sentences in each body paragraph that provide arguments in support of your thesis. Be sure to provide textual support in the form of quotations to buttress each of your claims.
PROMPTS:
“Some of Shakespeare’s most important characters are the least interesting, and conversely, some of his least important characters are the most interesting.” Discuss this paradox with reference to Sebastian and Sir Andrew, Antonio and Maria, or another pairing of your choosing. You will also need to analyze a central character who supports this position or defies it.
Olivia accuses Malvolio of being “sick of self-love.” Which other characters also suffer from the same disease that makes them proud and self-important? Analyze the extent to which these characters are infected, and the effect of this self-love on their actions and those they come in contact with. Compare and contrast these characters with several whose love is more genuine or even selfless.
Discuss the different types of humor in Twelfth Night. Some is physical, some visual, some verbal, and some satirical. Identify examples of each and explore the dramatic and thematic effects they produce.
To write a persuasive analytical essay based on one of the prompts provided, you will need to organize your thoughts and arguments effectively. Follow these steps to help you structure your essay and gather necessary evidence:
1. Prompt analysis: Read and understand the prompt thoroughly. Identify the main focus and any specific instructions provided.
2. Brainstorming: Generate ideas for your essay by brainstorming different arguments and examples related to the prompt. Consider the characters and themes mentioned and the relationships between them.
3. Thesis statement: Craft a strong thesis statement that clearly states your position on the prompt. For example, if you choose the first prompt, your thesis statement could be: "In Twelfth Night, Shakespeare's pairing of Sebastian and Sir Andrew reflects the paradox that some of the least important characters can be the most interesting, while central characters like Olivia defy this expectation."
4. Introduction: Begin your essay with an engaging introduction that provides background information and context for your thesis statement. Introduce the main characters and discuss the paradox presented in the prompt.
5. Body paragraphs: Develop your arguments in support of your thesis statement in separate body paragraphs. Each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence that relates to your thesis. Include textual evidence in the form of quotations from the play to support your claims. Analyze the interactions and traits of the characters mentioned in the prompt, and explore how they exemplify the paradox. If necessary, compare them to other characters to strengthen your arguments.
6. Conclusion: Summarize your main points in the conclusion and restate your thesis statement. Provide a final thought or insight to leave a lasting impact on the reader.
Remember to follow the essay's structural conventions, such as using appropriate transition words to maintain coherence between paragraphs and using formal language and grammar. Revise and edit your essay once it is complete to ensure clarity, coherence, and proper citation of sources.
By following these steps, you will be able to write a well-structured, persuasive analytical essay that supports your position on the chosen prompt.