The Taming of the Shrew
Words, words, words …?
?Shakespeare truly is the master of the English language. Given the very limited props and costumes available when his plays were written and first performed, the words themselves needed to (and still do) express the complex relationships, emotions, and ideas all on their own. So, for this first project, I’m asking you to focus very closely on the language in one of the plays , truly the words. ?
write a 5 page (double spaced, typed) essay making a case for the most important word in the play of your choice. To do this, you will need to pay close attention to the words/language as you both read and view the plays. Your support will include your analysis of the ways the word is used in the play, perhaps the frequency, the context, the speakers of the word, the unique ways the word is used, etc. None of this should come from research. I’m looking for you to engage with the text at this very focused level and your brain. ? ?In general terms, essays must be focused on a central idea, this focus must be clearly stated in a thesis statement, and the thesis must be supported with both the student’s analysis of the play and quotations from the primary text. Please avoid lengthy plot summaries. ? ?One common way to cite quoted passages from Shakespeare’s plays follows an act, scene, line format. For example, following a passage from Act II, Scene II, lines 10-16 of Othello, you would include the following in-text citation: (II.ii.10-16) or (2.2.10-16). You don’t need to repeat the words act, scene, or lines in your citation. The most important thing here is to be consistent.? ? ?Having said all this, the very best (most engaging, rich, and enjoyable) essays/projects result when you choose to write about something that truly catches your attention and interests you. In other words, start with an idea (a word) that engages you and go from there. ? ?Finally, in lieu of a traditional “cover page,” I’d like you to begin your essay/project with a creative illustration of the word you have chosen to highlight.