For Week 12:

• We’ve read Merchant of Venice the last few weeks and can see that within this play are many fascinating things: the language, the characters, the dramatic situations, the moral issues, the comedy and the tragedy.

We haven’t written an analytical essay for a while, so I think that Merchant is a good place to pause and dissect. So go forth and write an essay on this play. I think you can write it in a week, but out of fairness—and a craving to do something creative—I’ll give you nearly two. (Along the way we’ll read a play in class, probably Twelfth Night.)

Here’s the timeline:

Monday, March 28^th:  Do something creative for Merchant that you can present to the class. This can be something you make or perform or … well, it’s up to you to tap into your creativity. (And read Sonnet 94.)

Wednesday, March 30^th. First draft (typed) of your Merchant essay. Come to class with three typed copies so that others can read your essay. (And read Sonnet 116.)

Monday, April 4^th: Final draft for me. When you hand it in, please put it in your portfolio with…

• your cassette tape, all cued up to fresh tape;
• all the things that are currently in there: your first essay, your transcript and boo-boo paper, and the recent creative story;
• and of course, this essay on Merchant.

(And read Sonnet 130.)

A few notes:

• Review all the comments I gave to you on your first essay (the one about Richard III and Othello). Apply those comments to this new essay. Part of my evaluation will be based on your improvements.

• This essay should be “formal” in its format, construction, and voice.

• Remember that it’s vital to provide quotes. A few reminders:
  • It’s best to blend your quote into your own sentence;
  • Cite a Shakespeare quote like this: (2.1.15-18);
  • At times you might use [brackets] and …ellipsis;
  • Don’t overdo the quotes. This is about your brain making observations that derive from the quotes.
  • And don’t underdo the quotes. They are your proof.

• What to write about? It’s up to you, as long as it’s not a summary of the plot. Make observations about something; argue for something; demonstrate something. Have a thesis—“Antonio and Shylock are twin images”—and use the language of the play for support.

Possible topics off the top of my head:

• Analyze any of the characters—major or minor;
• Praise Shakespeare for his…
  • creation of characters;
  • his stunning language;
  • his ability to create drama, to alternate comedy with tragedy, to get actors on and off stage;
• Write about the tensions and oppositions (of character, of place, of emotions) in the play;
• Make sense of the ring thing;
• Appearance vs. reality: How does Shakespeare treat this theme?
• Show how everyone has their own individual language that reflects their status, their personalities, their gender;
• Write about the role of women in this play.
• …And anything else your minds can concoct.

Beware: Please resist the temptation to “borrow” information from other sources. I have a sharp eye for writing that’s not yours, and “I will have my bond” if I catch you.

Extra Credit: Remember with the first essay I had you create something simultaneous to the essay—a crayon splash, a rant, a wild fingerpainting. Do that with Merchant.