Essay 2 questions

Answer one question only.  You may write on one or a combination of texts, and you are encouraged to incorporate discussion of other texts if and as needed.  Try to make your responses text-based (your primary evidence is likely to come from close textual analysis).  There is a required research element in your response (so you are must demonstrate some knowledge of prevailing criticism), but the essay should also be individual and personal in approach, offering your perspective of the text, and demonstrating your understanding and appreciation.

Aim for a 4-5 (minimum) page paper, double spaced, single sided (minimum acceptable paper is 4 full pages—anything less will automatically earn a failing grade).  Use Times New Roman 12 as your font of choice, and MLA style documentation to document required secondary sources (due as an electronic submission in Turnitin for a peer review session  by noon on March 25th; and the final draft due as an electronic submission in Turnitin by noon April 1st).  As a general guideline you should aim for no more than a low, green indicator in Turnitin—i.e. less than a fifth (20%) of your paper ought to be quotation. 

To be eligible for full points on this paper you must submit all elements in the drafting process —each missed element will reduce your final grade by 10 points.

There must be a supporting research (secondary source) element in any of the following questions:  No more than one full web source;  At least three articles from library databases, or one/two articles and two/one books.

• While Glaspell offers a play that challenges us with a more compassionate version of gender equity than the period in which the play is set, she nonetheless falls back into self-defeating, retrogressive gender stereotypes in order to advance her theme.  Discuss.
• Gender unease between men and women is at the heart of Shakespeare's Hamlet, discuss.
• What does Glaspell have to say about human justice and natural justice in "Trifles" and do you agree with her?
• Susan Glaspell's drama revolves around male and female ways of thinking and seeing: what does modern gender/brain research have to say about the kinds of differences in knowledge and vision that she suggests?
• In Susan Glaspell's drama, "Trifles" there are certain assumptions about gender and the law.  From a social and historical perspective, how accurate is she in her observations, and how accurate is "Trifles" as a social document?
• What part does law and justice play in Shakespeare's Hamlet?
• The title "Trifles" should alert the reader to the importance of small, and apparently insignificant details throughout the play.  Discuss the importance and the employment of trifles in Glaspell's drama.
• Demonstrate how Hamlet//Death of a Salesman offers an intriguing new look at the tragic paradigm with reference to the elements of classical tragedy.