Description
ESSAY #1: Humor, Dialogue and Thematic Expression in Lysistrata
After reading Lysistrata by Aristophanes and using relevant sections of the course handbook (Writing Essays About Literature), choose one (1) of the following topics to write a well-developed and well-supported argumentative essay:
Analyze and critique the purpose of humor in the play. Consider why Aristophanes wrote this as a partial comedy—and whether the humor is effective for the overall storytelling experience in terms of audience expectation and satisfaction;
Analyze and critique the impact of dialogue in the play. Consider how Aristophanes used dialogue to convey mood and tone—and whether he is effective in the overall storytelling experience in terms of audience expectation and satisfaction;
Analyze and critique one (1) theme in the play (sex, violence, war, etc.). Consider how Aristophanes offers up the theme to the audience and why it is still relevant today—in terms of the overall storytelling experience and modern audience expectation/satisfaction.
Steps:
Choose your topic and response position(s) carefully. Don't settle on the first idea(s) that comes to mind. You want a focus full enough to explore, not one you will quickly gloss over.
- Write a preliminary draft and check to make sure you have answered the question directly with the proper depth of thought and analysis. Do NOT write in first person unless absolutely necessary: you may write using the first-person collective “we” sparingly, but keep your tone academic and formal nonetheless; do not turn the essay into a running parade of “I” statements or storytelling about yourself or your life.
- Remember to challenge yourself to critically THINK about what you're reading. Do not SUMMARIZE the play or a character’s actions in it; analyze instead in terms of the topic and response requested.
Remember, you are not arguing the quality of the play; you’re arguing a specific response on a topic of reader experience as noted above.
You MUST use the play itself extensively in the writing of this assignment, and you also MUST use the handbook to augment your ideas. This means specific citations in the form of quotes from all required sources. Failure to do so will impact your grade most negatively.