ENGL 145

Dr. Adrienne L. Eastwood

Essay 2: Paper Topics

Write an essay of approximately 1,500 words (around 6-7 pages, double spaced) in which you address one of the following prompts.   In every case, construct an argument that you carefully support using examples from the text.

1. Discuss Shakespeare’s characterization of Shylock and Richard III.  How do these characters compare as villains?  Do they adequately contrast with the respective heroes of the two plays? Use this comparison to make an argument about Shakespeare’s construction of villainy in The Merchant of Venice and Richard III.

2. Compare the cross-dressing in Merchant of Venice and As You Like It.  Devise a theory as to what Shakespeare’s treatment of his cross-dressed characters might suggest about gender in early modern England.

3. Discuss the minor characters in two of the following plays: Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Richard III, As You Like It.  You might consider framing your discussion around pairs of similar characters (children or servants for example).  What function do these characters serve in the play?  

DUE April 5th