Instruction
The paper length should be about the same as one of our small Visual Arts papers. That could be anywhere from 4 to 7 paragraphs, depending on how many individual characters you wish to talk about, or how in-depth your own personal feelings are about plot, acting, costume, lighting and sound, etc. No less than 4 paragraphs, then, and the standard font will be Times New Roman, size 11.
You may approach this paper in one of several ways. You need to give your own review, but then pick three of the following topics as well, and address them in your essay :
→ What do you feel about the Duke’s plan to restore Lady Hero’s honor? Is it appropriate? Too extreme? Is it even realistic to pull off such a plot?
→ Examine the relationship between Lady Beatrice and Senor Benedick. What is it based on? Why is it so cantankerous and full of tension? Are their quips and verbal jabs justified? Perhaps a little over-the-top? Why?
→ Discuss the role of women in the play. Take note that there is a distinct difference between the expectations for the role of an upper class woman, as opposed to the servant class. Give examples of where we see this in the plot.
→ Examine how radical a departure the character of Lady Beatrice is from the expectations of English Renaissance society. In what ways is she a rebel? How does she express it? Does she pay a price for it?
→ Discuss how and where the theme of “Illusion vs. reality” weaves throughout the play’s plot. The masked party early on gives us a hint of this. How many people take actions based on what they THINK is reality, but may not be reality?