Final Project

 

As we bring our study of Greek tragedy to a close, you have two options for wrapping up the unit and demonstrating your understanding of Antigone.

 

I. Analytical Paper.  By now you should be familiar with how an analytical paper works.  YouÕll need:

 

  1. A thesis that is restricted, precise and unified
  2. Three main points to argue, logically backed up by plenty of specific details including quotations that are cited in the proper format.  Use the translatorÕs name—(ex. Fitzgerald, 206).
  3. If you want to do well, you must present counterarguments and refutation, both supported by details
  4. A conclusion that Ògoes a step fartherÓ
  5. An outline of your thesis and the topic sentences for each paragraph in the essay
  6. A works cited page

 

Possible questions to get you thinking about a thesis: What fatal flaws do the characters demonstrate?  Which laws—those of society or those of the Gods—prove to be more powerful? How is Antigone a lesson in Democracy? EtcÉ

 

II. Create your own Greek Tragedy.  When it comes to tragedy in the West, the Greeks started it all.  Although tragedies in later ages donÕt always follow AristotleÕs structures, you would be hard pressed not to find some Aristotelian elements even in 21st century plays.  ThatÕs because any educated 21st century playwright will have read the Greek tragediesÉjust like you have.  And now, with this background in mind, youÕre going to write a tragedy of your ownÉor at least, the outline for one.

 

Goal: to create a modern tragic play that follows, exactly, the structures of Greek tragedy (as define by Aristotle and exemplified by the plays of Sophocles).  You can set it anywhere and at any time, except ancient Greece.

 

Specific Assignment: You do not have to write an entire play; however, you should

 

A. Create a detailed outline of you tragedy, an outline which answers all of the following questions:

  1. What is the setting of your play? (Remember the unities must be preserved, so stick to one room or areaÉclassroom, basketball court, corporate boardroom, bridge of a starship, etcÉ)
  2. Who is your tragic hero or heroine?
  3. What is her high position?
  4. What are her likeable qualities?
  5. What is her hamartia?
    1. Keep in mind that sometimes the best tragic flaws are qualities that would otherwise be considered positive—hence, the irony.
  6. Describe what her fall will be and how her hamartia will directly lead to it. (Remember, it has to be her fault because itÕs her tragic flaw).
  7. What will be the peripety, the Òturning pointÓ that makes your heroÕs last chance to prevent the fallÉa chance that she passes up?
  8. What will be the moment of her anagnorosis?
  9. What kind of catharsis will she create for the audience?
  10. Who will be the chorus of the play? Keep it appropriate to the setting (ex. The crew aboard a ship for a naval hero.  A group of salespeople for a retail store tragic hero). How will it/they advise the hero, and how will the hero follow or ignore the advice?
  11. How will messengers be used?  Will your messengers be actual people? 
  12. Although not required, some element of prophecy is usually a part of ancient Greek plays.  If you choose to include this element, who will your prophet or oracle be, and what will the prophecy entail?

 

B. Write out one scene from your play, using the same format that you see in the book.

 

  1. Even though your characters will probably be speaking modern dialogue, your scene should still have all of the feeling of the Greek play weÕve been reading.  This includes heated exchanges, long speeches, messengers, moments when the chorus chimes in, and perhaps even an ode.

 

  1. Your scene can come from any part of your play, but make it a meaningful scene.  Suggestions include the prologue, the moment of peripety, the anagnorosis, or something equally important.

 

C. Please type both your outline and your scene. 

 

D. Cite any outside sources you use, either for information or inspiration.  I encourage you to do some research to make your play even better; just remember to cite!

 

Grading:

A papers will meet all of the requirements, have almost no spelling or construction errors, and really knock my socks off with their creativity and attention to detail.

B papers will meet all the these requirements, with a minimum of spelling and construction errors.

C papers will be missing requirements and/or have a number of spelling and construction errors.

D papers will show minimal effort and a cursory attention to detail.