play analysis
Required ResourcesRead/review the following resources for this activity:
- Textbook: Chapter 8
- Play from the Internet, YouTube, DVD, iTunes, Amazon, Netflix, etc.
- 1 primary source (written version of selected play)
InstructionsPlays are meant to be performed, rather than read. The purpose of dramatic arts often extends far beyond the words written on a page; staging, lighting, costumes intonation, expression, and audience experience are all part of the experience of a theatrical production. To develop your understanding of the cultural role of the dramatic arts, you will view a production of a play this week and write a reflection to explain your viewing experience. Choose a play that you would like to view and find a version online, YouTube, DVD or iTunes, Amazon, Netflix, etc. You can also choose to see a play live if you prefer.
Plays to choose from-
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Romeo and Juliet
- As You Like It
- Taming of the Shrew
- The Tempest
- Much Ado About Nothing
- The Comedy of Errors
- Macbeth
- King Lear
Then, select and address one of the following options:
Option 1: Write an analysis of the play that you viewed. Include at least one quote from the play in your essay. In your essay, address the following:
- Identify the performance that you have selected.
- Describe the staging, lighting, costumes, and characters of the performance. How do these match or revise the written version of the play? You do not need to read the entire play, but you should skim the text.
- What type of mood and tone does the performance create? How?
- What parts of the play are easier to understand through performance? What are some details that stood out through performance?
- What are your feelings about this performance? What did you take away from viewing it?
Option 2: Find an adaptation or transformation of a play. Choose an adaptation with some significant differences from the original, such as transposed plots and characters into a variety of different settings and historical contexts.
Choose-
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999) or A Midsummer Night’s DREAM (2018)
- Romeo and Juliet – Romeo + Juliet (1996) or West Side Story (1961) or Romeo Must Die (2000)
- As You Like It – As You Like It (2006)
- Taming of the Shrew – 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) or Kiss Me, Kate (1948)
- Much Ado About Nothing – Much Ado About Nothing (2012)
- The Comedy of Errors – The Bomb-itty of Errors (2012)
- King Lear – A Thousand Acres (1997)
- Othello – O (2001)
- Hamlet – The Lion King (2019 or 1994) or Hamlet (2000)
- Twelfth Night – She’s the Man (2006)
Watch the original version and the adapted version. In your essay, address the following:
- How is the adaptation the same as the original? Discuss plot, characters, theme, conflict, language, etc.
- How does the adaptation differ from the original? Discuss setting, time period, characters, plot, language, etc.
- Does the original story translate well in the adaptation? Why or why not? Did the adaptation work in a different setting, time period, etc. Why or why not?
- Why do you think Shakespeare’s plays are adapted so often?
Writing Requirements (APA format)
- Length: 1.5-2 pages (not including title page or references page)
- 1-inch margins
- Double spaced
- 12-point Times New Roman font
- Title page
- References page (minimum of 1 source)
GradingThis activity will be graded based on the W4 Essay Grading Rubric.
Rubric
W4 Essay Grading Rubric
W4 Essay Grading Rubric
CriteriaRatingsPts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLength
5.0 pts
Meets length requirement
0.0 pts
Does not meet length requirement
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent
10.0 pts
Submission addresses all aspects of the assignment.
8.5 pts
Submission addresses most aspects of the assignment.
7.5 pts
Submission addresses some aspects of the assignment.
6.0 pts
Submission addresses few aspects of the assignment.
0.0 pts
No effort
10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAnalysis
35.0 pts
Paper provides an in-depth analysis of the play(s) showing a clear understanding of the genre.
29.75 pts
Paper provides an strong analysis of the play(s) showing a good understanding of the genre but could include additional details for support of points or to make analysis clearer.
26.25 pts
Paper provides an in-depth analysis of the play(s) showing a good understanding of the genre, but examination could be refined and more in depth.
21.0 pts
Analysis of the play(s) is limited or unclear, lacking details and support.
0.0 pts
No effort
35.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSource Integration
5.0 pts
Paper includes reference to scholarly sources within the essay and properly integrates the source.
3.75 pts
Paper includes reference to scholarly sources within the essay but does not properly integrate the source.
0.0 pts
Paper does not make reference to scholarly sources.
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClarity & Flow
10.0 pts
The writing contains strong word choice that clarifies ideas, and masterful sentence variety aids with the flow of ideas.
8.5 pts
The writing contains varied word choice and sentence structures that clarify ideas and aid with the flow of ideas.
7.5 pts
The writing contains word choice and sentence structures that can be revised for better clarification of ideas and flow of ideas.
6.0 pts
The writing contains wording and sentence structures that are awkward and/or unclear, impeding the clarity and flow of ideas.
0.0 pts
No effort
10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting: Mechanics & Usage
10.0 pts
The writing is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that would detract from a clear reading of the paper.
8.5 pts
The writing contains a few errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, but the errors do not detract from a clear reading of the text.
7.5 pts
The writing contains some errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that need to be addressed for a clearer reading of the paper.
6.0 pts
The writing contains several errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that impede a clear reading of the paper.
0.0 pts
No effort
10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Paper Format
5.0 pts
Paper is formatted to include all 7 of the following: title page, references page, Times New Roman font, 12-point font, double spacing, running header, and page numbers.
4.25 pts
Paper is formatted to include 6 of the following: title page, references page, Times New Roman font, 12-point font, double spacing, running header, and page numbers.
3.75 pts
Paper is formatted to include 5 of the following: title page, references page, Times New Roman font, 12-point font, double spacing, running header, and page numbers.
3.0 pts
Paper is formatted to include 4 of the following: title page, references page, Times New Roman font, 12-point font, double spacing, running header, and page numbers.
0.0 pts
Paper is formatted to include 3 or fewer of the following: title page, references page, Times New Roman font, 12-point font, double spacing, running header, and page numbers.
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA: Citation and Reference Formatting
5.0 pts
All references include complete bibliographic information for sources and are properly formatted using APA style.
4.25 pts
Most references include complete bibliographic information for sources are properly formatted using APA style.
3.75 pts
Some of the references include complete bibliographic information for sources are properly formatted using APA style.
3.0 pts
Few of the references include complete bibliographic information for sources are properly formatted using APA style.
0.0 pts
There is no reference page.
5.0 pts
Total Points: 85.0
