Aim at 3-4 pages. That means: concise, to the point, non-expansive.
Make a few good points on a focused set of material, and you're done. (It's
okay if the paper runs longer -- that often happens, especially if the
thoughts are good! -- but don't set out to write a longer paper.)
Write a formal essay. Slang, misspellings, mis-construction
of grammar should not appear. Strive however not simply for a journalistic,
matter-of-fact style, but for elegance of expression.
Construct an argument. Make sure that you have a thesis,
and that you back up your thesis with specific citations and details
from the text. [Cite by the line numbers in your translation: e.g. "In
the Hymn to Zeus, Aeschylus writes of the pathei mathos, the suffering
by which humans learn (Agamemnon, 179)."]
Concentrate on the ancient text. You can of course read interpretative
or other secondary materials relevant to your topic. But this is not
a research paper, and there should be few (if any) references to sources
other than the plays themselves. I want your thoughts, your
reaction to the play you choose to write on. (You'll have a chance to work
on a research paper topic later in the term.)
Topic:
You're welcome to choose your own topic. But if you do, I ask that you
(briefly) consult with me first. Either come see me in my office (during
office hours, or call or write to suggest an appointment), or sketch the
elements of the proposed topic in an e-mail-- the sooner the better!
Below are some suggested topics, to be used or adapted as you see fit.
Select a choral ode that appeals to you, and look at how the ode functions
in the play. Look in particular at: (a) the context of the ode-- how
does the song interact with the scenes that precede and follow? (b) the
verbal texture of the ode-- what significance might the set of images or
ideas have for the play as a whole? [If Aeschylus, you might need to confine
yourself to one part of a longer ode.]
Read through one of the plays, collecting examples of scenes and dialogue
where the extraordinary setting of the ancient theater would matter
(i.e., the fact of the entire citizenry in a participatory democracy witnessing
the play; the fact of the open air, full light, and an audience surrounding
the players on 3 sides; the large entrance ways, large orchestra shared
by actors and chorus; lack of much by way of props or scenery; use of singing
and dancing; etc.). Take the best among your examples, and describe how
the scene would have been stage in the theater of Dionysus, and discuss,
with specific focus on your example, how appreciation of staging and theatrical
context can affect our interpretation of the play.
More briefly, here are some other ideas to get your brain awhirling:
Agamemnon (or one of the other plays of the Oresteia): collect
examples and discuss the meaning of an image cluster beyond the
three listed in my lecture notes: e.g. yoke/curb image, Helen and dreams.
Oedipus the King: What might be the broader significances of the
sphinx figure?
Antigone: Why is it important that Antigone is a woman?
Logistics:
Please come see me to talk about the paper, if you're the least bit inclined.
Even if your thoughts are wholly undigested, it can be useful to try to
brainstorm with another interested person-- and you can be sure that I'm
interested!
Read over the paper aloud to a friend (preferably someone in the
class) before turning it in-- this is simplest, best way I know to catch
infelicities of wording. It doesn't take long, and often will substantially
improve your writing.
Due in my box in the Classics Dept (Coleman 57) by noon on Thursday,
Feb. 11
I will listen to arguments for extensions, but only if you come to me before
the due date of the paper; otherwise, you lose a full grade for each day
the paper is turned in beyond the due date.