Historical Play Analysis
Definition:
Historical Analysis deals with a work as the reflection of an author's life and times, or of a culture's life and times. In Historical Analysis it is necessary to know about the author and the political, economical, and sociological context of his/her times in order to truly understand his/her works. Zoot Suit and Fences are based on the playwrights’ personal culture.
Historical Play Analysis TO DO LIST:
You will evaluate FENCES or ZOOT SUIT using Historical Play Analysis as outlined below. Essentially, you’ll use an introductory paragraph providing an overview of what you’ll address in the paper, and each succeeding section will examine how each of the Historical Analysis ideas applies to the play, ending with a concluding paragraph that summarizes your ideas and states your impressions of the play. Back up your observations with evidence (lines) from the script. Make sure and be specific.
Paper will be 7 to 10 pages in length
Papers will be double-spaced
1” margins on all sides
Font will be 12 point
Indent paragraphs
Use MLA formatting
Always italicize or underline the play title (The Misanthrope or The Misanthrope)
Include a Works Cited section with three sources.
Historical Play Analysis Sample Outline:
Your name
My name
Class
Date
Title of Your Paper
Introduction: including general information about the play and your overall impression of how multicultural, intercultural or transcultural elements are used (for example, which idea or concern might be the most dominant form of diversity used in the play).
Description of historical period of play: including information about the historical time and place in which the play is written. Include the historical, political, economic, sociological and psychological context in which the play was written. Was the script written for the time and place in which it was produced?
Background sketch of author: Authors’ age, sex, education, experience in theater, cultural point of view.
Character: Description of conflict between the protagonist (the character with whom we are to most identify, the hero) and the antagonist (the character that gets in the way of the hero’s goals, the villain) as well as a short description of personalities and physical attributes of the protagonist and the antagonist.
Plot: What is the story in three sentences and then give a description of the climax of the story and the resolution of conflict.
Spectacle: Description of type of stage, lighting, scenery, costumes and props you would use to present this play that was typical of the historical period in which it was written.
Meaning: Description of the message(s) that the playwright was conveying to the audience backed up with specific examples from the play.
Language: How is the language used in the play important? What about the mixing of ethnic words with English words? Does the language of the play help us to understand the diverse cultures?
Conclusion. State your impression of the play and what knowledge you gained from studying the play.
Works Cited: Cite the play itself and two other sources in MLA format
Remember to consult the Grading Rubric below