English 3336 Restoration and Eighteenth Century Drama and Theatre
Prompt # 17
12 October 2012

Strategies

Approaching these plays

The assignment, from Prompt #16, is:

Everyone should find a copy of the play they've chosen, or been assigned, and find some further information about it, from anthology introductions, literary histories of the period, or scholarly literature, and write a report of at least a couple of pages, summarizing what's important about the play -- what do scholars, critics and historians have to say about its character, its importance, its influence, and its author? -- and describing how it's written and sounds. You won't have to read all the play, but you should read enough to get a sense of how it sounds and what it's like, and convey that to us, preferably by quoting passages.

You should also keep track of questions that are raised for you as you work on this, and include them at the very end as a list of issues to be explored.

Where I suggest you look is, first, using Google, on the open Web for basic information and for suggestions about further sources; then for a copy of the play, probably in one or more of the listed anthologies, but there might also be copies on the Web. In connection with editions there are often notes; check those for useful information (and, as always, keep careful track of where you find everything and list it below your report, as references or bibliography. You might find information or ideas in the literary histories listed on the course Web site, or elsewhere. Try searching the library's WorldCat. Here's a hint: try the Advanced Search, and put the author and title in the appropriate slots (of course), but also try a new search with just the author in the "Keyword:" slot, and another with just the title there.

As you work, bear these questions in mind:

Quote liberally, and attribute your quotes. Make sure you tell us where work is coming from.

If you have questions about the process, email hunt3236@stu.ca or hunt@stu.ca for help.


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