Essay Prompt: In numerous plays, Shakespeare demonstrates a persistent concern with those who are at
the margins of their society, be it through their social class, their race, or by their gender. In his concern with
“others” and their degrees of exclusion from the dominant society, Shakespeare sheds light not only on the
individuality and predicaments of those characters, but he also cast a critical gaze on the values and
practices of dominant society implied in its treatment of those who diverge from or contest its accepted
norms. Examine this problem in two of the following three plays (you must select two): Othello, The
Merchant of Venice, and The Tempest.
Essay Requirements:
- Clearly Stated Thesis. Body of essay must support this thesis
- Claims, Evidence, and Analysis: All claims must be, (1) relevant to your thesis statement; (2) supported by textual evidence from the literary works discussed; (3) supported by sustained analysis of the textual evidence presented. At least nine examples of textual evidence must be presented and analyzed to support your argument. Textual evidence should not be casually referenced but must be accompanied by critical analysis demonstrating its relevance to your argument as a whole. Quote specific lines to support your
analysis (e.g. 1.2.25-30 or I.ii.25-30) and include bibliographical information for the editions you reference
Sample Solution