Learning Goal: I’m working on a art writing question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.
- Early Black British Theatre strives to create a modern Black character, in opposition to an existing stereotype of Black people as “docile” and meant to be in subservient roles. How do the characters of Fabian (in The Black Doctor) and of Paul (in Placing Paul’s Play) strive to overcome that stereotype? How does Ira Aldridge use the techniques of sentimentalism/melodrama, and how does Henry F. Downing use the techniques of classic realism to create modern Black characters? What are the advantages and disadvantages of sentimentalism and classic realism (respectively) in opposing racial stereotypes?
- I’D LOVE TO WORK WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS ALREADY READ THESE PLAYS BECAUSE I HAVE LIMITED TIME HOWEVER IF YOU’RE ABLE TO COME UP WITH A GOOD ESSAY EVEN IF YOU KNOW LITTLE ABOUT THEM, IT’S FINE. I’VE ATTACHED THE PLAYS.
Criteria:
- I want you to demonstrate your understanding of how playwrights use specific techniques to frame specific political messages. For instance, realism and sentimentalism have both been used to claim classic liberal rights (freedom of speech, freedom of association, etc.) for underprivileged individuals and groups.
- I expect you to articulate a clear thesis—i.e., a clear answer—to the questions asked and to support your answers by close reading of excerpts of the plays.
- I expect you to show your understanding of the differences between realism and sentimentalism/melodrama: the two aesthetics to which we have given the most attention in class.
- Please provide a bibliography, including the texts you quote in your essays. The bibliography can be done in any style you may be familiar with (MLA, Chicago, AP, etc.). Your bibliography is in addition to the five to seven pages I expect you to write. You are welcome to use sources not included in the course readings, but you are not expected to do so.
Requirements: Write a five-to-seven-page essay (Times New roman, font 12, double-spaced, one-inch margins)
