1. Getting Started

First Things First - Assignment Requirements

Before you begin work on any research project, examine the assignment closely for any requirements.

Q. How long is the paper?

Your paper should be 1,000-1,300 words in length (about 4-6 pages double-spaced).

Q. How many sources?

You must use a minimum of 4-5 sources for this assignment.

Q. What kind of sources?

For Literary Analysis: use literary criticism published in reputable journals and books.

For Historical Research: use sources published in reputable journals and books plus reputable historical sources.

Q. How do you cite sources?

Use MLA format for your citations. You may want to remind yourself what information you need to create the MLA Works Cited page and in-text citations.

Q. What is due?

What do you have to turn in? Is it just a paper? Are there other pieces like a rough draft, outline, summary, reading response, a tutorial, etc. Make note of all the parts of the assignment and create a checklist to make sure you don't leave anything out.

Q. When is it due?

How long do you have to work on this project? Is there one due date for everything or are there multiple due dates for different parts of the assignment? Plan out your time, so you don't get stuck doing all the work at the last minute. Plan extra time in case you have problems or get stuck.

Q. What other requirements should you make note of?

Are there requirements to include a certain number of quotes or paraphrases? Do you need to have a certain number of paragraphs? Do you need visuals/images? current statistics? Make note of any other requirements on the assignment sheet, and ask your instructor for clarification on any parts you're not sure about.

Selecting a Topic

Write a literary analysis of Trifles. Come up with a thesis that explores the significance of your topic.
- Consider the husband/wife roles in Trifles.
- Examine the theme of isolation in the play.
- Examine the theme of domestic abuse in the play.
- Come up with your own topic.
Write a literary analysis of The Tempest. Come up with a thesis that explores the significance of your topic.
- Do a character study of Prospero. Is he the hero or villain (good or bad) or something in between.
- Examine the character of Caliban: what are we to make of him?
- Examine the use of irony in the play.
- Examine the theme of justice in the play.
- Pick one of the themes discussed in class and write about how it is used in The Tempest.
- Come up with your own topic.
Literary Analysis Compare/Contrast. Write a comparison/contrast paper analyzing the similarities of both plays OR compare Trifles to one of the short stories from class. Come up with a thesis that explores the significance of the comparison.
- Evaluate the role of justice in The Tempest and Trifles.
- Examine the theme of isolation in both plays.
- Compare the treatment of women in both plays.
- Examine the use of symbols in Trifles and "New England Nun."
- Compare the treatment of women in Trifles and one or more short stories read in class.
Literary Analysis with Historical Research: Research some of the domestic practices mentioned in Trifles (such as canning, quilting, baking).
- How were these processes completed during this time period (late 1800s/early 1900s)? How labor intensive were they? What does this tell us about the characters' (both men and women) understanding of Minnie and her work? What message is Glaspell sending her audience about this? Come up with a thesis that explores the significance of your topic.
Literary Analysis with Historical Research: Research the murder Trifles is based on. Compare it to the event in the play.
- Why do you think Glaspell makes the changes she does? Come up with a thesis that explores the significance of your topic.