English 418: Shakespeare
Midterm Review

The midterm exam will consist of two sections: Character Identification (25 points) and Essay (75 points):

• The character identification is very straightforward:
  
• We have studied five plays.
  
• Name five main characters from each play, including their description (e.g., "Othello, a general in the Venetian army") (1 point each)

• The essay will involve a choice of two topics: Histories or Comedies
• For the Histories essay, you will be expected to write a brief discussion of the three plays we discussed in terms of the Things to Consider:
• Historical Context
• Father-Son Relationships
• Righteousness of Rulers
• Dramatic Foils
• Gender and Family and Power
  
• National Identity and Patriotism
• For the Comedies essay, you will be expected to write a brief discussion of the two plays we have discussed in terms of the Things to Consider:
• Relationships among Couples (Double/Triple plots):
• "New Comedy": Three-Part plot (Boy meets, loses, regains Girl):
  • Obstacle
  • Escape/Revolt
  • Overcoming of Obstacle
• Green World
• Play within the Play
• Religion and Folk Beliefs
• Gender Roles and Identity
• Whichever topic you choose, you will be expected to present a clear thesis that is supported with specific supporting details from each of the plays under consideration.
• Your essays should also be free from mechanical and grammatical errors.