Greek Tragedy Essay

The Purpose of Expository Essay Writing

Performance Indicators:

Hopefully, you will observe that six of the seven English department performance indicators are emphasized through this assignment.  The value of this work in relationship to developing reasonable skills for application is notable.  

P.S. ELA-1 Language:   Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

A. Notice and correct grammatical and mechanical errors in writing.
B. Demonstrate command of correct sentence structure and variety.
C. Apply standard usage to formal speaking and writing.

P.S ELA-2 Reading Analysis: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

A. Evaluate the relevant themes and synthesize how they are present in the novel in oral and written responses.
B. Interpret the implications of setting and circumstance.
C. Analyze the role of characters in the plot in oral and written responses.
D. Analyze important quotations from the text in oral and written responses.
E. Annotate the text.

P.S ELA-3 Reading Craft and Structure: Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness or beauty of a text.

A. Understand SOAPSTone: Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject, Tone
B. Analyze the plot and/or design of the text, following shifts in time and place.

 P.S ELA-4 Writing Analysis:   Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

A. Select and limit a debatable thesis.
B. Research evidence using credible sources.
C. Select an appropriate organizational plan.
D. Acknowledge alternate sides of a position.
E. Apply the standards of English conventions.
F. Apply persuasive strategies.
G. Create Works Cited for evidence used.

P.S ELA-5 Writing Craft:   Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

A. Create an effective introduction.
B. Use showing details v. telling details.
C. Maintain a focus on the main idea throughout the body paragraphs.
D. Write an effective conclusion.

P.S. ELA-6 Research- based Writing: Compose research- based writing to examine a topic through the selection, organization, analysis, and synthesis of relevant content.

A.  Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources
B.  Assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience
C.  Integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source
D.  Follow a standard format for citation.
E.  Select and limit an appropriate topic.
F. Take notes using a minimum of three sources.
G. Prepare an outline and multiple drafts
H. Write a works’ cited page.
I. Write a strong introduction and conclusion.
J. Include precise, effective quotations that directly correspond to the main idea.

 

 

The essay prompt:  Discuss how The Odyssey and Oedipus the King convey Aristotle’s definition of tragedy: “A tragedy is the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself; in appropriate and pleasurable language;… in a dramatic rather than narrative form; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish a catharsis of these emotions.”  Incorporate the terminology from Aristotle’s definition in your discussion even considering the use of passages from The Poetics.  Provide, as well, passages from each text to support and substantiate your observations.  Ensure that the author’s name and the page number follow your use of quotes.  Finally include a works cited page that applies MLA standards .

Your discussion should be driven by Aristotle’s definition of tragedy:
“A tragedy is the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself; in appropriate and pleasurable language;… in a dramatic rather than narrative form; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish a catharsis of these emotions.”

Gather your notes, study guides and other associated information related to the study of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King and Homer’s The OdysseyYou are assigned to compose an essay that discusses how each work follows the framework of Aristotle’s definition of tragedy.  Your discussion might demonstrate the similarities and differences between the two works as they apply to the three most essential elements of a tragedy according to Aristotle.

The composition is obviously an expository essay.  You are required to use MLA standards. Evidence from both Greek tragedies as well as references to Aristotle’s interpretation will strengthen your effort.

The extent of your composition is determined by your ability to address the prompt with adequate supporting information and insight.   Your composition will submitted to Turnitin as fifty percent of your Mid Year Exam grade.