Gertrude Stein's experimental plays, poetry, and prose are notable for their experimental approach to narrative, character, and time. Labyrinthian, elliptical, stream-of-conscious, Cubist, unstable, and playful are all words that could describe her 1938 play, Doctor Faustus Lights the Light.
For your final paper, analyze and discuss Doctor Faustus Lights the Light, looking specifically at how Stein's use of language impacts the construction of time, space, narrative, and character/identity/self. Also consider how her language impacts the reader's (or audience's) experience of the play.
In addition, choose another piece of artwork that directly relates to the world of the play. Compare and contrast these two works. Your cross-analysis of the two should expand and re-inforce your thesis/theses.
5-7 pages, double spaced, 12 point font no larger than Times New Roman, maximum 1.25" margins, paginated, stapled, bibliography with at least one (1) source in addition to the play, Fuchs article, and secondary artist work. Bibliography page does NOT count towards the 5-7 pages. Papers must be submitted as hardcopy. Emailed papers will not be accepted. Due in Shannon's mailbox by 5pm, 12/4/2012
UPDATE - Here is some further information about what is expected for your end of term paper. Some students have asked some good questions about their paper topic, which we've included here as a FAQ. Please feel free to email us if you have any questions about your paper.
Guidelines
- Read the play at least twice and take detailed notes.
- This paper is not simply your "review" of the play. There is a difference between criticism and critique, this paper focusing more on the latter. Your own judgement on the success/failure of the play is relevant if it serves the argument of your thesis.
- Support your arguments with specific examples of language, moment, event from the play.
- Avoid general summaries and statements of judgement, i.e. "I think this play was really great and is a masterpiece."
- Need some refreshing on what makes a strong paper thesis? This resource page from UNC does a good job summarizing the qualities of a well developed thesis topic: http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/
- Feel free to read the play out loud with your peers and audition paper topics through group discussion.
- Consider the various critical and imaginative tools we've covered over the past year and how/if they apply to the development of your thesis topic and writing of your paper.
It is expected that you will conduct background research on topics relevant to your paper. Besides from the Stein text, the Fuchs article, and your secondary artist example, your paper should include an MLA formatted bibliography with at least one (1) credible research source, i.e. books, peer-reviewed journals, articles (think back to your library orientation this semester). The use of unsubstantial online sources, i.e. random blog statements and or commentary, will lower your grade. Sources should be properly cited throughout your essay.
Plagiarism
Much of your paper grade will be based upon you demonstrating a rigorous, imaginative, critical, and thoughtful analysis of the text and treatment of your proposed question. Blatant abuses of Wikipedia or excessive quoting of sources will negatively impact your final grade. Any instances of plagiarism will automatically disqualify your paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What kind of paper is this? Is it a "free response" paper where we write about how we feel? A formal academic paper?
A. In many ways it should follow the format of a traditional paper. It should open with a thesis statement/topic, and the body of the paper should contain your arguments in support of your thesis. The paper should show thoughtful analysis of the text, demonstrate your research with proper citation of sources, and include specific examples.
Where this paper can deviate from a traditional paper is that we encourage you to use creativity and imagination in your analysis of the play. For example, you can include personal or creative responses to the play, however use your critical and analytical skills to back up those points and communicate how they are relevant.
For example, it's one thing to simply state that the play is "confusing." If stated without any further consideration, that's not a particularly enlightening statement of opinion. However, if one were to take the time to unpack that response and discuss how/why/to what end, it helps the reader of your paper understand the play more.
This will apply especially to the 2nd half of the paper prompt, which asks you to cross-compare the play with another piece of artwork.
Q. Are we supposed to use the Fuchs article? Am I supposed to write about the play text, or my personal/artistic interpretation of the world of the play?
A. We encourage you to use the Fuchs approach to dramaturgical analysis/exploration if you wish. You can discuss how time, space, narrative, etc. operate in the world of the play as imagined by you, however you should always connect that analysis to the specifics of the play itself. Stein's text gives us a lot to work with, so take advantage of it. Also, think back to the other concepts we've discussed in class.
Q. My paper topic could use some refinement. Can I email you what I've got so far and get your feedback?
A. Of course, we'd be happy to hear from you! After you've spent some time on your own working on the paper topic, feel free to contact us via email, after class, or by appointment during office hours.
Q. My paper topic could use some refinement. Can I email you what I've got so far and get your feedback?
A. Of course, we'd be happy to hear from you! After you've spent some time on your own working on the paper topic, feel free to contact us via email, after class, or by appointment during office hours.
