English 441 Term Paper

This term paper is a critical analysis of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice, done for Erin Kelly’s ENGL 441 Shakespeare. This term paper is an essay about your chosen topic, using detailed analysis of language from the play to support and develop a clear, specific, arguable thesis. In addition, this assignment must incorporate the ideas of other scholars into a conversation with your own argument.

The Pursuit of Choice in The Merchant of Venice details my literary and scholary research on Jessica’s lack of ability to exert control accordance to the fate Christian society determines and the mirror to her father. I examine perceptions of scholars while incorporating evidence of the play to have a conversation about perceptions that should be revisited. I believe this paper demonstrates my ability to critically analyze canonical works, incorporate the academic work of others into a conversation with my own argument, as well as my application of conventional written English.

I believe this paper satisfies the following program standards:

Literature and Textual Analysis:

Read, study and analyze works of literature from the canon, including the literature of diversity, from a variety of literary traditions, movements and historical contexts.
Know and analyze a variety of literary elements, their forms and uses.
Analyze literary and non-literary texts and understand their structure, content and interpretations.
Consider and articulate the ways in which literature can engage readers and cause them to reflect on their own experiences and the human condition.
Reflect on the ways literature can inspire personal and social growth and change.

Language, Linguistics, and Literacy:

Know the conventions, forms and functions of Standard English grammar and sentence structure.
Examine and explain strategies for constructing meaning within the processes of reading and writing.

Composition and Rhetoric:

Consistently and accurately apply the conventions of oral and written English.
Learn and apply advanced research strategies for academic work in English, including collection, integration and citation of data.