English 1302 Essay #1 on Antigone

Final Draft Due 2/9/09

 

Writing Situation:

The recent situation in Thebes concerning King Creon and the death of Antigone has been brought before the International Court of Human Justice.  In order to understand the tragic events more fully, arguments are being brought forth concerning the blame or innocence of various parties involved.  Of utmost concern for this court is the determination of what is "just" and "moral."

 

Writing Topic:
Write an essay presenting an argument defending the innocence or guilt of one of the characters in the play.  Were the actions of this character just or unjust? moral or immoral?  Why?

 

Possible specific topics?

Was Antigone acting immorally or morally in defying Creon and then committing suicide?

Was Creon acting immorally or morally for denying burial to Polyneicies and condemning Antigone to death?

Is Ismene to be condemned or not for her actions?
Is true justice served on Creon by the end of the play?
Is true justice served on Antigone by the end of the play?

 

 

Essay Requirements:
Write a "critical essay" on one of the topics above.  The essay should be a minimum of 700 words and incorporate at least two quotes either from the passage we read from Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida or from our selection from MLK’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” The essay should also have a section devoted to addressing opposing views (concession/refutation—point/counterpoint). The essay should be typed with 1' margins and use MLA Format and Documentation Style.  You should use no other outside sources for this project. 
**Remember: Not meeting the minimum essay requirements results in a grade of no higher than a 70**

 

Assignment Notes:
Even though the assignment creates a fictional courtroom setting, please do not get caught up in verbal grandstanding—this is still a written text.  Write a clear direct argument to the "court" of your peers in your voice. 

 

The Troilus and Cressida quote comes from Act I, scene III in Shakespeare's play (or is available online at http://www.bartleby.com/70/3513.html).

 

Special Policy on Late Drafts: We will be doing three drafts of this essay—I expect you to have these drafts.  Late 1st and 2nd drafts lose -5 points each from the total grade on the essay.  Late final drafts lose -10 points and you have a week to complete the essay or it is a zero.