Write a clear, well-developed, precise essay which answers one of the following questions based on Trifles:
- How does the strangled canary symbolize Minnie Wright’s failed attempt to reclaim a lost identity?
- Discuss the themes of loyalty and betrayal as depicted in the play.
- How do the broken jars of fruit symbolize Minnie Wright’s efforts to preserve some semblance of order and identity in the midst of an oppressive chaos?
4. How does the freezing winter function as a symbol of both John Wright and Death?
(Remember that even when your paper focuses on one particular symbol, you may touch on one or more of the others. For example, if you choose Question 3, even though your focus is on the fruit jars, you may make reference to the winter as a destroyer.)
Guidelines:
1. Remember that plot summary is not analysis. Essays that rely primarily or entirely on plot summary will not be graded highly.
2. Remember that personal opinion is also not analysis. Avoid discussing what you feel a character should have done. Instead, consider why the character makes the choices he or she makes, and why that character, being what he or she is, could not have chosen otherwise.
Avoid using “I” in the essay. Use the objective point of view. The words ‘I think’ and ‘I believe’ are unnecessary phrases that make your statement too opinionated rather than scholarly.
3. Use the present verb tense. Use the present verb tense. I cannot stress enough the importance of this guideline.
4. Be sure that each paragraph has a clear, arguable main idea.
5. Be sure that you support each main idea with the text’s small details rather than with plot summary. Remember that you are looking at the text through a magnifying glass, where the small things become big. Your essay should show evidence of freewriting.
6. Be sure you bring in details of the text’s language – specific quotes from the play – to support your points.
7. Even though you must quote, resist with all your might the temptation to over-quote. Do not let your text do your work for you.
8. Your introduction should include an underlined thesis statement.
9. Skip lines/ double space.
10. Your essay should meet the 500-700 word count requirement. Avoid going over 700 words and make sure your paper is not less than 500 words.
11. Come up with a compelling title for your essay. (Be more creative than entitling your paper ‘Trifles’).
12. Proofread to avoid errors.
13. NO research is required for this assignment. The essay should consist mostly of your own Interpretation of the assigned text in your own words. SafeAssign is a plagiarism checker, so avoid plagiarism, please. A SafeAssign score of over 20% would be further investigated for plagiarism.
14. Do cite the play using the MLA format in in-text citations and in a ‘Work Cited’ citation.
15. Read the Announcements for further guidelines on this essay assignment.
15. Aim to meet the deadline to avoid reduction points for a late submission.