English Renaissance Literature

Develop an argument—that is, a thesis—and support it extensively with evidence from the texts, understanding that you must write a coherent, thorough, and carefully organized paper of a minimum of 1500 words. Whatever the topic is, what I am looking for is a specific analysis, not plot summary or description. Respond to the given topic by illustrating your analysis with quotes from the text (but not over-quoting!). Think about your analysis in terms of an argument that you are supporting with evidence from the text. Ask “why?” or “how?” something is as it is. The point of these papers is to show me you have thought carefully and deeply about the work. The highest grades are given to thoughtful, insightful, critical commentaries that are free from writing errors. Therefore, proofread CAREFULLY.

Choose from ONE of the following:

1) In his poetry, Thomas Wyatt often focuses on the dangers of women in court culture. By examining “Whoso list to hunt,” “They flee from me,” and “Farewell, Love,” explain what these dangers are and indicate exactly how they contribute to a hazardous life in a court environment. Develop a thesis indicating why and explain using evidence from all three poems for support.
2) Show how Philip Sidney, in Astrophil and Stella 10, 18, and 21, contrasts reason with love. Why does Sidney do so? Be specific and use examples from all three sonnets for support.
3) Explain how Edmund Spenser, in Amoretti 65, 68, and 79 responds to, but also modifies, the Petrarchan tradition of love poetry. Why does Spenser seem to react against the tradition and in what ways does he do so? Be specific and use examples from all three sonnets.
4) Although William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a comedy there are distinct elements of loss, melancholy, and near tragedy in the play. Why? Construct an analysis in which you argue in detail why Shakespeare includes so many “non-comic” features in his comedy. Be sure to use specific examples and textual support from the play to support your argument.
5) What is the relationship between humans and nature in Aemilia Lanyer’s “The Description of Cookham”? Demonstrate how and explain why Lanyer constructs the connection between people and nature as she does by using examples from the poem to argue your perspective.