Hanrahan
ENGL 102
Spring 2009
Drama Paper
“One must be drenched in words, literally soaked in them, to have the right ones form themselves into the proper
patterns at the right moment.” –Hart Crane
“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” –Ernest Hemingway
Our last paper this semester allows you to use your creativity and imagination as you step into the
author’s seat and complete a two-part assignment. Your first task is to write a short dramatic scene,
complete with dialogue, scene-setting, and stage directions. You can choose any of the works we’ve
read this semester—a play, a poem, or a short story. Just keep in mind, though, that your paper must
be written in dramatic form, regardless of the form the original text took. The other half of this
paper is a brief (2-3 pages) analytical reflection on your scene, described in more detail below.
Choose between the following options for the first part of the assignment:
1) Write a prequel or sequel to a work we’ve read already, imagining a scene that takes place
before or after the original text begins or ends.
2) Write an extra scene that isn’t in the text proper, but happens “off-stage,” so to speak.
Your original scene must include/demonstrate:
1) Opening stage directions: where and when the scene happens, some description of the scene
and scenery (how the stage should look, what props should be visible). Look at the opening
pages of The Glass Menagerie, Trifles, or Othello if you are confused about how to do this.
2) Dialogue between at least two characters.
3) Stage directions (describing, for example, the characters’ actions, tones, and deliveries of
their lines).
4) Appropriate length and formatting: 3 full pages, typed; double-spaced; 12 point font (Times
New Roman); and 1 inch margins all around.
The second part of this assignment, your reflective essay, must include/demonstrate:
1) A clear introduction, organized body paragraphs, and conclusion.
2) A thesis statement, strong topic sentences, and transitions. Your thesis statement for this
paper is an argument about how and why you structured your dramatic scene the way
you did.
3) An explanation of why you decided to write the scene you chose.
4) A discussion of how it fits into and stays true to the original work as a whole.
5) Direct references to both your new scene and the original work. In other words, quote from
both pieces to prove your points.
6) Proper MLA citations for the original text and a work cited page.
7) Appropriate length and formatting: 2-3 full pages, typed; double-spaced; 12 point font
(Times New Roman); no spaces between paragraphs; and 1 inch margins all around.
Important dates for this assignment:
Tuesday, April 14: Typed explanation of topic (a couple of paragraphs) due in class.
Tuesday, April 28: Workshop papers in class; bring two copies of paper and workshop sheet to class
with you.
Thursday, April 30: Drama papers due in class. Copies due on turnitin.com before class.
