Choose one of the following topics and address the assignment requirements specific to each topic. Topic #1 In any genre of literature, it is the action of the characters that draws us into the story. Their challenges, decisions, tragedies, and triumphs focus our attention, revealing a broader aspect of the human condition as well as, perhaps, some facet of our own. One of the oldest literary devices used is to expose a character’s “tragic flaw” at some point in the story line. A “tragic flaw” is defined as an imperfection, personality defect, or ego-driven foible that influences and affects motives and ultimately brings about a downfall of either the hero or someone close to the hero. For example, Hamlet’s inability to make a decision eventually leads to many tragic events. Name a real-life character from history or current times and explain his or her tragic flaw and the consequences of that flaw. Elaborate on the conditions leading to the flaw and how the downfall could have been avoided. Two such examples are Tiger Woods and Amy Winehouse. Research is required! You must indicate knowledge.   Topic #2 Broadway musicals are a popular medium for breathing new life into historical figures—(Alexander) Hamilton—and presenting aspects of contemporary society and culture in a new way—The Book of Mormon. Unlike opera, which is typically set to Classical or modern art music, musicals tend to draw from contemporary popular music styles.  1. Select either an overlooked or misunderstood historical figure or a distinct sub-culture (not musically themed) and discuss what type of popular music would influence its presentation as a musical.  2. Describe characteristics of the music genre's style such as melody, rhythm, texture, and timbre, and reference three example pieces in your essay with YouTube links cited at the end.  3. Explain how your chosen style of music would guide the audience’s attitude toward the historical figure or cultural group and, perhaps, offer an alternative viewpoint than ones frequently held.  4. What stagecraft details would further guide this interpretation? Topic #3 View the following different presentations of Viola’s “Ring Soliloquy” from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The first two examples are given out of the context of a staged play or film and include information about the scene and plot; the next three are all staged play examples; and the final two are film adaptations. Isolated Monologue The Monologue Project- Twelfth Night- Viola (Links to an external site.) Discovering text in the moment: Twelfth Night/Viola as performed by Judi Dench (Links to an external site.) Staged Monologue Viola/Cesario Monologue from Twelfth Night (Links to an external site.) Twelfth Night, Act II, Scene 2 (Links to an external site.) Viola Monologue – Twelfth Night, or What You Will (Links to an external site.) Cinematic Monologue Twelfth Night. Act 2 Scene 2 (Links to an external site.) Twelfth Night - Viola's "Ring Soliloquy" (Links to a ...

1. Choose one of the following topics and address the assignment
requirements specific to each topic.
Topic #1
In any genre of literature, it is the action of the characters that
draws us into the story. Their challenges, decisions, tragedies,
and triumphs focus our attention, revealing a broader aspect of
the human condition as well as, perhaps, some facet of our own.
One of the oldest literary devices used is to expose a character’s
“tragic flaw” at some point in the story line. A “tragic flaw” is
defined as an imperfection, personality defect, or ego-driven
foible that influences and affects motives and ultimately brings
about a downfall of either the hero or someone close to the
hero. For example, Hamlet’s inability to make a decision
eventually leads to many tragic events.
Name a real-life character from history or current times and
explain his or her tragic flaw and the consequences of that flaw.
Elaborate on the conditions leading to the flaw and how the
downfall could have been avoided. Two such examples are
Tiger Woods and Amy Winehouse.
Research is required! You must indicate knowledge.
Topic #2
Broadway musicals are a popular medium for breathing new life
into historical figures—(Alexander) Hamilton—and presenting
aspects of contemporary society and culture in a new way—The
Book of Mormon. Unlike opera, which is typically set to
Classical or modern art music, musicals tend to draw from
contemporary popular music styles.
1. Select either an overlooked or misunderstood historical figure
or a distinct sub-culture (not musically themed) and discuss
what type of popular music would influence its presentation as a
musical.
2. Describe characteristics of the music genre's style such as
melody, rhythm, texture, and timbre, and reference three

2. example pieces in your essay with YouTube links cited at the
end.
3. Explain how your chosen style of music would guide the
audience’s attitude toward the historical figure or cultural group
and, perhaps, offer an alternative viewpoint than ones
frequently held.
4. What stagecraft details would further guide this
interpretation?
Topic #3
View the following different presentations of Viola’s “Ring
Soliloquy” from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The first two
examples are given out of the context of a staged play or film
and include information about the scene and plot; the next three
are all staged play examples; and the final two are film
adaptations.
Isolated Monologue
The Monologue Project- Twelfth Night- Viola (Links to an
external site.)
Discovering text in the moment: Twelfth Night/Viola as
performed by Judi Dench (Links to an external site.)
Staged Monologue
Viola/Cesario Monologue from Twelfth Night (Links to an
external site.)
Twelfth Night, Act II, Scene 2 (Links to an external site.)
Viola Monologue – Twelfth Night, or What You Will (Links to
an external site.)
Cinematic Monologue
Twelfth Night. Act 2 Scene 2 (Links to an external site.)
Twelfth Night - Viola's "Ring Soliloquy" (Links to an external
site.)
1. How do the performers guide the interpretation with their
facial expressions, physical gestures, and diction (stressed
words, pauses, etc.)?
2. Compare and contrast the use of costumes, props, and sets to

3. convey the scenario.
3. Discuss the relationship between actor and audience in the
staged performances.
4. What opportunities and limitations do the two cinematic
versions provide?
Length: 500-word minimumFormat: MLA, including in-text
citations and a list of references
Visit the Purdue OWL site for assistance with MLA
format: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ (Lin
ks to an external site.).