This document provides instructions for an essay assignment analyzing gender roles in 16th century patriarchal households as depicted in brief satirical plays from that era. Students are asked to choose two plays by Hans Sachs and/or a Colloquy by Erasmus to examine. The essay should be 750 words with an argumentative thesis, introduction, body, and conclusion analyzing ideals and expectations for male and female behavior in marriage, responsibilities within the household, emphasized misbehaviors, and key problems facing the patriarchal household at that time.