1. Research Paper Mrs. Rosolino

2. Primary vs. Secondary sources Primary in this case refers to the drama itself. Primary in this case refers to the drama itself. Secondary refers to the critical essays written about the play Secondary refers to the critical essays written about the play

3. Taking Notes (or what to write down) Using the criticism provided, read and record whatever piques your interest Using the criticism provided, read and record whatever piques your interest 3 forms of notes: summary, paraphrase, and direct quotation 3 forms of notes: summary, paraphrase, and direct quotation After reading what experts have observed about the drama, formulate your own idea, which will evolve into a thesis After reading what experts have observed about the drama, formulate your own idea, which will evolve into a thesis Thesis: arguable point Thesis: arguable point

4. Paraphrase—yes, you still have to document the source even if it’s in your own words; the idea was not original, which is why documentation is essential. Paraphrasing is your own rendition of essential information and ideas expressed by someone else Paraphrasing is your own rendition of essential information and ideas expressed by someone else Be sure to use quotation marks to identify any unique term or phraseology you have borrowed from the source Be sure to use quotation marks to identify any unique term or phraseology you have borrowed from the source

5. Using Quotations in your paper Ideally, a research paper blends your own ideas and information from expert sources. Ideally, a research paper blends your own ideas and information from expert sources. You need to retain the exact wording, spelling, and punctuation of the original source, AND you must cite your source by using parenthetical documentation You need to retain the exact wording, spelling, and punctuation of the original source, AND you must cite your source by using parenthetical documentation

6. Long Quotes If you decide to use a quotation that is longer than four lines, it is indented (hit the tab once), but you do not use quotation marks. If you decide to use a quotation that is longer than four lines, it is indented (hit the tab once), but you do not use quotation marks. Also, instead of placing the end punctuation after the parenthetical documentation, you put the period BEFORE the documentation. Also, instead of placing the end punctuation after the parenthetical documentation, you put the period BEFORE the documentation. For example, For example, Blah, blah, blah—more than four lines long. (Golding 186)

7. Documenting Quotes from Shakespeare If you quote a line, always use Arabic numerals with periods separating the act, scene, and line. If you quote a line, always use Arabic numerals with periods separating the act, scene, and line. For example, For example, (1.2.35) (1.2.35) You can identify the speaker in the sentence preceding the quote as you introduce the quote in your paper— not as a part of the parenthetical documentation.

8. Requirements Use a minimum of three different criticisms in the paper Use a minimum of three different criticisms in the paper Use active voice Use active voice Try to write in present tense Try to write in present tense Avoid using the to be verbs (am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being) Avoid using the to be verbs (am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being) No first or second person narration No first or second person narration 12 pt. font 12 pt. font Do not use THIS as a pronoun; do not use this quote means or the author means Do not use THIS as a pronoun; do not use this quote means or the author means Avoid using the reader or any indefinite pronoun (one, someone, somebody, etc.) Avoid using the reader or any indefinite pronoun (one, someone, somebody, etc.) Do not use contractions Do not use contractions Follow MLA format (heading + documentation) Follow MLA format (heading + documentation) Italicize the title of the play Italicize the title of the play

9. Possible Research Paper Topics related to The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Hubris as the tragic flaw (for Brutus, Caesar, + Antony) Hubris as the tragic flaw (for Brutus, Caesar, + Antony) Tragic hero (Brutus or Caesar)—use Aristotle’s definition Tragic hero (Brutus or Caesar)—use Aristotle’s definition Caesar as a hypocritical/ paradoxical character Caesar as a hypocritical/ paradoxical character Misinterpretation/ misunderstanding Misinterpretation/ misunderstanding Compare/ contrast Shakespeare’s version and Plutarch’s—what might be the reason for the changes made? Compare/ contrast Shakespeare’s version and Plutarch’s—what might be the reason for the changes made? Importance of ritual in the drama Importance of ritual in the drama Antony as a dynamic character Antony as a dynamic character Shakespeare’s use of superstitions and omens in the play Shakespeare’s use of superstitions and omens in the play Compare/ contrast the funeral speeches: logic vs. emotion (logos vs. pathos) Compare/ contrast the funeral speeches: logic vs. emotion (logos vs. pathos) Is Brutus a true stoic? Is Brutus a true stoic? Is Cassius a true epicurean? Is Cassius a true epicurean? Abuses of power Abuses of power