“Lion King” Mini Historical Analysis

Introductory Paragraph utilizing the concepts of multiculturalism, interculturalism and transculturalism

Character paragraph discussing protagonist (Simba) and antagonist (Scar)

Plot paragraph where you synthesize the plot into three sentences and write about the climax of the play and the resolution of the play

Historical Play Analysis TO DO LIST:

You will evaluate one of the scripts using Historical Play Analysis as outlined below.  Essentially, you’ll use an introductory paragraph providing an overview of what you’ll address in the paper, and each succeeding paragraph will examine how each of the Historical Analysis Ideas applies to the play, ending with a concluding paragraph that summarizes your ideas and states your impressions of the play.  Back up your observations with evidence (lines)from the script.  Make sure and be specific.

Historical Play Analysis

Title of Your Paper

Sample Outline:

I.     Introduction:  including general information about the play and your overall impression of how multicultural, intercultural or transcultural elements are used (for example, which idea or concern might be the most dominant form of diversity used in the play)

II.     Description of historical period of play:  including information about the historical time and place in which the play is written.  Include the historical, political, economic, sociological and psychological context in which the play was written.  Was the script written for the time and place in which it was produced?

III.    Background sketch of author:  Authors’ age, sex, education, experience in theater, cultural point of view.

IV.   Character:  Description of conflict between the protagonist (the character with whom we are to most identify, the hero) and the antagonist (the character that gets in the way of the hero’s goals, the villain) as well as a short description of personalities and physical attributes of the protagonist and the antagonist .

V.    Plot:  What is the story in three sentences and then give a description of the climax of the story and the resolution of conflict.

VI.   Spectacle: Description of type of stage, lighting, scenery, costumes and props you would use to present this play that was typical of the historical period in which it was written.

VII.  Meaning:  Description of the message(s) that the playwright was conveying to the audience backed up with specific examples from the play.

VIII. Language:  How is the language used in the play important?  What about the mixing of ethnic words with English words?  Does the language of the play help us to understand the diverse cultures?

IX. Conclusion. State your impression of the play and what knowledge you gained from studying the play.

X.  Works Cited:  Cite the play itself and two other sources in MLA format