Wilson assignment Essay

Ma Rainey’s Black BottomYou have two options for this essay. Option 1: apply Aristotle’s theory to an analysis of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Option 2: show how Wilson uses Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom to comment on social problems.NOTE: If you chose Option 1 for the Shakespeare essay, you must select Option 2 for this one; likewise, if you chose to write social criticism about Shakespeare, you must write an Aristotle comparison this time.Option 1In this essay, you will use Aristotle’s definition of tragedy from Poetics to analyze Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Is Wilson’s play tragic according to Aristotle’s definition? You must:Define tragedy according to Aristotle’s Poetics.

Describe Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.Determine the relationship between Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Aristotle’s definition. Include a clear thesis that states your position.

Support your position using direct references to both texts in at least three body paragraphs with topic sentences and transitions that refer back to the thesis. Use MLA format in-text citations and Works Cited page.Option 2In this essay, you will show how Wilson uses Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom to comment on social problems in America. How does the play reflect gender, economic and religious disparities? You must:Define the social problems Wilson brings up.Describe the development of the problems in the context of the plot.

Include a clear thesis that states your position.Support your position using direct references tothetext in at least three body paragraphs with topic sentences and transitions that refer back to the thesis. Use MLA format in-text citations and Works Cited page.FormatYour essay must be no less than 4 pages, typed, in Times New Roman font, 12 point, double-spaced, with no more than 1” margins.

Include your name,class days/time and date of submission on the first page. Paginate according to the current MLA style. Do not include a title page.