Writing a Comparative Shakespeare Tragedy Essay: From Essay Plan to Final Draft (ENG353 Guide)

Introduction: Mastering the Comparative Shakespeare Tragedy Essay

As the June 6 deadline for your ENG353 Age of Shakespeare Tragedy longer essay approaches, you might feel the pressure building — much like the mounting tension in a Jacobean revenge tragedy. But fear not: with a solid plan and a clear understanding of the assignment's demands, you can produce a 2500-word comparative discussion that impresses your marker. This tutorial will guide you through the process, from refining your essay plan to crafting an interwoven argument across at least three prescribed plays, including Shakespeare's Anthony and Cleopatra. We'll also connect the timeless themes of Renaissance drama to modern-day examples — think of the tragic downfall of a tech CEO or the political intrigue in a hit streaming series — to help you see the relevance of these 400-year-old texts.

Understanding the Assignment: What Your Marker Wants

Your ENG353 essay must be a comparative interwoven discussion of at least three plays from the course. You cannot reuse the play from your close reading assignment, but you may write on Anthony and Cleopatra. The word count is 2500 words (+/-10%), including footnotes and bibliography. The marking criteria emphasize clarity, concision, coherence of argument, use of evidence, and presentation. Your essay plan, which you already submitted, should guide you — but you are allowed to deviate if your argument develops.

One popular topic is Lever's claim that Jacobean tragedy condemns society rather than the individual. Another is the use of grotesque and ridiculous effects in tragedy, inspired by a real incident where a fake eyeball landed in an audience member's ice cream during a performance of King Lear. Whatever topic you choose, your essay must compare and interweave discussions of the plays, not treat them in isolation.

Step 1: Revisit Your Essay Plan with a Critical Eye

Your essay plan is your road map. Start by reviewing it and asking: Does my argument have a clear, debatable thesis? For example, if you're tackling Topic 1 (Lever's view), your thesis might be: 'While Lever correctly identifies societal critique in Jacobean tragedy, the plays also hold individuals accountable for their moral choices, as seen in The Revenger's Tragedy, The Duchess of Malfi, and Anthony and Cleopatra.' This thesis is comparative and allows you to discuss each play in relation to the argument.

Ensure your plan includes at least three plays. If you haven't chosen them yet, consider pairing a Shakespeare tragedy (like Anthony and Cleopatra) with two non-Shakespearean plays (e.g., The Duchess of Malfi and The Revenger's Tragedy). This mix shows your range and fulfills the 'at least three plays' requirement.

Step 2: Build a Comparative Argument Structure

A common mistake is to write three mini-essays, one per play. Instead, structure your essay thematically. For Topic 2 (grotesque effects), you could have sections on: (1) Physical grotesquerie — the blinding of Gloucester in King Lear and the severed hand in The Duchess of Malfi; (2) Verbal grotesquerie — the bawdy jokes in Anthony and Cleopatra and the cynical asides in The Revenger's Tragedy; (3) Theatrical grotesquerie — how these moments play on stage, perhaps referencing the eyeball-in-ice-cream incident. Each section compares the plays side by side.

To interweave, use transitional phrases like 'Similarly, in The Duchess of Malfi...', 'By contrast, Shakespeare's Anthony and Cleopatra employs...', or 'This echoes the use of the grotesque in King Lear, where...'

Step 3: Use Secondary Sources Wisely

You are encouraged but not required to use secondary critical material. Start with the Recommended Reading list and physically browse the library shelves at 822.3. Look for monographs on Renaissance tragedy, revenge tragedy, or specific plays. For Anthony and Cleopatra, critics like Janet Adelman or Jonathan Dollimore offer useful insights. When you quote a critic, integrate it into your argument: 'As J.W. Lever argues, Jacobean tragedy condemns society — but this view overlooks the individual agency of characters like Vindice.'

Remember to cite properly using the style guide from the University of Auckland library website (http://www.library.auckland.ac.nz/study-skills/referencing). Include a bibliography at the end.

Step 4: Write Clearly and Concisely

Avoid overly complex sentences. Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence. For example: 'The grotesque in King Lear serves to highlight the absurdity of human cruelty, a theme that is also central to The Revenger's Tragedy.' Then provide evidence (a quote or specific scene) and analysis. Keep your word count in check — 2500 words is tight, so every sentence must advance your argument.

Use present tense when discussing the plays (e.g., 'Shakespeare presents Cleopatra as...'). This is standard for literary analysis.

Step 5: Revise and Proofread

Leave time for multiple drafts. Check for spelling and grammar errors; use your word processor's spell checker but also read aloud. Ensure your formatting is correct: 12-point font, 1.5 line spacing, page numbers, and your name on the top right. Poor formatting can cost marks.

Ask a friend or visit the writing centre for feedback. Does your argument flow logically? Are you comparing the plays effectively?

Timely Example: Connecting Tragedy to Modern Trends

To make your essay engaging, consider analogies from current events. For instance, the tragic fall of a celebrity like a disgraced influencer or a tech founder mirrors the hubris of Shakespeare's protagonists. The political manipulation in Anthony and Cleopatra echoes modern power struggles in corporate boardrooms or on social media. You could reference the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a backdrop for discussing ambition and downfall — think of a star athlete whose career ends in scandal. These connections show your marker that you understand the universality of tragedy.

However, avoid forcing analogies; use them sparingly to illuminate your argument, not replace it.

Final Checklist Before Submission

• Does my essay have a clear, comparative thesis?
• Do I discuss at least three plays, interweaving them?
• Have I included secondary sources (if used)?
• Is my bibliography complete and correctly formatted?
• Is the word count within 2250-2750 words?
• Is my formatting correct (font, spacing, page numbers, name)?

By following these steps, you can transform your essay plan into a polished, compelling essay that demonstrates your understanding of Shakespearean tragedy. Good luck — and remember, even the darkest tragedy can lead to a triumphant grade.