ENGL 10A: Literatures in English to 1700
Prof. Roe
Question: Analyze the role of supernatural elements in Shakespeare's
tragedies, citing examples from plays like "Macbeth" and "Othello," and
exploring how these elements contribute to the tragic outcomes.
Response: Supernatural elements play a significant role in Shakespearean
tragedies, heightening the dramatic tension. In "Macbeth," the witches and
supernatural prophecies influence Macbeth's actions, while in "Othello," the
handkerchief and the manipulation by Iago contribute to the tragic downfall of the
protagonists.
Question: Discuss the representation of nature in pastoral poetry of the
Renaissance, using examples from works like Marlowe's "The Passionate
Shepherd to His Love" and Raleigh's response, "The Nymph's Reply to the
Shepherd."
Response: Pastoral poetry of the Renaissance, exemplified in works like Marlowe's
"The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" and Raleigh's response, "The Nymph's
Reply to the Shepherd," idealizes nature as an idyllic setting for love. The
contrasting perspectives in these poems reflect the tension between idealized nature
and the harsh realities of life.
