Choose a scene from Goodnight Desdemona that you feel is representative of a particular theme of the play and discuss, in an essay, its purpose and dramatic thrust. How does MacDonald go about achieving her goals in the scene? What are the key moments of humor, drama, suspense, or revelation? Which characters and which lines are most important? Cast the scene, choose a director, and act it out based on your observations. Then, analyze the scene you have produced, noting its successes and failures.

Read one of Shakespeare's comedies, such as As You Like It or Much Ado about Nothing, and one of the tragedies, such as Macbeth. Write a paper or give a class presentation discussing the difference between tragedy and comedy in Shakespeare's time. How do the playwright's techniques differ? What do the conventions have in common? Do you think...