User:Samburger7/sandbox

Media and Links

I added links within my implementation plan. I will practice adding an image here.

Painting of Imogen from Shakespeare's Cymbeline by Herbert Gustave Schmalz

Individual Implementation Plan

           I am a part of one of the critical history groups, specifically Gender and Sexuality. Within my group, I am responsible for the sub-category of patriarchy/marriage within the context of critical history. The existing Wikipedia page does not have a section for critical history, but it has a “Reputation” section. The other critical history group is responsible for changing the heading and incorporating the existing criticism presented into their work. I am responsible for beginning the following section “Gender and Sexuality.” I will add the subheading to the page and begin the section with my draft below:

           Critical focus on Cymbeline  includes constructs of gender and sexuality and how they operate in the play. Critics are not in agreement regarding the status of Innogen as a virgin, but the significance of her chastity is recognized, as critics argue political virtue of a country rests on the virtue and chastity of the female representative. Critics contend that Shakespeare utilized the legal rhetoric of the time in framing accusations around Innogen’s infidelity. The essential verdict rests on truth of claims laid against her, which is the historical practice, but the matter is complicated through a challenge to the validity of the claim based on the intention of who made it. For example, Innogen discredits Iachimo’s accusations against Posthumus because Iachimo did not tell her “for virtue,” but rather, for “an end” of sexual favor.

           A particular focus regarding Innogen includes examination of defining the self. A contradictory combination of defining categories exists in which the self is formed by societal structures, such as nationality and gender, as well as internal reflection. Innogen has historically been played and received as the ideal Victorian woman maintaining qualities applauded in a patriarchal structure. However, critics argue Innogen’s misbehavior contradicts these social definitions through her defiance of her father and cross-dressing. Innogen also defies misogyny through her maintenance of chastity, as it awards her sexual control in a society that considers women weaker and property, but the patriarchal structure is still maintained.

           Alternatively, critics discuss the presence of non-heteronormative functions within the relationships in the play. Marriage initially upholds heterosexual norms, but throughout the play, the separation and final reunion in a homoerotic sense display the queer nature of the union between Posthumus and Innogen. The queerness of male sexual desire and the presence of homoeroticism ultimately work against female characters, as those like Posthumus desire removal of the woman labeled as “other,” but the final scene promotes hermaphroditism and arguably fights the structures of the gender binary regarding traditional femininity and masculinity.

           As a group, we began compiling sources and drafting on a Google Doc, as we are comfortable with it as a platform for work and editing. We shared our resources with each other, sometimes utilizing the same source if applicable, often from Emma's expansive research. In addition to adding my section, I am also responsible for peer revision of Emma and Annie's drafts. I am responsible for basic checks, like grammar, sentence structure, and proper citation format, but I will also work to confirm the accuracy of summaries of the criticisms. In return, Emma and Annie are looking at my work to check the same aspects. As Emma is uploading her section later, she will be responsible for any final checks on citations, as well as grammar if necessary. I am also responsible for examining our work under “Gender and Sexuality” for possibilities of subheadings and categorizations. If particular criticisms have a lot of information, then they may warrant a separation. I will be looking at the assembly as a whole to see if it is a possibility, as well as a need in order to enhance clarity and ease of reading.

Article Evaluation: Love's Labour's Lost

            I decided to look at the Wikipedia page for Love’s Labour’s Lost for my article evaluation. In the introduction section of the article, I found that linking to the country of France was distracting. Additionally, I found some of the information to be redundant, particularly the last part that references the “Date and Text” section. Overall, not much attention is given to Branagh’s adaption from 2000, and opinions seem to be unfavorable towards it, as evidence in a hostile section of the Talk Page. The debaters were discussing the presence of a picture from Branagh’s adaption at the beginning of the article. One argued that the image should not be at the forefront because it had nothing to do with Elizabethan plays, while the other argued that the scope of interest in the play goes beyond Elizabethan plays. He was saying that the discussion in the article goes beyond the period to look at performance history, adaptations, and so on, so he felt the pictures should not be limited. It appears that the argument simply ended and the picture was changed.

           The adaptations section seems short and limited, and it appears biased against particular productions. For example, Branagh’s adaption is given a total of two sentences, one of which references to it as a disappointment. There is no discussion as to why it was adapted as a musical or the specific criticisms about the film. In fact, much of the adaptation section simply lists the variations without much discussion. The Literature adaptations have a very brief description and gloss over the titles. The article appears to spend more time on live productions throughout the years.

           Much of the article seems short and limited. Points are simply brought up, but not expanded on as they might be in other Shakespearian works’ pages. For example, the synopsis could have more detailed explanations or textual examples or references. However, there are plenty of references as well as links to other Wikipedia pages. It also appears that there was a class assignment for editing this page years ago, which is interesting to look at since we are doing the same with Cymbeline.