Sample Essay Outlines
- Topic #1
The definition of “Tragedy” has changed over time. In it’s original Greek conception, a tragedy specifically refers to a drama where the protagonist is foretold a terrible fate that awaits him. The very actions he takes to avoid the fate, however, actually make him fulfill it. García Lorca was well aware of this classical conception of tragedy, and his rural trilogy, which includes Blood Wedding, makes constant use of omens and alludes to the unavoidability of destiny. Blood Wedding is a classical tragedy in that the protagonist and other characters are predestined to fulfill doomed fates, no matter how they try to escape. Show, with illustrations from the text, how characters in Blood Wedding cannot escape the destiny that awaits them and is hinted at throughout the play.Outline
I. Thesis Statement: There is a sense of repetition and omen in Blood Wedding where many characters are destined to suffer the same fate as their parents.II. The Bridegroom’s father was murdered by members of the Felix family.
A. The Mother constantly mentions the murders of her husband and brother.
B. Leonardo Felix is responsible for the Bridegroom’s death.III. The brides do not always love their spouse and vice versa.
A. The Bride’s mother did not love her husband. Neither will the Bride. The impending marriage has more to do with material gain and increased status in society than love. The Bride does not love the Bridegroom.
B. The Wife is doomed to not be loved by her husband, Leonardo, just as her mother was not loved by her father.IV. Conclusion: García Lorca has created a typical tragedy in which the characters, although they try their best, cannot escape the fate that awaits them. The play's omens and ominous symbols foretell of the ultimate fulfillment of the tragedy.
- Topic #2
Leonardo Felix stands out from the other characters because he is the only character to have a proper name. All the other characters are given a generic title for their role in the wedding or within society. Why does García Lorca want Leonardo Felix to stand out? Is the audience supposed to be sympathetic to his character? (Note: there is no “correct” answer to this last question. Leonardo Felix can be portrayed in different manners depending on the decision of the director. However, according to the lines, stage directions and plot, what do you think?) Explain how Leonardo Felix might be considered the actual “hero” of the play.Outline
I. Thesis Statement: Leonardo Felix is the actual “hero” of the play, and the audience is supposed to sympathize with his plight.II. The wedding represents conformity to society and traditional mores. Passion (blood) is not taken into consideration as a necessary part of this conformity.
III. Leonardo is poor and cannot marry the woman he loves.
A. He disregards his place in society and follows his passion. He should be respected for this decision.
B. Although Leonardo is hunted down, he is ultimately not at fault; rather, the Bridegroom is, for failing to acknowledge the superiority of passion (blood) over material wealth.IV. Despite Leonardo’s actions towards the Bride, his behavior towards his own wife, family, and horse is dubious at best.
A. He drives his horse too hard and is unconcerned about working it to death.
B. He treats his wife badly, by ignoring her and making her ride in a cart.
C. He ultimately deserts his wife and leaves her alone to raise their children.V. Considering the above, one should/should not sympathize with Leonardo Felix.
VI. Conclusion: The character of Leonardo Felix is actually the hero of the play because, despite the results of his actions, he follows his heart (blood) and goes against tradition and conformity.
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