A. If "the guilty woman" is one of Hitchcock's main plot formations, just what is the guilty woman guilty of? Compare the principal female characters in three among North by Northwest, I Confess, Notorious, and Frenzy.
B. Strangers on a Train and Rear Window contain strong suggestions that the hero unconsciously identifies with the villain's actions. Is this the case in other Hitchcock movies? Compare protagonists in at least two of North by Northwest, I Confess, and Notorious.
C. Hitchcock characteristically took steps to achieve surface realism in his pictures. At the same time, he is often linked to Expressionism, film noir, and other movements or techniques that are definitely non-realistic. How can you reconcile realistic and Expressionistic elements? Compare at least two of North by Northwest, I Confess, Notorious, and Frenzy.
Within the general specifications for each topic, you may limit and focus your discussion. However, you essay must be genuinely comparative: avoid producing two or three mini-essays on separate films. Like all good essays, yours should have a thesis and then present arguments and evidence in support of the thesis. The more specifically you refer to the films, the better.
Essays will be a minimum of 1500 words (approximately five full typed pages, double spaced with normal font and margins).
Essays are to be submitted electronically. Attach your essay to an email and also paste the essay into the body of the email. That way, I can read the essay even if I can't open the attachment.
Essays are due no later than 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 4 (the day before the Easter break). Late essays will be penalized two full letter grades.
It is your responsibility to get your essay to me on time in a form I can read; for that reason, I recommend sending it the day before the deadline. I will acknowledge receipt. I will not accept any excuse based on mysterious disappearances of email. In fact, except for catastropic circumstances I will not accept any excuse for late papers. If you are sick on the due date, you will be expected to email your essay to me on time.
My email is JohnsonG@cua.edu.
Reminders:
Comparative critical essay with a thesis and specific references.
Minimum 5 full typed pages / 1500 words.
Submitted as attachment to an email to JohnsonG@cua.edu, with the text of the paper also pasted into the body of the email.
Due no later than 10 am, Wednesday, April 4. Earlier submission recommended. Late essays penalized two letter grades.
No excuses.
The penalty for plagiarism or any form of academic dishonesty is failure for the course.