GERM 1025/1026 Essay #1
Length: Approximately 750-1,000 words
Citation Format: MLA
Thesis Date: Please email your thesis statement to your TA by Sept. 20
Due Date: Oct. 8 (submit via Brightspace)
Here are some possible essay questions. Choose one. You are allowed to come up with your
own question, but be sure to clear it with me first. Essays should be around three to four pages in 12-
point font, double-spaced (not including the bibliography). As with the essay samples that I have
included on Brightspace, you do not need a title-page; instead, you just need to include your name,
student number, course number, my name, the teaching assistant’s name for your section, and the date
in the top right hand corner of the first page.
Your essay should have a title that reflects not only your topic but your argument about that
topic; an introductory paragraph that introduces your topic, suggests how it will be approached in
regards to the text, and closes with a clear and specific thesis statement; supporting paragraphs
organized around points that support your thesis and that open with a strong topic sentence; specific
evidence from the primary text itself; a sense of sound and logical transition from supporting point to
supporting point; and a strong conclusion that reinforces your thesis and suggests something about its
wider implications. The essay samples on Brightspace are very clear in regards to what I am looking
for, so be sure to look over these before and while writing.
Be specific, be organized, and be sure to make good use of the text when making your case.
When it comes to quoting from the text, be sure to comment on the quotes you use and incorporate
them into your larger argument. If you have any questions while writing your essay, or if you would
like me to look over a draft of your essay, please let me know.

1. Discuss the issue of class in La Ronde. How might the play be said to challenge class
   distinctions? To what ends?
2. Many have commented on connections between some of the concerns of La Ronde and
   the theories of Sigmund Freud. How might the two be compared and contrasted? Please
   note that for a question like this you must be very specific when it comes to the work
   of Freud. When it comes to possible avenues, the link between sex and death, the extent
   to which sex impacts/underlies our actions, and the role of the unconscious could be fruitful.
3. Discuss the many links between sex and death in La Ronde. What is the significance of
   these
   links?
4. Discuss the structure of La Ronde. How is the play constructed? What is the significance of
   this construction?
5. Discuss La Ronde in relation to sexuality. Of particular interest could be the play’s
   attitude towards sexual mores, sex and power, sex and love, and even sexually transmitted
   diseases.
6. Compare and contrast La Ronde with the film adaptation. What changes did Ophüls make
   when adapting the play? Were they successful? Why or why not? Note: if you choose this
   question, you must cite the film as well as the play and you must be very specific when making
   connections between the two works.

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