Due via email before class, March 19

The goal of this assignment is to select a scene from seasons 1 or 2 of The Wire, and explore how it works in a 4-5 page essay (1,250-1,600 words). You might consider how the scene works within the context of the larger narrative arc, how it functions aesthetically compared to other scenes or programs/films, how it conveys an argument about society, and how it works emotionally to impact a viewer. However you frame the questions of your essay, it must effectively explore a scene in rich detail and highlight the significance of the scene within the larger contexts of the series and our larger culture. Successful essays will provide a compelling analysis of a scene that goes beyond what we have discussed in class or on the blog.

Because of the way The Wire is edited, scenes are often intercut with other sequences – for the purposes of this paper, you may consider a scene that has a continuous timeline in the storyworld, even if it is broken up for the audience. However, be sure to consider how such intercutting impacts the dramatic action and ideas conveyed by the scene.

Remember to include the Honor Code with your essay.

Feel free to ask questions about the assignment below.