How to Conduct a Thorough Literature Review on Sibling Rivalry in Shakespearean Dramas
Embarking on a literature review for a specific topic, such as sibling rivalry in Shakespearean dramas, can be both challenging and rewarding. This guide will provide you with a systematic approach to conducting and structuring your review, ensuring that your work is thorough and well-researched.
Choosing a Focused Topic
Delving into Shakespeare's rich and complex world, it's essential to begin by narrowing down your topic. Consider starting with a specific play, such as King Lear or As You Like It. By focusing on a single work, you can explore the complexities of sibling rivalry more deeply and provide a more refined analysis.
Remember, your topic should be manageable within the scope of your assignment. If your instructor agrees, it may be acceptable to limit your study to one play. However, if that is not the case, begin by reading extensively from his extensive body of work to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Comprehensive Reading and Summarizing
Begin your research by reading all of Shakespeare’s major works if possible. Summarize each play’s plot and the instances of sibling rivalry that occur. From this base, analyze how each play approaches the theme of sibling rivalry and draw comparisons between them.
Write a summary for each play, noting the methods and devices used to depict sibling rivalry. For instance, in King Lear, the rivalry between Regan and Goneril and their competition for power form a significant part of the plot, while in As You Like It, the rivalry between Orlando and Oliver is a subplot that serves to advance the main story. This detailed analysis will form the foundation of your review.
Extending Your Research
To enrich your review, consider supplementing your analysis with research from psychology articles on sibling rivalry and family dynamics. These articles can provide additional context and insights into the themes you are exploring.
When studying these additional texts, create brief summaries of the main arguments and the evidence presented. This process will help you understand different perspectives and methodologies in analyzing sibling rivalry.
Organizing and Structuring Your Review
Organizing the material properly is crucial for a well-structured literature review. Here are two effective methods you can use:
Chronological Order
Discuss the literature in chronological order, starting with the oldest published work and moving to the most recent. This method provides a clear timeline of how the topic has been addressed over time.
Camp-Based Discussion
A more advanced technique involves grouping similar arguments within each paragraph, then contrasting them with opposing viewpoints. This method highlights the different approaches scholars have taken and allows for a critical examination of various theories and interpretations.
Begin your organized discussion with a sentence like, "Multiple scholars between (year) and (year) have published research regarding Shakespeare’s use of sibling rivalry or published works dealing in general with such rivalry that may be applicable to Shakespeare’s work."
Conclusion and Further Research
After organizing your materials, draw a conclusion based on your analysis. Reflect on the insights gained from both the primary and secondary sources and discuss any trends or patterns you observed.
Keep in mind that the depth and breadth of your review will depend on your specific assignment. Be sure to adhere to the guidelines provided by your instructor and expand on your findings where necessary.
Final Thoughts
Conducting a literature review on sibling rivalry in Shakespearean dramas is a complex but rewarding endeavor. By following these steps and thoroughly analyzing the relevant literature, you can produce a comprehensive and insightful review that not only addresses your topic but also contributes to the ongoing scholarly conversation on Shakespeare’s works.
Good luck with your research!