Essay Paper

PAPER TOPIC

According to Goffman’s dramaturgical perspective, the self, “is not an organic thing that has a specific location, whose fundamental fate is to be born, to mature, and to die,” rather the self, “is a dramatic effect arising diffusely from a scene that is presented” (Goffman 1965, Presentation of Self in Everyday Life: 252 – 253).

For this paper you will get into the spirit of Goffman and analyze yourself from a dramaturgical perspective.  Observe yourself as you perform a social role (at school, at work, with your friends, etc.) and answer the following two questions:

1. How do the elements of the front (region, appearance, and manner) set the stage for your role performance?
2. How does this role performance contribute to your overall sense of who you are?

FORMATTING

• Your paper should be essay format, 3 pages, double-spaced, with 12-point font.
• Include a header with your name, the date, and the title of the course.
• Please include page numbers anywhere on your paper.
• You do not need to worry about MLA format or include a reference page.

GRADING

I will be grading your paper based on how clearly and thoroughly you define Goffman’s concepts and apply them to your role performances.