The Classroom Trial of 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles': A Way to See, Speak, Hear, and Live a Persuasive Essay.

Courtroom scenes in literature seem to have a special magic with students (probably because of all the trials seen on television, fiction or non-fiction). Students in a composition and literature course at the University of Nebraska, after reading Thomas Hardy's "Tess of the D'Urbervilles," wrote "closing arguments" for either the prosecution or the defense in the trial that was omitted from the novel. Students were then told to come to class ready to argue either position. They were randomly divided into defense and prosecution teams, collaborated on an opening statement, and presented that statement to the "judge," the instructor. The teams then cross-examined one another. The novel, which so many of them had disliked and found dense, became a nimble tool in their hands. The two sides met again, then gave their final arguments. No decision was given by the "court." Overall, the response to the trial and the assignment was powerfully positive. (RS)