Hamlet Essay

Hamlet Essay

Directions: You will choose one of the following topics to write a three to five page paper. All papers should be written with:

* Proper MLA format (meaning correct in-text documentation, paper numbers & heading)

* At least five, introduced quotes

* A well developed introduction and conclusion

* A strongly detailed and supported argument

* Strong thesis statement

* Accurate grammar and spelling

* Creative title

* Works Cited Page

* NO first or second person*

* NO drop quotes*

o *(Use of first person, second person or drop quotes will result in a drop of one letter grade)

Essay Topics:

1. Setting: What figurative or symbolic images of apprehension, sickness, decay and disorder does Shakespeare use in order to introduce the overall concept of personal and political corruption in Denmark?

2. Character: Bernard Lott says, "Hamlet lives and is significant today primarily because his experience...stirs the awareness of similar experiences in ourselves...Hamlet, placed in his own peculiar predicament, is shown responding to it in ways which are totally familiar to our own deepest natures." Do you agree or disagree? Why? Explain with examples from the text.

3. Character: How do characters in the play change? Choose one of the following characters and trace the changes in their characters and account for these changes. Characters: Hamlet, Laertes, Claudius, Gertrude or Ophelia.

4. Theme: One of the most pervasive themes throughout the play is that of appearance versus reality--that is the contrast between what seems to be and what actually is. Give specific examples of characters in the play who illustrate this theme. Explain how they demonstrate this theme through their actions and interactions with other characters.

5. Theme: Write an essay in which you discover and discuss an important theme of Hamlet. Explain how the plot, setting, characters, and imagery convey the theme. Be sure to use details and be specific about your answer.

6. Analysis: Select one of Hamlet's soliloquies and give detailed attention to the poetry in order to discuss the nature of Hamlet's feelings as they reveal themselves in this speech. What insights might this speech provide into the prince's elusive character? NOTE: You may NOT use the "To Be or Not To Be" Soliloquy.

7. Scene Analysis: Select a particular scene