Essay 3: Drama : Shakespeare’s HAMLET
Due Apr 24 by 11:59pm Points 100 Submitting a file upload File Types doc, docx, rtf, and pdf Available until May 1 at 11:59pm
Directions: Chose one (1) essay prompt from the following topics. Write a maximum 2 ½ to 3 pages response to topic using nothing but the text as evidence and your own argumentation.
Please consult this useful handout: how-to-quote-shakespeare.pdfPreview the document
Hamlet and the Mind
Write an interpretative response which examines Shakespeare’s portrayal of human conscience and decision making based on Hamlet’s philosophical meditations throughout the play.
Some questions to consider answering in your thesis: [Pick and choose wisely]
Consider interpreting key phrases / images from the four soliloquies
What does Shakespeare want to say about the act of hesitation?
How does Shakespeare conceive the interior life of the mind for human beings?
Hamlet and Revenge
Write an interpretive response which specifically compares the meta-commentary of Pyrrhus’ revenge narrated in Act II Scene II with Hamlet’s own pursuit of revenge.
Some questions to consider answering in your thesis: [Pick and choose wisely]
What does Shakespeare want to say about revenge? Its true definition? Its limits?
What parallels / key difference are there between Pyrrhus / Hamlet and Hecuba / Gertrude?
How does this example of revenge differ / parallel other people’s pursuit of revenge in the play?
Hamlet and Ophelia
Write an interpretative response which examines Hamlet’s relationships with his peers, specifically Ophelia and Horatio.
Some questions to consider answering in your thesis: [Pick and choose wisely]
What are important elements of gender ideology in Hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship?
What is Shakespeare’s trying to say about men and women through Ophelia’s suicide?
What comparisons are there between Hamlet and Horatio’s friendship and Ophelia’s?
