Hamlet
essay
Choose one of the questions below-- or write one of your own covering
the breadth of the play-- and answer in a well-written essay. Be sure to (1)
organize your thinking and make your structure clear in your essay- 10
points; (2) begin by stating and explaining briefly your main idea- 10
points; (3) refer to the play specifically and repeatedly- 20 points;
(4) expand and develop your thinking- stretch a little- 10 points. 50
points total.
- Compare and contrast Hamlet with another character who is a foil to him.
- Discuss Hamlet's tragic flaw? (Some facets of the questions: Does he have one? What might be Hamlet's tragic flaw? What makes you think this character defect leads to his downfall?)
- What, in your opinion, is Hamlet's theme?
- Why, in your opinion, is Hamlet so revered?
- Discuss Hamlet's awareness of fate.
- Think of some of the instances of death in the play: how does Hamlet's reaction to some of the deaths differ?
- Several themes (or motifs or sets of related images) run throughout the play. Choose one and trace the instances and significance of one. Two examples might be "false faces and hypocrisy" or "disease and decay." You may see others.
- Do you think justice is served at the play's end? How?
- What is the turning point of the play? Explain your choice.
- When should Hamlet have acted? (When did he have convincing and unequivocal evidence of Claudius' guilt?)
