nn
There are literally dozens of topics about which you can build an essay pertaining to
Hamlet. Below are some suggestions. Feel free to ask me about a topic not included in it.
·
While Hamlet often suppresses his passion for reason, ultimately it is his passion that leads to the deaths of the other characters. Explain.
·
·
Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras each pursue vengeance in similar circumstances (dead father, tainted family honor), although the methods each chooses and its ultimate result is different from the others’. Compare the approaches used by each character, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses. To you, which was better? Why?
·
All tragic heroes in Shakespearean drama possess a
hamartia (fatal flaw). This character trait is both that character’s greatest strength yet also results in his/her downfall. Define what you believe to be Hamlet’s hamartia (he recognizes at IV.iv.38-45) and show how he does not procrastinate because of this flaw.
·
·
Examine the roles of Gertrude3 and Ophelia. Are they merely secondary consideration which the play could do without OR do they clearly move the plot forward and make the play more interesting. Be specific in exploring key scenes in which they are involved.
Instructions
A thesis statement is a single sentence that explains specifically what you are going to focus you writing on in the essay. For example, “Hamlet fails to act as swiftly as he would like because of his overactive concern with the impact of his actions.” The task then would be to build at least three (3) solid body paragraphs, each which provides an example of Hamlet’s concern impeding his swift revenge. You should also include a direct quotation from the play (incorporate it; make it part of the paragraph flow and do not drop it in the middle of a paragraph on its own) for each paragraph.
Your Task:
·
submit a thesis sentence that you wish to use for your essay. (I will comment on it as required.)
·
include three (3) quotations that you could use in your essay that support your thesis. You have a lot to choose from in the play, so the selection becomes the important part.
·
hand this in for feedback before you do your essay. This is intended to help you have a clear, well-defined thesis for your essay.
Online Resources to Check:
·
developing a main idea for an essay:
·
formatting quotations in an essay:
·
As you embark on essay writing, this might be helpful:
