Hamlet Essay Assignment

Paper details:

Write an essay on Hamlet based on one of the prompts below. Aim for roughly 800-1200 words.

Prepare a thesis statement and outline.
Research the play to find relevant evidence to support your thesis.

– keep thinking about how your essay addresses all aspects of the prompt;
– use formal language (no contractions, no slang) and vary sentence structure
– incorporate your quotations properly and cite them using MLA format
– fully explain how your chosen evidence supports your thesis (analysis)
– leave yourself enough time to revise and proofread your essay.
Essay Prompts:

A: A character’s downfall is the result of a combination of weakness and circumstance. Analyze the extent to which this statement is true with reference to Hamlet.

B: Show how Shakespeare’s use of imagery and/or symbolism reveals theme OR reinforces aspects of character in Hamlet.

C: Through sharp contrast, a character foil enhances certain traits of a central character. Analyze how a secondary character operates as a foil and is employed to develop theme in Hamlet.

D: Debate to what degree chaos is the result of a character’s struggle to re-order his or her world in Hamlet.

E: With reference to Hamlet, to what extent does isolation (physical, emotional, and/or societal) cause a character to evaluate his or her moral beliefs or personal convictions?