ESSAY QUESTION 1ESSAY QUESTION 1

Throughout the play, Hamlet is Throughout the play, Hamlet is perceived by others as being insane perceived by others as being insane or out of control. Describe or out of control. Describe three three situations in which he presents situations in which he presents himself in this fashion. What words himself in this fashion. What words or actions convey this perception? or actions convey this perception? Do you think Hamlet is truly insane Do you think Hamlet is truly insane or only pretending to be insane? or only pretending to be insane? Why?Why?

Possible outlinePossible outline

I. IntroductionI. Introduction

A. Brief synopsis of play with title and authorA. Brief synopsis of play with title and author

B. Thesis statementB. Thesis statement

II. 1II. 1stst situation situation

III. 2III. 2ndnd situation situation

IV. 3IV. 3rdrd situation situation

V. ConclusionV. Conclusion

your conclusions on his insanityyour conclusions on his insanity

Remember: Remember: MUST include textual evidence, esp. by means of MUST include textual evidence, esp. by means of quotations and follow all standard writing conventions quotations and follow all standard writing conventions (avoid 1(avoid 1stst/2/2ndnd person, avoid contractions, etc.) person, avoid contractions, etc.)

ESSAY QUESTION 2ESSAY QUESTION 2

Compare Compare andand contrast the characters contrast the characters of of HamletHamlet, , LaertesLaertes, and , and FortinbrasFortinbras. . What do their lives have in common? What do their lives have in common? In what ways are they different from In what ways are they different from one another in their responses to one another in their responses to similar situations? Who would make similar situations? Who would make the best king? Why?the best king? Why?

Possible outlines Possible outlines (block comparison)(block comparison)

I. IntroductionI. Introduction A. BRIEF synopsis of play with title, authorA. BRIEF synopsis of play with title, author B. thesis statementB. thesis statementII. HamletII. Hamlet

A. LifeA. Life B. Responses to situationsB. Responses to situationsIII. LaertesIII. Laertes A. LifeA. Life B. Responses to situationsB. Responses to situationsIV. FortinbrasIV. Fortinbras A. LifeA. Life B. Responses to situationsB. Responses to situationsV. ConclusionV. Conclusion your opinions on who would make the best kingyour opinions on who would make the best king

Possible outlines Possible outlines (point by point comparison)(point by point comparison)

I. IntroductionI. Introduction A. BRIEF synopsis of play with title, authorA. BRIEF synopsis of play with title, author B. thesis statementB. thesis statementII. Life situationsII. Life situations A. HamletA. Hamlet B. LaertesB. Laertes C. FortinbrasC. FortinbrasIII. Responses to similar situationsIII. Responses to similar situations A. HamletA. Hamlet B. LaertesB. Laertes C. FortinbrasC. FortinbrasIV. ConclusionIV. Conclusion your opinions on who would make the best kingyour opinions on who would make the best king

Remember: Remember: MUST include textual evidence, esp. MUST include textual evidence, esp. by means of quotations and follow all standard by means of quotations and follow all standard writing conventions (avoid 1writing conventions (avoid 1stst/2/2ndnd person, avoid person, avoid contractions, etc.)contractions, etc.)

ESSAY QUESTION 3ESSAY QUESTION 3

Discuss Hamlet’s relationships with Discuss Hamlet’s relationships with each of the two women in the play—each of the two women in the play—his mother and Ophelia. Why is his mother and Ophelia. Why is Hamlet’s anger toward his mother so Hamlet’s anger toward his mother so strong? What feelings are behind his strong? What feelings are behind his changing attitude toward Ophelia? In changing attitude toward Ophelia? In what way might Hamlet’s what way might Hamlet’s relationship with his mother affect relationship with his mother affect his relationship with Ophelia?his relationship with Ophelia?

Possible outlinePossible outline

I. IntroductionI. Introduction A. BRIEF synopsis of play with title, authorA. BRIEF synopsis of play with title, author B. thesis statementB. thesis statement II. Hamlet’s anger towards his motherII. Hamlet’s anger towards his motherIII. Feelings/ attitude towards OpheliaIII. Feelings/ attitude towards Ophelia IV. Effect of relationship with mother onIV. Effect of relationship with mother on relationship with Opheliarelationship with Ophelia V. ConclusionV. ConclusionRemember: Remember: MUST include textual evidence, esp. by means of MUST include textual evidence, esp. by means of

quotations and follow all standard writing conventions quotations and follow all standard writing conventions (avoid 1(avoid 1stst/2/2ndnd person, avoid contractions, etc.) person, avoid contractions, etc.)