Hamlet Final
Although we’ve had a bit of a break from writing as we have been studying Hamlet, you have still
learned some valuable writing skills this semester. Among the items you have learned are how to
execute the following:
A thesis statement with subordinate adverbial clause
Paragraph transitions
Integrated quotes
Anecdotes and scenarios
(A ROGERIAN argument where you gently persuade the opposing point of view of the validity of
your view – remember? We did one of these for Chronicle of a Death Foretold)
YOUR FINAL: Select one of the topics below to write on, producing a piece of writing that shows all of
the writing skills listed above.
1. The climax of a play is the point of greatest tension or importance, where the
decisive action takes place. In Hamlet , some argue that the climax is III.3, the
What is the climax of the play?
Explain and support your decision in a 5 paragraph essay. You may also choose to address
this topic in a Rogerian Essay where you will acknowledge both sides of the issue and
persuade your reader of the validity of your own point of view. (HINT: Your view of the
climax is going to be influenced by what you think is most important in the plot: Hamlet’s
indecision or his impetuousness.)
1. The duel between Hamlet and Laertes is the setting for the resolution of the play.
Consider this metaphorically and symbolically, not literally. They are both young men, noble,
with dead fathers, attempting to get revenge. What universal message (theme) do these
two approaches to revenge suggest? Include how Hamlet explains his decision to fight
Laertes even though he knows it’s a trap (Act V, Scene 2) as well as acknowledging and
analyzing their similar situations, dead fathers requiring revenge as well as their mutual love of
Ophelia.
Explain and support your analysis in a 5 paragraph essay where you present and support the
theme (this story says that when people get revenge they tend to….) and what readers should
learn from it.
2. Poison works in Hamlet on two levels – physically and spiritually. Explain and analyze those
characters who have been poisoned materially and spiritually with ample support from the
play. What could all the poison imagery symbolize? What universal message (theme) does this
poison imagery suggest?
Explain and support your analysis in a 5 paragraph essay where you present and
support the theme (this story says that when people are poisoned, literally,
symbolically or spiritually they tend to ……)
3. Because Hamlet is such a complex play, one realization or motivation of a character
can cause a whole new interpretation of the entire play. For example, if the initial
assessment of the ghost is that it is a demon, it would change Hamlet’s unending
indecision about killing Claudius to a wise choice because it’s not true that he killed
him, it would change Gertrude’s attitude toward Hamlet, etc.
Therefore, choose one of the following scenarios to follow through the play.
Suppose this is true – then think through the play and decide on 3 other scenes,
character motivations/objectives, etc. whose interpretations would now be different.
You may not change the story! Only change the motivations behind the
existing scenes.
a. Gertrude’s main motivation in life is to grab and keep power.
b. The ghost is a figment of Hamlet’s imagination.
c. Hamlet loved Ophelia and intended to marry her.
d. Claudius did it all not for the kingship but because of his love for Gertrude.
e. Old Hamlet was a tyrant and abused his wife and son
f. Hamlet is scared to death of being king. He doesn’t want the crown at all.
g. Whatever else you can think of!
Explain and support your interpretation in a 5 paragraph essay. Your thesis will be
your new interpretation and its concomitant effects.