Hamlet
analytical essay based on a detailed study of Hamlet: Prince of Denmark. Based on one of the topics below, draft a 1200-word researched essay. Each topic below is simply that…a topic. They are not thesis statements and should not be viewed as such. It is up to you to design an arguable thesis statement based on the topic. You will need to incorporate a minimum of two secondary sources for this assignment. You will be required to use in-text, parenthetical citations and to create a Works Cited page in MLA style.
1. Consider the function of the soliloquies in Hamlet.
2. Discuss the function of a particular motif, such as Shakespeare’s use of the military
or flowers.
3. Examine how Shakespeare makes use of classical allusions.
4. Discuss Hamlet’s “antic disposition.” Is his madness feigned or real?
5. Conflict is essential to drama. Show that Hamlet presents both an outward and
inward conflict.
6. Compare Laertes with Hamlet: both react to their fathers’ killing/murder.
7. How important is the Ghost in the triangular relationship of Hamlet, Gertrude, and
Claudius?
8. Although Hamlet ultimately rejects it at the end of the play, suicide is an ever-
present solution to the problems in the drama. Discuss the play’s suggestion of suicide and imagery of death, with particular attention to Hamlet’s two important statements about suicide: the “O that this too, too solid flesh would melt” soliloquy and the “To be, or not to be” soliloquy.
9. Why did Ophelia commit a suicide (or did she)? What was the reason of this deed?
10. Select one of Hamlet soliloquies and, through a detailed attention to the poetry, discuss the nature of Hamlet’s feelings as they reveal themselves in this speech.
What insights might this speech provide into the prince’s character?
11. Discuss Hamlet’s treatment of and ideas about women. How might these help to clarify some of the interpretative issues of the play? You might want to consider carefully the way he talks about sexuality. Or…Discuss the role of women in this
play. How are they dependent/not dependent upon masculine presence?
12. Discuss the importance of appearance and reality in Hamlet.
13. Consider Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s role in the play. Why might Shakespeare
have created characters like this? Are they there for comic relief, or do they serve a more serious purpose? Why does the news of their deaths come only after the deaths of the royal family in Act V, as if this news were not anticlimactic? Is it acceptable for Hamlet to treat them as he does? Why or why not?
