As a final demonstration of your knowledge of Hamlet, you will be writing an essay on one of the play’s motifs. Your task is to examine the use of a motif and trace the development of a theme centered on the motif (recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes).
Process:
Select a motif from the list of motifs below.
Formulate a theme statement that can be supported by these references.
Select at least 3 references to the motif that can be best used to show the development of the theme. Remember that development of a theme is best shown over time; therefore, your references should span the play.
Organize your ideas, examples and quotations under a strong thesis statement.
Your essay must make specific references to the novel and use direct quotations (with citations) to support your arguments (use your dialectical journal for this).
Essay length: 500-700 words with a minimum of 3 quotations (may be partial quotes integrated into your sentences.)
Choose one of the following motifs from Hamlet:
Revenge Madness Death Disease/Decay Spying Misogyny
Grief Ears/Hearing The Oedipal Complex
As you read the play, use the dialectical journal template to record references to at least three motifs above so that when you finish reading, you can then choose which motif you feel you feel you can best analyze. You will turn this journal document in with your essay.
