Essay Prompt
This particular essay is going to be a literary analysis essay. Analysis requires you to look at meaning. Why does the writer make the decisions he or she makes? How should the reader view a particular character, scene, or action in the literary work? What does a particular passage actually mean? What do the parts of a piece of literature say about the whole? Literary analysis uses the text itself as a primary source, but can also include ideas from other literary critics. For your literary analysis essay choose one of the assignment prompts below and follow the requirements.
Option 1 – A Shakespearean tragic hero is a mostly good person whose “tragic flaw” leads to his downfall. Most critics agree that Hamlet’s fatal flaw is his indecision and lack of action. However, his character is rather complex, and indecision is not his only flaw. What other flaws or weaknesses does Hamlet have that contribute to his ultimate demise? Support your argument with textual evidence.
Option 2 – In works of literature, writers often use foils or characters “who contrast with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight qualities of the other character.” The foil can be a complete opposite of the protagonist, or very similar but with a few key differences. In Hamlet, Shakespeare uses foils to help characterize Hamlet. Who are Hamlet’s foils? What important qualities do they reveal about Hamlet, and what do they tell us about Hamlet’s possible tragic flaw? Use textual evidence to support your argument. (NOTE: A foil is not the same as an antagonist. An antagonist typically opposes the main character to create conflict in a story, while a foil simply differs from the main character in important ways).
Option 3 – It’s important to remember that Hamlet is not just some guy who is grieving the loss of his father. He is a prince and heir to the throne and, thus, has certain responsibilities. The actions of both Claudius and Hamlet have implications for the entire country. This is why Marcellus says, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” He knows that problems with the leadership means problems for the whole state. Analyze Hamlet’s character from a political perspective. Does Hamlet have what it takes to lead a country? Why or why not? Use textual evidence to support your argument.
Requirements
4 properly-formatted MLA pages (minimum 1200 words)
In order to analyze a text properly, you will need some plot summary. However, your essay should have brief summary only where needed. If you offer summary without analysis, you will not support your thesis. Thus, be frugal with plot summary. Offer it only where the reader needs background information in order to understand your analysis.
As usual, your essay should demonstrate correct MLA format and documentation.
The only source you will use in this essay is the play itself.
Please formulate your thesis as an argument, not an announcement. Do not have a thesis that says something like, “In this essay, I will discuss Hamlet’s fatal flaw.”
Do not use any first or second person. Focus on the text and use third person.
Audience & Tone
Since this is an academic essay, it requires an academic tone. Please be formal in your language and mindful of grammar and spelling errors. Proper proofreading is a must. Remember that your audience is also academic and will look closely at the clarity in your presentation and the formality of your tone. An academic audience will also want to read an essay free of grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation errors.
