You will write two short analysis essays of the two soliloquys by the character of Hamlet that I have posted. For each essay show the following:
1. What is the overall theme and main idea of the soliloquy.
These speeches are given by a character in the play all alone of the state. So they are literally thinking out loud. The purpose is to let the audience know their thoughts and feelings. So this is what you will want to show in your essay.
2. How does Shakespeare use figurative language to express the true feelings and therefore main idea of the speech? These will come in the form of metaphor, simile, allusions to other literary works, diction (word choice) and of course imagery, lots and lots of imagery. This is actually poetry after all.
3. These essays will be short. One page, double spaced, MLA format will suffice.
4. You do not need to cite your quotes.
5. Make sure when you identify the literary device, you then explain its relevance. How does it deepen or strengthen the author’s purpose? That is after all the purpose of figurative language. For example, in the soliloquy known as “what a rogue and peasant slave I am” Shakespeare uses imagery that is dark and self-loathing:
“Why, what an ass am I! This is most brave,
That I, the son of a dear father murder’ d, Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell, Must, like a whore, unpack my heart with words, And fall a-cursing, like a very drab,
A scullion!”
In this case I would go on to explain that this imagery helps the reader to understand that Hamlet hates himself. He is so disappointed that he has not yet been able to take the revenge for his father’s death as he was asked to do by his father! He considers himself a coward.
Directions: Choose one of the following topics and write an analysis essay which is: • rully developed with a clear thesis, introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion. There is
no set number of paragraphs. At this level vou should be determining how many
paragraphs you need based on the length of your essay and the topic chosen. • Uses
textual evidence quotes taken directly from both the play (Hamlet) and the sourc
article provided
• Cite the quotes from the source article in MLA format. You do not have to cite the
quotes from the plav. I know the play well, I will know where vour quote
• Minimum ot 1000 words.
• Minimum of 8 quotes 4 from the play and 4 from the source article
topics to choose from
• Hamlet and revenge
•Hamlet looking Backwards
•Ophelia: Gender and madness
• Hamlet: the play within the play
