Hamlet TW #1

Choose ONE of the following prompts over the revenge tradgey, Hamlet by William Shakespeare and develop a 2 plus page essay with thorough support and incorporate a minimum of 4 quotations. Cite quotes with Act and Scene (Act 4, sc1.). Brainstorm for at least 5 mins before you write. Always remember to answer the prompt as well as discuss the MOWAAW and the universal themes in your commentary. In your essay response, you should do the following: • Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible interpretation. • Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning. • Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning. • Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.

#1 The critic, C.S. Lewis said, "We read Hamlet's speeches (soliloquies/monologues) with interest chiefly because they describe so well a certain spiritual region through which most of us have passed and anyone in his circumstances might be expected to pass, rather than because of our concern to understand how and why this particular man entered into it." Defend his view by citing particular passages to illustrate its points and relate back to themes in Hamlet.

#2 Some readers see Hamlet as a "growing up story" or bildungsroman story. Explain this way of understanding Hamlet, citing the four stages of bildungsroman which consist of loss, journey, conflict/personal growth and maturity/acceptance in the development of the character, Hamlet, that parallel the necessary growth in awareness of reality, dealing with grief, and/or in facing the challenges to previously-held beliefs.

#3 Discuss Shakespeare's use of foils to illuminate Hamlet's personality and illustrate the themes found in Hamlet.