Hamlet

## Essay Prompt: *Hamlet* by William Shakespeare **Prompt:** In *Hamlet*, Shakespeare portrays revenge as a force that corrupts deeply, ultimately leading to the downfall of both the avenger and those around him. Using specific evidence from the play, argue whether Hamlet's hesitation in avenging his father's murder stems from a moral hesitation to become a corrupting force himself, or if it instead highlights a tragic flaw in his character that makes him unable to act decisively. **Requirements:** - Craft a clear, arguable thesis that takes a definitive stance on the question above. - Back up your argument with **at least three pieces of textual evidence**, including direct quotes. - Address and counter a **counterargument** to reinforce your position. - Explore how Shakespeare employs **soliloquy, imagery, and dramatic irony** to shape Hamlet's character and the overarching theme. - Your essay should be **4–6 paragraphs** in length (roughly 800–1,200 words). **Suggested Texts/Passages to Consider:** - "To be, or not to be" soliloquy (Act III, Scene 1) - "O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!" soliloquy (Act II, Scene 2) - Hamlet's encounter with the Ghost (Act I, Scene 5) - Hamlet's refusal to kill Claudius at prayer (Act III, Scene 3)

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## Essay Prompt: *Hamlet* by William Shakespeare **Prompt:** In *Hamlet*, Shakespeare explores revenge as a corrupting force that ultimately leads to the downfall of both the avenger and those around him. Using specific examples from the play, argue whether Hamlet's delay in avenging his father's murder is due to a moral hesitation to accept corruption, a crippling philosophical doubt, or a mix of both. In your essay, analyze at least **two significant scenes or soliloquies** and examine how Shakespeare portrays Hamlet's internal struggle to reflect on the concepts of justice, morality, and human action. --- **Requirements:** - Present a clear, arguable thesis in your introduction. - Back up your argument with direct quotes and paraphrases from the text. - Consider and counter at least one opposing viewpoint. - Conclude by linking your analysis to a broader theme or enduring question posed by the play. --- **Suggested length:** 4–6 paragraphs (approximately 800–1,200 words)

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## Essay Prompt: *Hamlet* by William Shakespeare **Prompt:** In *Hamlet*, Shakespeare explores how revenge acts as a profoundly corrupting force that ultimately leads to the downfall of both the seeker of vengeance and those around him. In a well-organized essay, discuss how Hamlet's obsessive quest for revenge against Claudius triggers his own moral and psychological decline. Use specific evidence from the text — including Hamlet's soliloquies, his interactions with Ophelia and Gertrude, and the tragic ending of the play — to back up your argument. Reflect on how Shakespeare complicates a straightforward interpretation of revenge as justice through Hamlet's hesitation and internal conflict. **Requirements:** - Craft a clear, debatable thesis in your introduction. - Support your argument with at least **three pieces of textual evidence**, including direct quotations. - Address and counter a **counterargument** (for example, that Hamlet's quest for revenge is morally justified). - Conclude by linking your argument to a broader theme regarding human nature or morality. **Suggested Length:** 4–6 paragraphs (approximately 800–1,200 words)

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