Prose Analysis Practice (yes, I realize Hamlet is poetry)
Explanation
Because Hamlet is a NARRATIVE-driven poem, we will practice prose analysis skills as we read the play. I will ask you to
|
Written Response Requirements
FORMAT:
|
Attitude/Tone Prompts
- Demonstrate how the speaker establishes his/her attitude toward… (1971)
- Analyze how diction and detail convey attitude (1981)
- Analyze how the author produces a comic effect. (2002)
- Analyze how author uses elements such as point of view, selection of detail, dialogue, and characterization to make a social commentary. (2004B)
- Explain how the author prepares the reader for X [final outcome]. Consider such elements as theme, symbol, setting, image, characterization, or any other aspects of the narrative artist’s craft. (1972)
- Explain how the author’s presentation of details is intended to shape the reader’s attitudes toward the place he describes… (1973)
- Characterize briefly the world and way of life described in the passage, discuss the effect of the passage as a whole, and analyze those elements that achieve this effect. (1976)
- Show how the author uses literary techniques to characterize X. (1995)
- Analyze the author’s depiction of the characters and the relationships among them. Pay particular attention to tone and point of view. (2004)
- Analyze how author uses such techniques as point of view, selection of detail, and syntax to characterize the relationship between the characters. (2007)
- Analyze how author establishes the character’s relationship to the setting through the use of literary devices such as imagery, personification, selection of detail, and figurative language. (2009)
- Analyze X’s complex character as the author develops it through such literary techniques as tone, point of view, and language. (2010)
- Analyze how the author portrays these two characters and their complex relationship as [husband and wife]. You may wish to consider such literary devices as narrative perspective and selection of detail. (2011)
- Analyze the development of X’s character. In your analysis, you may wish to consider such literary elements as selection of detail, figurative language, and tone. (2012)
- Analyze how the author employs literary devices to characterize X and capture his/her situation. (2013)
- Analyze how the author reveals the character of X. In your analysis, you may wish to consider such literary elements as point of view, selection of detail, and imagery. (2014)
- Analyze how the author depicts the impact of the environment on the character(s). You may wish to consider such literary devices as tone, imagery, selection of detail, and point of view. (2015)
- Paying particular attention to tone, word choice, and selection of detail, compose a well-written essay in which you analyze the author’s portrayal of the complex relationship between the two characters. (2016)
Most Significant Element Response
Write a one page response (WITHOUT SEEKING HELP FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES) that identifies the most significant element of the excerpt/scene/act and how that element works toward a greater effect (to convey a tone or theme or develop a character, etc.). You have a lot of freedom here, so be specific and precise. SAY SOMETHING in your page. Begin your response by clearly indicating the element in the opening sentence/thesis. Use only the most significant parts of quotes, or use ellipses […] to shorten them. The majority of the page should be YOUR analysis, and I ask that you refrain from “outside” research of the play until you have written your piece. You may write about a quote, a stage direction, a scene, literary techniques/devices, or a particular character present in the act. Generally speaking, these are due the day after we finish an act in class or you finish reading it for homework.
FORMAT: This one-page response should be TYPED in MLA format. Use only one line for the header (Ex. Amy Carter - Significant Element in Act 1 of Hamlet). Organize your one-page into paragraphs. Open with a thesis, use quotes for support, and make sure to discuss the significance of your chosen element. Bring a hard copy to class; submit a digital copy to turnitin.com.
FORMAT: This one-page response should be TYPED in MLA format. Use only one line for the header (Ex. Amy Carter - Significant Element in Act 1 of Hamlet). Organize your one-page into paragraphs. Open with a thesis, use quotes for support, and make sure to discuss the significance of your chosen element. Bring a hard copy to class; submit a digital copy to turnitin.com.
Soliloquy Analysis
As you read on your focus sheet there are many interpretations of Hamlet’s character. In fact, you may have developed some thoughts about his character on your own over the course of reading this play. And in truth since Hamlet is both a round and a dynamic character and we come to know him through the features and limitations of the dynamic/objective point of view, the most accurate interpretation is most likely a melding of several of these interpretations.
Your assignment then is to determine what you believe to be the most fitting interpretation of Hamlet’s character, and trace the growth and development of these traits using a minimum of three of his soliloquies to support your interpretation. You may also quote lines he speaks when alone in Horatio’s presence since Horatio is his confidant and the only person over the course of the play that he fully trusts. We will use just the soliloquies and these lines since this is when Hamlet offers his most private, personal, and therefore seemingly genuine thoughts; however, you may paraphrase other events as needed to justify your evidence from the soliloquies. You MUST use textual evidence from these soliloquies in order to “prove” your assessment of Hamlet’s character. Weave the quotes in smoothly; do not let them become “speed bumps” for the reader.
REMEMBER TO ANALYZE! Use summary briefly and only as a springboard into analysis. Any statement(s) that retells a part of the play should be followed with an explanation of why or how that detail is significant.
FORMATTING & SUBMISSION:
This paper should be 2-3 pages, typed, and formatted in MLA. (Use the correct heading and page numbers, as well as the proper formatting for quotations and citations). Refer to the MLA Formatting and Style Guide on Purdue's OWL site if you need help. If you only cite from Hamlet, you do not need a Works Cited page. You need to bring me a hard copy and submit a digital copy to Turnitin.com.
The soliloquies are listed below with estimations for line numbers (taken from my edition of the play). Use the quoted dialogue to make sure you are looking at the right speech. The quotes represent the first line of the soliloquy.
Your assignment then is to determine what you believe to be the most fitting interpretation of Hamlet’s character, and trace the growth and development of these traits using a minimum of three of his soliloquies to support your interpretation. You may also quote lines he speaks when alone in Horatio’s presence since Horatio is his confidant and the only person over the course of the play that he fully trusts. We will use just the soliloquies and these lines since this is when Hamlet offers his most private, personal, and therefore seemingly genuine thoughts; however, you may paraphrase other events as needed to justify your evidence from the soliloquies. You MUST use textual evidence from these soliloquies in order to “prove” your assessment of Hamlet’s character. Weave the quotes in smoothly; do not let them become “speed bumps” for the reader.
REMEMBER TO ANALYZE! Use summary briefly and only as a springboard into analysis. Any statement(s) that retells a part of the play should be followed with an explanation of why or how that detail is significant.
FORMATTING & SUBMISSION:
This paper should be 2-3 pages, typed, and formatted in MLA. (Use the correct heading and page numbers, as well as the proper formatting for quotations and citations). Refer to the MLA Formatting and Style Guide on Purdue's OWL site if you need help. If you only cite from Hamlet, you do not need a Works Cited page. You need to bring me a hard copy and submit a digital copy to Turnitin.com.
The soliloquies are listed below with estimations for line numbers (taken from my edition of the play). Use the quoted dialogue to make sure you are looking at the right speech. The quotes represent the first line of the soliloquy.
- Act 1 scene 2 lines 129-159 (“O that this too too sullied flesh…”)
- Act 1 scene 5 lines 93-113 (“O all you host of heaven!...”)
- Act 2 scene 2 lines 549-606 (“Ay so, God bye to you, now I am alone. / O what a rogue and peasant slave am I…”)
- Act 3 scene 1 lines 57-91 (“To be, or not to be…”)
- Act 3 scene 2 lines 365-376 (“’Tis now the very witching time of night…”)
- Act 3 scene 3 lines 73-96 (“Now I might do it pat…”)
- Act 4 scene 4 lines 33-67 (“How all occasions do inform against me…)
- Remember that you may also use lines and conversations shared between Hamlet and Horatio.