Directions and Sample Outline for Hamlet Essay

Directions and Requirements

Note that your essay must compare Hamlet to a film that shares the topic of revenge, so that by comparing Hamlet to the film you will demonstrate increased insight to the play as well as to the topic of revenge – its meaning and significance.

Note that you must use specific evidence from the play. Evidence consists of quotations and /or references to plot. If possible, provide citation of Act and Scene and line number, or page number.

Please refrain from researching the play on the internet, except the site I provided that provides commentary on the play. See below for permitted internet sites for this assignment. No matter what source you use for the play, include it in a Reference page at the end of the essay.

You have the option but are not required to use T.S. Eliot’s essay on Hamlet, “Hamlet and his Problems.” IF you do use the essay, you must cite it and include a Reference page at the end of the essay.

Sample Outline

I.Introduction

Offer a brief summary of the play, and a brief summary of the film to which you will compare it. Conclude with a thesis concerning the introduction with Hamlet’s tragic flaw: what is the deficiency in his character that brings about his downfall?

II. Hamlet’s tragic flaw its moral implications(1-2 paragraphs)

  • Compare Hamlet to the hero in the film you will be discussing
  • Explore and explain the strengths of both characters and the tragic flaw in both characters. In both cases, use “specific evidence” to support and/or illustrate your claims.
  • Explain moral implications of the flaw that Hamlet shares with the character in the film.

III. Explain the role of revenge in both Hamlet and the film (1-2 paragrahs)

  • Remember, “revenge” is not a “tragic flaw” but the result of the flaw
  • In both the play and the film, explain how the desire for revenge affects
  • the hero
  • others

IV.Revenge and our society (1-2 paragraphs)

  • What is the role of revenge in modern society? Offer observations and reflections. Do you see revenge in our system of justice? In personal relationships? Speculate as to why you think revenge remains a problem in our society.
  • What are the results of revenge on personal relationships or the larger social order?

V.Reference page that includes whatever source of Hamlet you used, the commentary on it allowed (if you used it ), the film (if you watched it and refer to it), and Eliot’s essay and commentary on it (if you used them).

Permitted Internet Sites

For Hamlet:

1)

2) A useful scene by scene breakdown

3) Also, PBS offers an excellent video of the play at their website, Patrick Stuart playing Hamlet. Note that this version offers a contemporary setting rather than Elizabethan setting, but it is an excellent production. Viewing it in addition to reading the play will help with understanding and will make the play more enjoyable too. After all, plays are written to be seen! Here is the link:

Hamlet and His Problems

TS Eliot’s essay “Hamlet and His Problems”

Useful commentary on the essay: