1. Hamlet’s epitaphs An epitaph (in Greek, ἐ πιτάφιος — literally "on the gravestone") is a short text honoring a deceased person, strictly speaking, that is inscribed on his or her tombstone or plaque, but also is used figuratively.Greek Some are specified by the dead person beforehand, others chosen by those responsible for the burial. An epitaph may be in verse; poets have been known to compose their own epitaphs prior to their death, as W.B. Yeats did.poetsW.B. Yeats

2. Most epitaphs are brief records of the family, and perhaps the career, of the deceased, often with an expression of love or respect - "beloved father of..." - but others are more ambitious. From the Renaissance to the 19th century in Western culture, epitaphs for notable people became increasingly lengthy and pompous descriptions of their family origins, career, virtues and immediate family, often in Latin. However, the Laudatio Turiae, the longest known Ancient Roman epitaph exceeds almost all of these at 180 lines; it celebrates the virtues of a wife, probably of a consul.Laudatio TuriaeAncient Romanconsul

3. Some are quotes from holy texts, or aphorisms ( an original thought, spoken or written concisely and easily, possibly as a terse rebuke. An approach of many successful epitaphs is to 'speak' to the reader and warn them about their own mortality.aphorisms A wry trick of others is to request the reader to get off their resting place, as often it would require the reader to stand on the ground above the coffin to read the inscription. Some record achievements, (e.g. past politicians note the years of their terms of office) but nearly all (excepting those including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where this is impossible) note name, year or date of birth and date of death.Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Many list family and their relation to them; such as Father / Mother / Son / Daughter etc of.

4. aphorism Examples : Lost time is never found again. — Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Ralph Waldo Emerson Believe nothing you hear, and only half of what you see. — Mark Twain Mark Twain Those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to repeat it. — "George Santayana's Aphorism on Repetitive Consequences," from "The Life of Reason," Volume 1: "Reason in Common Sense," 1905.George Santayana

5. Notable epitaphs Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by that here, obedient to their law, we lie. –— Simonides's epigram at ThermopylaeSimonidesepigramThermopylae To save your world you asked this man to die: Would this man, could he see you now, ask why? –— Epitaph for the Unknown Soldier, written by W. H. Auden[2]Unknown SoldierW. H. Auden[2] AGAINST YOU I WILL FLING MYSELF, UNVANQUISHED AND UNYIELDING, O DEATH! –— Virginia Woolf [3]Virginia Woolf[3]

6. I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter. — Winston Churchill[1]Winston Churchill[1]

7. Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-Upon-Avon

8. "Good friend for Jesus sake forbeare, To dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones." –- William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare

9. What might Hamlet’s characters’ epitaphs look like? Your assignment is to select ONE character for whom you feel that you could write the best epitaph. Consider what you know about that character, what insight you uncovered through our reading and discussion, as well as your own personal strengths or weaknesses (i.e. You’re good at sarcasm; you are a talented artist, etc.)

10. Epitaphs-points and prizes Twenty-five points for the language choices on the epitaph (PSSA Domain Scoring Guide) Ten points for illustration / presentation Five points for use of direct address, selection of quote, wry trick, appropriate selection of accomplishments / relatives 40 points total Due Monday, December 20, 2010 Valuable Prizes to be awarded!

11. Epitaphs-Categories for Awards Most poignant Best presentation Most humorous / use of wry tone Best direct address Most clever