1. In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, many are forced to assume that the protagonist has indeed gone insane due to his incredibly convincing portrayal of a mad man at various points during the play. However, the manner in which Hamlet deals with one tragedy after another, the way he shows rationality and level headiness even in the face of immense ordeal and the fashion in which he legitimately feigns madness in order to attain vengeance for his father's murder over Claudius suggests otherwise.

2. Prompt One definition of madness is “mental delusion or the eccentric behavior arising from it.” But Emily Dickinson wrote: One definition of madness is “mental delusion or the eccentric behavior arising from it.” But Emily Dickinson wrote: Much madness is divinest Sense- To a discerning Eye- Much madness is divinest Sense- To a discerning Eye- Novelists and playwrights have often seen madness with a “discerning Eye.” Select a novel or play in which a character’s apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role. Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this delusion or eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable. Explain the significance of the “madness” to the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot. Novelists and playwrights have often seen madness with a “discerning Eye.” Select a novel or play in which a character’s apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role. Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this delusion or eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable. Explain the significance of the “madness” to the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.

3. Choose your text and list as many themes as you can remember. Death is the great equalizer. Death is the great equalizer. Revenge can only lead to more revenge Revenge can only lead to more revenge Unchecked ambition often results in chaos and corruption. Unchecked ambition often results in chaos and corruption. The consequences of revenge are often both poetic justice and bloody carnage. The consequences of revenge are often both poetic justice and bloody carnage. Our lives are built on uncertainties. Our lives are built on uncertainties. The consequences of our actions cannot always be predetermined. The consequences of our actions cannot always be predetermined. Betrayal results in isolation, distrust and depression. Betrayal results in isolation, distrust and depression. The struggle between moral choices and responsibility often leads to emotional paralysis. The struggle between moral choices and responsibility often leads to emotional paralysis. Moral corruption taints everyone it touches. Moral corruption taints everyone it touches.

4. Underline verbs Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this delusion or eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable. Explain the significance of the “madness” to the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot. Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this delusion or eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable. Explain the significance of the “madness” to the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.

5. Determine Task Explain: Explain: what this delusion or eccentric behavior consists of what this delusion or eccentric behavior consists of Explain: Explain: how it might be judged reasonable how it might be judged reasonable Explain: Explain: the significance of the “madness” to the work as a whole the significance of the “madness” to the work as a whole

6. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the titular character chooses to feign madness so that he may seek revenge on his uncle who has usurped Hamlet’s throne, sullied the reputation of his mother and killed his father, Old Hamlet. However, young Hamlet’s feigned madness is transformed into true insanity as he is tainted by the moral corruption rampant in Denmark, broken by the betrayal he endures from both of the women in his life, and paralyzed by his own internal conflicts In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the titular character chooses to feign madness so that he may seek revenge on his uncle who has usurped Hamlet’s throne, sullied the reputation of his mother and killed his father, Old Hamlet. However, young Hamlet’s feigned madness is transformed into true insanity as he is tainted by the moral corruption rampant in Denmark, broken by the betrayal he endures from both of the women in his life, and paralyzed by his own internal conflicts