1. ESSAY QUESTION 1 Throughout the play, Hamlet is perceived by others as being insane or out of control. Describe three situations in which he presents himself in this fashion. What words or actions convey this perception? Do you think Hamlet is truly insane or only pretending to be insane? Why? Throughout the play, Hamlet is perceived by others as being insane or out of control. Describe three situations in which he presents himself in this fashion. What words or actions convey this perception? Do you think Hamlet is truly insane or only pretending to be insane? Why?

2. Possible outline I. Introduction A. Brief synopsis of play with title and author A. Brief synopsis of play with title and author B. Thesis statement B. Thesis statement II. 1 st situation III. 2 nd situation IV. 3 rd situation V. Conclusion your conclusions on his insanity Remember: MUST include textual evidence, esp. by means of quotations and follow all standard writing conventions (avoid 1 st /2 nd person, avoid contractions, etc.)

3. ESSAY QUESTION 2 Compare and contrast the characters of Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras. What do their lives have in common? In what ways are they different from one another in their responses to similar situations? Who would make the best king? Why? Compare and contrast the characters of Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras. What do their lives have in common? In what ways are they different from one another in their responses to similar situations? Who would make the best king? Why?

4. Possible outlines (block comparison) I. Introduction A. BRIEF synopsis of play with title, author A. BRIEF synopsis of play with title, author B. thesis statement B. thesis statement II. Hamlet A. Life A. Life B. Responses to situations B. Responses to situations III. Laertes A. Life A. Life B. Responses to situations B. Responses to situations IV. Fortinbras A. Life A. Life B. Responses to situations B. Responses to situations V. Conclusion your opinions on who would make the best king your opinions on who would make the best king

5. Possible outlines (point by point comparison) I. Introduction A. BRIEF synopsis of play with title, author A. BRIEF synopsis of play with title, author B. thesis statement B. thesis statement II. Life situations A. Hamlet A. Hamlet B. Laertes B. Laertes C. Fortinbras C. Fortinbras III. Responses to similar situations A. Hamlet A. Hamlet B. Laertes B. Laertes C. Fortinbras C. Fortinbras IV. Conclusion your opinions on who would make the best king your opinions on who would make the best king

6. Remember: MUST include textual evidence, esp. by means of quotations and follow all standard writing conventions (avoid 1 st /2 nd person, avoid contractions, etc.)

7. ESSAY QUESTION 3 Discuss Hamlet’s relationships with each of the two women in the play— his mother and Ophelia. Why is Hamlet’s anger toward his mother so strong? What feelings are behind his changing attitude toward Ophelia? In what way might Hamlet’s relationship with his mother affect his relationship with Ophelia? Discuss Hamlet’s relationships with each of the two women in the play— his mother and Ophelia. Why is Hamlet’s anger toward his mother so strong? What feelings are behind his changing attitude toward Ophelia? In what way might Hamlet’s relationship with his mother affect his relationship with Ophelia?

8. Possible outline I. Introduction I. Introduction A. BRIEF synopsis of play with title, author A. BRIEF synopsis of play with title, author B. thesis statement B. thesis statement II. Hamlet’s anger towards his mother II. Hamlet’s anger towards his mother III. Feelings/ attitude towards Ophelia IV. Effect of relationship with mother on IV. Effect of relationship with mother on relationship with Ophelia relationship with Ophelia V. Conclusion V. Conclusion Remember: MUST include textual evidence, esp. by means of quotations and follow all standard writing conventions (avoid 1 st /2 nd person, avoid contractions, etc.)