Shakespeare’s greatest play

• Prompt: Shakespeare’s greatest play is generally regarded to be that of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. It follows the format known as a revenge tragedy; in this case the son has a vision of a ghost who tells him that his uncle, Claudius, killed King Hamlet, has married the younger Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude, and is now seated on the throne. Hamlet is overcome by anger and vows to kill his uncle for murdering his father. In an essay of approximately 500 words, discuss how quickly Hamlet, who has studied theology at the University of Wittenberg, puts aside his Christian beliefs and plans the murder of his uncle. Also consider the tragedy of a life devoted to revenge.

Hamlet’s indecision for hundreds of years

o Prompt: People have been talking about Hamlet’s indecision for hundreds of years. Some have even called this a play about a man who could not make up his mind. Using specific references to the play, identify places where Hamlet is indecisive. Do you think he is justified in his hesitation? Is his hesitation a weakness? o Requirement: Minimum of 200 words

Book: Song of Solomon

Song of Solomon Essay Prompt
2006, Form B. In many works of literature, a physical journey – the literal movement from one place to another – plays a central role. Choose a novel, play, or epic poem in which a physical journey is an important element and discuss how the journey adds to the meaning of the work as a whole. Avoid mere plot summary.

Due: Wednesday, April 26 at 11:59pm
Length: 5 paragraphs (see below)
Thesis Statement:
[journey] + [2 important elements] + [theme]

Template: Milkman’s journey to Danville and Shalimar for the family’s lost gold highlights [insert 2 important elements] which supports the theme [insert theme]

Structure:
Introduction
Body Paragraph 1: Important Element #1
Body Paragraph 2: Important Element #2
Body Paragraph 3: Explanation of Theme
Conclusion

Submit: “Assignments” on Canvas

Reminders:
• Thesis answers all parts of the prompt (don’t forget meaning of the work – theme)
• Thesis at end of intro paragraph
• Clear, explicit topic sentences for body paragraphs that connect to thesis
• Quotes woven into predominately your own writing
• MLA in-text citations for quotes
• Logical explanations of argument and evidence
• Please, please, please proofread!

1984 – Theme and Story – Dehumanizing

In 1984 the protagonist, Winston, attempts to “stay human” in the face of a dehumanizing, totalitarian regime. What, according to Orwell, does it mean to be human? How does the governing body in 1984 exploit certain tendencies, weaknesses, and even strengths that human beings possess in order to, ironically, control and dehumanize humankind? Based on Winston’s fate, what is Orwell ultimately arguing (advocating, criticizing and/or warning against)?
Develop your paper’s structure by creating a MEAL plan for each paragraph—Main idea, Evidence, Analysis, and Link: