"On First Sitting Down to Read (or See) Hamlet" Packet

By now you should have read "On First Sitting Down to Read (or See) Hamlet." The article touches on several different aspects of the play.  I would like, as a closing activity to Hamlet, to discuss your responses to a variety of topics. Therefore, No more than FIVE students should respond to any one prompt.

1.  The article makes reference to reader/audience sympathy and suggests that Prince Hamlet is not the most sympathetic character in the play.  Address this notion by supporting that claim or refuting it.  If you choose to refute, suggest who you see as the most sympathetic character.  Regardless of your position, be sure to support it with specific references to the article and the play.


2.  The article makes reference to Feminist critic, Elaine Showalter, and Shakespeare's portrayal of Ophelia.  Discuss Ophelia's role in the play.  Consider the double standards of the time, Ophelia as a "double-agent" and her apparent or real madness.  Support your position with specific references to the article and the play.

3.  The article begins by stating, "Over and over again, we're told that Hamlet is the greatest play by the greatest playwright."  The writers then (famously, at least in my mind,) draw the connection between Hamlet and Holden Caulfield. Hamletologists study the many record-breaking statistics about the play.  Discuss one of the many records broken by Hamlet, as discussed in the article.  Provide outside information (research) to expand on this understanding.  Be sure to support your discussion with specific references to the article, the play and your outside source of information.

4.  Under the section, "Hamlet Controversies," the writers contend that Shakespeare's brilliance lies in his ability to create ambiguity in what is, ultimately, a psychological drama.  Romantics, Victorians, Freudians and Existentialists have all theorized about Hamlet's actions and inaction(s). Consider an ambiguity in the play and speculate as to Shakespeare's intent, using evidence from the text, the article and/or an outside source.  (You may consider Hamlet, Gertrude, Ophelia or other minor characters in your analysis.


Assignment parameters:
1. No more than 5 students can respond to any one prompt.
2. Responses should be a minimum of 300-400 words.
3. You must have a minimum of 3 references to the play, the article and/or supplemental information.

4. You do not need to make reference to a classmate's post.

5. Follow the conventions of standard written English.

6.  Blog responses must be posted by 7:00 am on January 9th.  Late blogs will lose 10 points a day.

Electronic version of The Great Gatsby

http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/f/fitzgerald/f_scott/gatsby/complete.html

2012...Upcoming Events & Due Dates

January 3: Hamlet class discussion completed- Hamlet reading assigned (blog assignment - due Tuesday, January 9th                                                              

January 4: Hamlet Act V quiz
January 5: Hamlet Act V test analysis (discussion) test analysis due January 9th

January 6: Anthem Ind. reading completed - in class test

January 9: Hamlet Projects Due - Be prepared to present

January 17: Mid-year exam for A Block (7:30 - 10:30)

problem A block? TROLLOLOLOL

Upcoming units: Poetry & The Great Gatsby