What is Shakespeare saying about human nature through Hamlet?
How is this same message portrayed in modern day society?
WHAT TO DO:
- Create a solid thesis statement based on the questions in the introduction.
Type a 2-3 page, single spaced paper answering the questions above.
- Include a Works Cited Page at the end of your paper. *Hamlet is cited as a print text, not an on-line
SUGGESTED OUTLINE:
The Intro
Hook/grab the audience
i Introduce the topic (including the titles, authors, and genre of the works)
3. Context (What background information is necessary for the reader? - Not too much!)
1-. Thesis (What are you arguing? What are you going to prove through this essay?)
Topic Sentence: What, specifically, will you be discussing in this paragraph?
Provide specific evidence (quotations from the text with citations)
Analyze your evidence (provide a deeper level of detail than your topic sentence)
Connect your reasoning and support to your thesis (show that the information in the paragraph is related to your thesis and helps defend it)
Wrap-up: A brief wrap-up sentence that tells the reader how and why this information supports the paper's thesis
- Include evidence from Hamlet
- Research one example from modern day society addressing the same, shared thesis that links the key questions.
- Be sure to include at least four examples of parenthetical citations, either paraphrasing and/or direct quotations. There must be two for Hamlet and two from your modern example. Look at the notes on citations from the previous research paper for more detailed information.
This is how you cite Shakespeare: -Italicize the titles of plays OPTIONS
-Hamlet (1.5.268-76)
-You may use roman numerals for only the act & scene
-In 3.1, Hamlet delivers his most famous soliloquy.
-If a quotation runs four lines or less, put it in quotation marks and incorporate it in the text.
The immensely obese Falstaff tells the Prince: "When I was about thy years, Hal, I was not an eagle's talon in the waist; I could have crept into any alderman's thumb ring" (2.4.325-27).
-Format quotations that run more than four lines as block quotations. Start on a new line and set the quotation one inch in from the left margin. Do not add quotation marks. A colon generally introduces a block quotation.
In Much Ado About Nothing, Benedick reflects on what he has overheard Don Pedro, Leonato, and Claudio say:
This can be no trick. The conference was sadly borne. They have the truth of this from Hero. They seem to pity the lady. It seems her affections have their full bent. Love me? Why, it must be requited. I hear how I am censured.
They say I will bear myself proudly if I perceive the love come from her; they say too that she will rather die than give any sign of affection.
(2.3.217-24)
Concession paragraph that counter argues your Point
The goal is to disprove an opposing point of view on your topic. Here are some things to think about when creating this paragraph.
1. Do you start with a phrase like, "Some might say..." or "Some might argue that..."?
2. Do you present a few sentences stating the counter argument?
3. Do you use a phrase like "However..." or "Conversely..." to begin your rebuttal?
4. Does the concession end with a clear statement of why your point is the better, more valid point?
Be sure to include at least one example of parenthetical citations, either paraphrasing and/or direct quotations.
The Conclusion
Write a conclusion restates your thesis, summarizes your main points and include a final, broad statement. This may be called a "clincher"; it is a decisive or conclusive statement.