Name: ________________________________ Date due: _________________
Hamlet Tattoo Assignment
For this assignment you will create a symbolic tattoo that best represents a
character from Hamlet. You may pick Hamlet, Ophelia, Claudius, Gertrude, or
Horatio. Choose four items from the list below to include in your tattoo design.
Pick four elements from this list. Put a check next to each item you choose.
 Colors that represent the character's persona, mood, or feelings
 Words or phrases that best represent the character
 Symbols or images that:
o represent a significant event in the character's life
o represent a challenge or obstacle in the character's life
o represent the character's family, loyalties, or connections with other
places or people
o represent the character's social status
o signify the character's hopes and dreams
o signify the character's ambitions or destiny
o are repeated through out the play and associated with the character
o reflect the character's religion
o signify the character's secrets, fears, or insecurities
o signify the character's hobbies or interests
o represent the character's relationship status
You must incorporate four items into one continuous tattoo, not four separate
tattoos. Draw your design on plain 8½ by 11 inch paper and color it with
markers or colored pencils. Make sure your name is on the paper somewhere.
Additionally, you will write a paragraph that explains how the tattoo represents
the character. Give a brief description of the character’s personality, explain how
each of the four elements are appropriate for the character, and then discuss
how all four elements interact to create something new and original. Your
explanation of why you used each item should be based on ideas from the play
itself and on generally accepted symbolic meanings of the elements.
This assignment is worth 50 points. I expect neat work, turned in on time.
Late work will lose 5 points per day.
Name: ______________________________
Hamlet Tattoo Rubric
Points:
7-6
5-3
Element 1: The element in the tattoo is appropriate to the
character and can be easily seen. It shows creative effort.
Element 2: The element in the tattoo is appropriate to the
character and can be easily seen. It shows creative effort.
Element 3: The element in the tattoo is appropriate to the
character and can be easily seen. It shows creative effort.
Element 4: The element in the tattoo is appropriate to the
character and can be easily seen. It shows creative effort.
The paragraph give a brief description of the character,
provides a good explanation of why each element of the tattoo
is appropriate for the character, and discusses the tattoo as a
whole symbol.
The paragraph is neatly typed or handwritten. It is wellorganized and contains few errors in spelling and/or grammar.
The tattoo drawing is original, neat, large enough to be clearly
seen, and appropriately colored.
Total score: ________ / 50
Comments:
2-0