Hamlet Assignments
Select ONE of the following:
Visual/Verbal Essay
Select a character or theme and develop a thesis demonstrating your insightful
understanding and interpretation of Hamlet. To develop your thesis you will
create a collage that visually illustrates and develops your thesis. You must
also: select three quotations from the play and defend your choice, explaining
how each supports your thesis; include two statements that develop your
thesis; and provide a paragraph or two which explains how the collage develops
your thesis. (I am looking for creative thinking, not literal images)
Knowledge & Understanding
/20

General knowledge of the play

Understanding of character, relationships, imagery and theme
Thinking & Inquiry
/20

Analysis, interpretation, and forming conclusions

Creative thinking skills; selection of quotes and images to appropriately
and effectively illustrate and develop the thesis
Communication

/20
Use of collage format/layout to communicate ideas (juxtaposition,
colour, contrast)
Application

/20
Transfer of knowledge of character, imagery and theme to a different
medium

Making connections between the play and modern world through
images selected
OR
Film Proposal
Assume the role of a director, creating a new production of Hamlet. Select a
specific scene from the list below and complete a thorough analysis of the scene
(setting, plot, character, imagery, and theme). Make decisions concerning set design,
costumes, lighting, sound, and blocking to reveal character and theme. Your primary
goal is to enhance the audience’s understanding of the scene through your visual
portrayal of the lines; to give life to Shakespeare’s words. Prepare your ideas as a
proposal to prospective producers. This will probably be a combination of written
text and visuals, such as a power point presentation or booklet.
Act I, scene iv, line 38 – I, v, 112
Act I, scene ii, line 1 - I, ii, 159
Act III, scene i, lines 56-161
Act III, scene ii, lines 90-280
Act III, scene iv
Act IV, scene v, lines 16-196
Knowledge & Understanding
/20

General knowledge of the play

Understanding of character, relationships, imagery and theme
Thinking & Inquiry
/20

Analysis, interpretation, and forming conclusions

Creative thinking skills; selection of quotes and images to appropriately
and effectively illustrate and develop your interpretation
Communication

Use of format/layout to communicate ideas
Application

/20
/20
Transfer of knowledge of character, imagery and theme to a different
medium

Making connections between the play and modern world through ideas
selected for a modern audience
OR
Film Critique
Write a film critique of either Franco Zeffirelli’s or Kenneth Branagh’s production of
“Hamlet”, specifically evaluating the use of setting, costume, lighting, selection of
actors and their portrayal of the characters. Make a judgment about the portrayal of
Shakespeare’s play; do you agree or disagree with the interpretation, does it
enhance your understanding of the characters and themes, does it appeal to a modern
audience? Support your opinions with textual reference and specific reference to the
film.
Knowledge & Understanding
/20

General knowledge of the play

Understanding of character, relationships, imagery and theme
Thinking & Inquiry
/20

Analysis, interpretation, and forming conclusions

Creative thinking skills; selection of quotes and images to appropriately
and effectively illustrate and develop your interpretation
Communication

/20
Language and organization of ideas is appropriate for audience and
purpose
Application

/20
Transfer of knowledge of character, imagery and theme to a different
medium

Making connections between the play and film to form opinions about
the film’s ability to appeal to a modern audience
Musical Interpretation
Select a specific character or two or a theme from the play that you find most
interesting/intriguing. Select 2 pieces of music that connect to the play (character &
theme). Re-write part of the song’s lyrics to more closely reflect the character and/or
theme. Write a defense for your selection, explaining how the song reflects the
character or theme. Use textual references form the play to support you ideas.
Knowledge & Understanding
/20

General knowledge of the play

Understanding of character, relationships, imagery and theme
Thinking & Inquiry
/20

Analysis, interpretation, and forming conclusions

Creative thinking skills; selection of music and quotes to appropriately
and effectively illustrate and develop your interpretation
Communication

/20
Use of language, images and poetic devices to write lyrics that reflect
your interpretation of the character/theme

Language and organization of ideas in the defense is appropriate for
audience and purpose
Application

/20
Transfer of knowledge of character, imagery and theme to a different
medium

Making connections between the play and popular culture