ENG 4U In-Class Essay on Hamlet
Instructions: Write an essay on Hamlet based on one of the prompts below.
Evaluation: Based on the Senior English: Formal Essay Rubric
Length: Between 1000 and 1500 words (approx. 4-7 double spaced pages)
You will be given portions of two class periods to prepare for this essay:
First Class: Tuesday Jan 10th
Second Class: Thursday Jan 12th
You will write the essay in class on Monday Jan 16th
You will be allowed to bring only your Hamlet text and a writing tool to class on the
day of writing. Your text may have marked pages for appropriate quotations (similar
to the Part A evaluation of the ISU)

Write a persuasive essay following your outline.
Remember to:
 indicate which prompt you are using on the top of the first page
 use formal language (no contractions, no slang)
 keep referring to your thesis statement and use the key words from your introduction
 For ease of reading, write legibly, double-space your work and write on one side of
the paper only.
 Make sure you leave enough time to revise and proofread your essay.
 Electronic devices including iPods, MP3 players, and cellular phones are not allowed.
Essay Prompts:
A: A character’s downfall is the result of a combination of weakness and circumstance.
Analyze the extent to which this statement is true with reference to Hamlet.
B: Through sharp contrast, a character foil enhances certain traits of a central character.
Analyze how secondary characters operate as foils AND are thus employed to develop
theme in Hamlet.
C: Show how Shakespeare’s use of imagery and/or symbolism reveals theme OR
reinforces aspects of character in Hamlet.
D: With reference to Hamlet, to what extent does isolation (physical, emotional, or
societal) cause a character to evaluate his or her moral beliefs or personal convictions?
E: Evaluate the role of family in a character’s success or failure in Hamlet.