Hamlet Writing Assignment #2 – Due Thursday November 14
For this assignment, you will write an in-depth analysis of a speech or soliloquy from Hamlet. There are three
separate components to be handed in.
First, pick one of Hamlet's soliloquys from what we've read so far:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
"O that this too too sullied flesh would melt…" (1.2.129-159)
"O all you host of heaven! O earth! What else?" (1.5.92-111)
"O what a rogue and peasant slave am I!" (2.2.549-607)
"To be or not to be, that is the question" (3.1.56-89)
"O, my offence is rank" (Claudius) (3.3.37-73)
"Now might I do it pat, now he is praying" (3.3.74-97)
Step 1: Taking Notes. 10 Points.
Transcribe the soliloquy in a separate document, double-spaced. Then take notes on the soliloquy. As you
read through, consider the following:
 word choice
 metaphors
 imagery and description
You can either use the comments feature on Microsoft Word or Google Docs, or you can print it out and
make these notes by hand. You will be handing these notes in, so make them as thorough as possible.
Step 2: Close Reading Analysis. 1-2 Pages. 15 Points.
First, explain the context of the soliloquy in the play—what's happening in the scene, what is Hamlet (or
Claudius) reacting to?
Then, explain the overall meaning of the soliloquy—what's he saying, and why is it important?
Finally, pick at least three moments of figurative language from the speech and analyze how these
metaphors advance the meaning of the soliloquy.
Ex. In his speech to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet metaphorically compares the sky to majestical roof fretted
with gold, but then says he sees (metaphorically) it as a foul and pestilent congregation of vapors. The contrast between
the two metaphors highlights Hamlet's inner turmoil, because he knows the sky is a marvelous creation, but he sees it as
something disgusting and diseased.
OR
Step 2: Film Clip Analysis. 1-2 Pages. 10 Points.
Watch a movie version of your chosen soliloquy and analyze the actor's delivery, the director's choices etc.
How do they advance the meaning of the soliloquy? Do you think it's an effective performance? Why or why
not? Include at least two specific examples of a choice the actor or director is making, and connect it
specifically to the speech.
Ex. Laurence Olivier has much of the first soliloquy occur without him talking, and when he does talk, it highlights the
internal debate he's having with himself. He literally interrupts himself thinking.
See next page for links to film clips.
Soliloquy Film Clips
Note: Not every soliloquy has a clip on YouTube for each film-version we've watched in class. However, you might do some more
digging if one of these doesn't work for you.
"O that this too too sullied flesh would melt…" (1.2.129-159)
 David Tennant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbYiM5XXSEo
 Kenneth Branagh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCBVmiVkzTM
 Mel Gibson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbPbEBcMamg
 Laurence Olivier: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0xYbpYgdPQ
 Ethan Hawke: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOPMrdJepYM
"O all you host of heaven! O earth! What else?" (1.5.92-111)
 David Tennant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kuF1-tyaAE (37 minute mark)
 Kenneth Branagh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RXrFhlxPdk
 Laurence Olivier: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu46pOY0itc
"O what a rogue and peasant slave am I!" (2.2.549-607)
 David Tennant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g665aqZwR4
 Kenneth Branagh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH5_E0MnLj4
 Ethan Hawke: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd4WF0V1YdM
"To be or not to be, that is the question" (3.1.56-89)
 David Tennant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYZHb2xo0OI
 Kenneth Branagh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7TgTb_0wsg
 Mel Gibson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf2TpWsPvgI
 Laurence Olivier: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ks-NbCHUns
 Ethan Hawke: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YHMYkUrV7A
"O, my offence is rank" (Claudius) (3.3.37-73)
 David Tennant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XJwsReIfis
 Kenneth Branagh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LodlNRBJYBg
 Mel Gibson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqS7VyuD_Mg
"Now might I do it pat, now he is praying" (3.3.74-97)
 David Tennant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEIGV9O99mc
 Kenneth Branagh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CApUHE3Uby4
 Mel Gibson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-AbDEi0d5g