Hamlet!!
Final Essay !
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Name___________________
English 12AP
“Words, words, words.” Hamlet (II.ii.192)
Welcome to the discourse community.
I. Thesis Proposal: Consider the narrative fragments you have assembled.
 Do your findings seem to support your original interpretation of the character?
 Or has a new dimension been revealed?
 Where are the gaps in your evidence?
 Have you encountered any problematic fragments?
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Task: Write a one page thesis proposal which contains the following elements 1. Rough draft of your thesis - what do you hope to prove?
2. Brief statement of why you selected this topic
3. Description of your next steps. What are the strengths of your argument? How will
you support these claims? What do you foresee as potential problems? How will
you reconcile these issues?
II. Research-Based Analysis: You will write a 3-5 page critical analysis paper in which you present
your privileged reading and join the Hamlet discourse community. As you develop your reading, meet
the neighbors in this community and select one piece of literary criticism which relates to your
argument. Engage the critic and support or refute his/her views as you elucidate your perspective.
Annotated Bibliography Format
 Bibliographic information (MLA format)
 Summary (One paragraph)
Begin with a one sentence summary of the author’s thesis statement. Then focus on the
main arguments of the piece and the supporting evidence most relevant to your essay. You
may choose to focus on one argumentative strand if the original is very comprehensive (ex.
a book chapter). Stay focused and avoid plagiarizing from the original.
 Reflection (One paragraph)
How will you position your response to this piece of literary criticism in your paper?
Does it support or refute your view of the subject? Has the piece changed your perspective?
General Guidelines:
 Although your paper must include a response to one piece of literary criticism, you may use
additional sources to support your thesis. Do not, however overwhelm your own analysis with
citations to the works of others. Remember the wise words of Polonius, “To thine own self be
true”…trust your own interpretation and limit yourself to a maximum of TWO supporting
resources.
 Provide specific references to the literary criticism and Hamlet as part of your analysis.
 Allow the structure of your argument to direct the structure of your paper. Be sure to include a
clear introduction with a concise thesis statement.
 Notecards are not required. Evidence of notetaking is.
Format:
 Use MLA format and follow the guidelines as prescribed in the Shaker High School Research
Guide.
 Papers must be typed. Double-spaced; 1” margins; 12-point Times (or Times New Roman) font.
Due dates:
1. Fever Chart (35 points) ____________________
2. Thesis Proposal (10 points) _________________
3. Evidence of notetaking (5 points)! _________
4. Annotated Bibliography (25 points)!
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5. Outline (25 points)!!
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Final (100 points) !
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