Hamlet Soliloquy Assignment
Eight major soliloquies in Hamlet:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
“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)
“Tis now the very witching time of night…” (3.2.380-392)
“O, my offence is rank… (Claudius) (3.3.37-73)
“Now might I do it pat, now he is praying...” (3.3.74-97)
“How all occasions do inform against me…” (4.4.32-66)
Step 1: Working alone or with a small group (up to three people), select one of the eight soliloquies
from the play (see the above list). Pick the one you understand best or the one you like best and
learn to understand it!
Step 2: Produce a written component for the assignment to be handed in prior to your presentation
which includes information under each of the following four headings (approximately one
paragraph - 1/2 a page in length) for each heading. Make sure you make reference to specific lines
of the soliloquy in your responses (quotes are needed for full value).
 Brief Context of the Soliloquy (explain where it appears in the play, what has just happened
before it is said and what the character is feeling when he says it)
 Summary of Meaning and Theme (explain what the character is saying in the soliloquy and
explain what the theme of the soliloquy is)
 Mood and Language (discuss the atmosphere of the soliloquy and explain how the use of
figurative language, imagery, etc. adds to the atmosphere)
 Character (explain what the soliloquy reveals about Cludius’s or Hamlet’s character)
Step 3: Prepare a presentation of your soliloquy. It should be between 1 and 5 minutes in length.
This can be approached in a variety of ways:
 Memorize the soliloquy and present a dramatic reading.
 Tape yourself on video doing a dramatic reading.
 Re-write the soliloquy into a modern song version and perform it.
 Act it out through mime while someone reads it for you.
 Perform an interpretative dance and explain your moves.
 Create a creative PowerPoint presentation to deliver your soliloquy.
 Do a painting, picture book, photography collection, etc. that accurately portrays your
soliloquy.
 Use your unique talents to create a very individualized version of the soliloquy (baking,
sewing, etc.). Please get your ideas approved by me first!
*You are only limited by your imagination – let your imagination and creativity run wild!
Marking Scheme: Written Section (20 Marks) + Presentation (40 Marks) = 60 Marks Total
Due Date: __________________________________