AP Literature
Hamlet Essay
Due date: Monday, November 16th (Peer edit: Tuesday, November 10th)
5-6 pages – 75 points
Choose one of the following prompts. Then, write a close textual analysis of the specified
scene from Hamlet in which you discuss how Shakespeare uses literary devices to develop
a character and/or a relationship between characters. In your analysis you may wish to
consider significant literary devices such as diction, figurative language, tone, selection of
detail, etc.
1. ACT 1, SCENE 2, LINES 66-132
Read the scene carefully. Then write a well-developed essay in which you analyze how
Shakespeare portrays Claudius, Hamlet and Gertrude and their complex relationship.
2. ACT 1, SCENE 3, LINES 95-145
Read the scene carefully. Then write a well-organized essay in which you analyze how
Shakespeare characterizes the relationship between Polonius and Ophelia.
3. ACT 2, SCENE 2, LINES 576-634
Read the soliloquy carefully. Then write a well-developed essay in which you analyze
how Shakespeare characterizes Hamlet and captures his situation.
When I am grading these essays, I will look for:
 a strong Thesis that makes a specific, purposeful statement about Shakespeare’s use
of literary devices to develop a character and/or a relationship between characters
 at least 3 body paragraphs, each with 2 pieces of smoothly-integrated, convincing
and relevant evidence from the play that clearly support the paragraph’s topic
sentence
 correct MLA formatting of quotations and citations
 specific textual evidence for each point
 well-developed analysis that explains the connections between the textual evidence,
the Topic Sentence and/or the Thesis
 a strong Conclusion that effectively wraps up the essay and shows the universal
importance of the play
 strategic transitions to show the development of paragraphs and the evolution of
the essay from one point to the next
 virtually no mechanical or grammatical errors, no “to be” verbs, no use of the past
tense when writing about the play
Please feel free to set up an appointment with me at any point in your writing process! 