Hamlet in Text and in Performance.
This paper will consist of two parts. Begin by choosing one of the scenes
listed at the bottom of the page.
In the first part of the paper, you will present a textual analysis of the scene.
By textual analysis, I mean an incredibly close reading of the words. Which
words are pivotal to the scene? Which words are new and original with
Shakespeare? (Check Hibbard’s notes for this) How is figurative speech
used? (metaphor, simile, oxymoron, etc.) What poetic techniques are
particularly important in this scene ? (alliteration, onomatopoeia, etc.)
What do characters reveal about themselves by their speech?
This part of the paper should be 2-3 pages.
In the second part of the paper, you will examine a performed version of the same scene.
(Check YouTube and other media sources online: There are many video versions of Hamlet).
Begin by citing the version you are using.
Then describe how the performed version affected your understanding of
the text. Did you and the performers/director have the same vision of how the scene should
be performed and what it should look like? Discuss such
performance decisions as setting, costumes, acting/casting choices.
This part of the paper should be about two pages long.
Do not, at any point in the paper, summarize the plot. We all know what happens in Hamlet.
I will deduct points from your grade if you engage in this heinous practice. Do not use secondary
sources (except for Hibbard’s
notes): Ideas should be your own. Do not try to turn this into a classic
five-paragraph essay, with introduction and conclusion. Each part of the paper requires different
skills and responses..
Here are the scenes to choose from:
1)The Ghost makes Hamlet and the others swear (1.5, 140-198).
2)Hamlet to Ophelia “Get thee to a nunnery” (3.1, 120-163).
3)“The Mousetrap” (3.2, 220-275).
4)Hamlet kills Polonius (3. 4, 1-40).
5)The Ghost reappears (3.4, 95-130).
6)Hamlet and Laertes leap into Ophelia’s grave (5.1, 230-286).
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