On Hamlet: In “Ophelia’s Desperation,” Joan Montgomery Byles considers how Ophelia’s “sense of self seems… defined and controlled by the men in her life.” Can Byles’ analysis of Ophelia’s place “embedded in Elizabethan sexist society” be applied to Gertrude, the other woman in the play? There are a number of aspects about Gertrude that can be addressed in this topic: be sure to have a focused argument, and that your argument is supported by “close reading” / explication of speeches from the play—do not just summarize the characters’ actions.
1). Present a clear, focused argument that invites inquiry (nothing so obvious that an essay doesn’t need to be written to explore your stance and reading of the play).
2). Include explication (“close reading”) of key passages to support your argument: Support your position with discussion of the essay and explication of the play. Essay should show that you have carefully studied and analyzed the play, and in your close reading / explication of passages, you are giving reasons to support your argument.
3). Demonstrate your understanding of the issues and positions of the essay, as well as the play.