Essay 4: Hamlet by Shakespeare

NO SPARKNOTES OR ANYTHING THAT’LL GET ME FLAGGED*

THE PROMPT:

Hamlets treatment of Ophelia swings from one extreme to another. In V.1, he declares that he loved her,
but in other scenes his behavior is baffling, if not downright abusive. Is he lying in Act V? Or does he truly
love Ophelia without being able to show that love for her? If that is the case, what creates the interference
between his affections and his expression of them? What do you think is the truth about Hamlets feelings
for Ophelia?
An effective essay will quote from multiple scenes in the play. Your argument needs to explain the total
picture of Hamlets treatment of Ophelia. Obviously, there is no single correct answer to this question.
Your essay should take a position and argue that position, using the text to substantiate your claims. Your
primary evidence must come from the text of the play, but you may also refer to Simon Godwins 2016
RSC production, which you will have screened. If you refer to the production in your essay, be sure to
identify the director, the theatre company, and the year of production.