Extended Definition Essay

General Overview:

Choose one word or phrase and give it the proper essay-length definition it deserves. You will want to explore the meaning of this word in a way that promotes discussion and elaboration. Your word or phrase must have a connection with a soliloquy or monologue from Hamlet. Think of this essay like an informal research essay with a minor literary analysis component; or like a glorified blog post on a word or phrase interests you. Don’t just think in terms of a dictionary definition; it merely sums up and lists. But an extended definition provides understanding, context, analysis, and perspective.

Standards:

       I.            Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

    II.            Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic.

Requirements:

   ·         You will need to decide what the purpose of your definition is.

o   Do you want to add clarity to an abstract or foreign word?

o   Do you want to add a personal commentary on a word that you believe is misused?

o   Do you want to make use of a technical term?

o    Do you want to provide the historical use of a term?

o   Is it a recognizable term that simply needs a closer look?

   ·         You will need to use at least 2 nonfiction sources (articles, speeches, non-fiction books) when discussion your term or phrase. Remember that a dictionary definition does not count as a source (although you can use it in your essay if it helps to promote clarity or conflict with your term). Wikipedia also does not count as a source.

   ·         You will also need to incorporate your exploration of this term or phrase with a speech from Hamlet. This literary analysis section of the essay should take up at least one paragraph. You may use a block quote for this essay.

   ·         This essay must be at least 4 pages long with an additional works cited page or section added. You may refer to yourself or the reader in the essay.

   ·         Due to Turnitin.com on Tuesday February 10^th at 9pm, but feel free to turn it in on Friday February 6^th so you can enjoy your 3 day weekend.

Possible areas of exploration:

·         Claudius’s Act 1 Monologue: Political, Manipulation

·         Hamlet’s Act 1 Scene 1 Soliloquy: Depression, Sexism, Isolation

·         Laertes’s Act 1 Monologue: Controlling, Emotional Abuse

·         Hamlet’s Act 2 Monologue: Cynical, Emptiness, Melancholy

·         To Be or Not to Be: Suicidal, Existentialism, Afterlife

·         Hamlet’s Speech to the Players: Fiction, Reality vs Illusion

·         Claudius’s Confession: Guilt

·         Queen Gertrude’s Act 4 monologue about Ophelia: Submissive, Backbone

What is Definition?

Definition offers vast possibilities for you, for you can “hit upon” a topic simply by asking the questions “What does it mean?” or “What should it mean?” of any term that seems uncertain, mystifying, curious, provocative, troublesome, or simply in need of refurbishing. Here are some categories of different terms:

Abstract and Ambiguous Terms

•      Many abstract and ambiguous words in our language mean different things to different people.

•      These words are “inkblots” which create an opportunity for an essay in which you establish either a common criteria for meaning or offer your own meaning.

•      Foreign words fit into this category, too. 

Love, Power, Hyggelig

Misunderstood Terms

•      Contemplate words that are, in your opinion, not widely or well understood, either because their meaning has changed or because they have acquired connotations (positive or negative).

•      Since meanings often “blur” with time, it is appropriate that periodically someone reappraise a word by recognizing and redefining its boundaries.

Hero, Insanity, Submissive

Recognizable Terms

•      Consider a term that is so recognizable that you don’t even think about what it means. This can make for a great topic for a definition as it gives more insight into a term that people think they have a solid understanding of, but really don’t.

Poverty, Depression, Death

Hamlet Act 3 Questions

Act Three Scene One

   1.       Following her chaotic and confusing conversation with Hamlet (which results in Hamlet storming off), Ophelia get her only soliloquy of the play before her father and the King re-enter the stage. Choose one quote from this short soliloquy and explain how it reflects her current state of mind. How have the events of the play affected her thoughts and mental health thus far?

Act Three Scene Two:

What follows the advice to the players conversation is the play within the play scene, which really doesn’t make sense unless you see it performed. Hamlet’s production is about to be put on and he is “that guy” in the theater who talks during the performance (he especially says some inappropriate comments to Ophelia). It gets awkward. But when he additional lines he added get performed, Claudius freaks out and leaves; thus proving that he did in fact kill his brother. Hamlet is delighted that his plan worked and he prepares to kill Claudius.

Act Three Scene Three

1. In Claudius’ first monologue the reader saw a smart, calculating politician who seemed to be in love. In this Act’s Soliloquy, the reader witnesses a much different villain. Describe Claudius’s feelings in this speech. What concerns Claudius in his soliloquy? What kind of villain is he?

2. Why does Hamlet not kill Claudius when he has the chance? Do you think this is a rational reason for not killing the King?

Act Three Scene Four:

3. How does Hamlet act after he kills Polonius? Does he seem remorseful at all? What might this tell you about his mental state?

4. What might be significant that Hamlet is the only one who sees the ghost in this scene? What might this tell us about his mental state?

"To Be or Not To Be" Questions

1) How is this soliloquy different from all these other ones so far? Why is this the case? (Count the number of times Hamlet uses the words “I” or “me” in the soliloquy)

2) What does Hamlet say is the ultimate reason why humans decide to stay alive?

3) What does he say keeps determined people from taking action in their lives? How is this true in Hamlet’s case?

4) Do you believe Hamlet is actually serious about considering suicide? Why or why not?

Hamlet Act 2 Questions

Act Two Scene One:

At the beginning of the scene Polonius speaks to a character named Reynaldo (someone we never see again) and tells him to spy on his son, Laertes, while in France. The purpose of this conversation is to show how Polonius is a rather sneaky father. Then Ophelia comes to her father and reports what happened when Hamlet came to her bedroom.

1. Describe Hamlet’s behavior as Ophelia reports it. How does Polonius respond?

Act Two Scene Two:

The King and Queen have summoned two of Hamlet’s college buds to the castle to spy on him and find out what’s going on with his weird behavior. Polonius then tells the King and Queen that he has figured out why Hamlet is acting so strange - he is madly in love with Ophelia. He decides to talk to him to see how he reacts.

2. Describe Hamlet’s behavior during his encounter with Polonius. And during his encounter with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

3. Paraphrase Hamlet’s “Metaphysical” monologue  (“I have of late…”). Focus on his view of mankind. What does this tell you about Hamlet’s current state of mind? Is this all just part of his antic disposition? Or is this how he really feels?

Rest of Act Two Scene Two Summary:

A traveling band of actors arrive to the castle which brings much joy to Hamlet (he is after all quite the Renaissance man). He asks the lead actor to deliver a speech retelling a tale of the Trojan War. The actor does and his words are so powerful and full of emotion that he brings himself to tears. This has an effect on Hamlet as he sees how much passion the actor has for life. Hamlet then asks the lead actor to put on a play for the castle that will show a death similar to his father’s. He also wants to add a few lines to the play. The actor agrees. Hamlet then delivers another soliloquy conveying his own disdain for himself since he lacks the passion to actually kill Claudius.