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