Purpose
Write an analytical essay in which you use a critical lens to explain one element of Hamlet.
Summary
In this assignment, you will use a formalist, feminist, or historical critical lens to write an analytical essay
about one element of Hamlet.
Assignment Prompt
Write an analytical essay in which you use a formalist, feminist, or historical lens to explain one element
of Hamlet. Use a word-processing program to write and submit your work.
Assignment Instructions
Step 1: Open a new file in a word-processing program.
a) Remember to save your work as you go.
Step 2: Choose a lens.
a) Choose a critical lens through which to examine an element from Hamlet.
Step 3: Craft a thesis.
a) Examine the text through a critical lens.
b) Focus on a specific element of the text.
c) Connect this element to the text as a whole.
d) Write a clear, specific, and concise thesis statement and include it in your introduction.
Step 4: Support the thesis.
a) Cite evidence from dialogue and stage directions to support your thesis.
b) Analyze the evidence to explain how it connects to your thesis.
c) Include your evidence and analysis in well-developed body paragraphs.
d) Explain how your analysis is significant to the text as a whole.
Step 5: Evaluate your essay using the checklist.
Answer these questions to see if you are ready to submit your essay.
Does your essay analyze Hamlet using a formalist, feminist, or historical lens?
Does your essay have a clear, specific, and concise thesis statement?
Does your essay support the thesis with evidence from the text?
Does your essay analyze the evidence and explain how it connects to the thesis?
Does your essay have well-developed paragraphs, including an engaging introduction and an
strong conclusion?
Sample Solution