William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet

Write about their newfound understanding of the tragic play. Students will take a
position as it relates to the following choice of topics and develop an analytical argument
appropriate to the assignment:

1. What is the major conflict seen in this play: Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Society, Man vs.
   Man, Man vs. Self?
2. “It’s complicated.” Discuss Hamlet’s relationship with Ophelia. How does the way he
   treats her speaks to Shakespeare’s characterization of him?
3. Trace the different forms of irony found in the play? For example, verbal irony, dramatic
   irony, irony of the situation. How does Shakespeare use irony as a tool to shape the play?
4. One major theme in Hamlet is action. Discuss how it is illustrated in the play. Hint:
   Analyze the “To Be or Not To Be” soliloquy.
5. Explore some of the symbolism related to death in the play and explain how they carry
   meaning beyond the literal.

Sample Solution