In-Depth Hamlet Analysis: Sacrifice, Justice, and Symbolism – AP Literature Q3 Essays
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Module
English literature and composition
Institution
Junior / 11th Grade
Unlock an in-depth exploration of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" with this comprehensive Q3 project. This document contains three well-organized essays that tackle complex prompts related to the play's key themes and characters, perfect for high school or undergraduate literature students. Each essay delve...
It has often been said that what we value can be determined only by what we sacrifice.
Consider how this statement applies to Prince Hamlet from the play Hamlet. Evaluate how he
has deliberately sacrificed, surrendered, or forfeited something in a way that highlights his
values. Then write a well-organized essay in which you analyze how the particular sacrifice
illuminates Prince Hamlet’s values and provides a deeper understanding of the meaning of the
work as a whole.
This prompt fits the play Hamlet because of Prince Hamlet's sacrifices, changing his way
of life to get vengeance for his father’s murder. The prompt can be answered by elaborating on;
Hamlet’s master plan to make people think he is insane before confronting King Claudius and
eventually killing him. This forces Hamlet to make crucial decisions and sacrifices, such as
ruining his relationship with his girlfriend, Ophelia, and disregarding how the murder of King
Claudius could affect Hamlet’s mother. These actions highlight his desire for vengeance and
fatherly approval. Throughout all of this, the sacrifices take a toll on Hamlet, leading to the
failure of his plan; this highlights one of the many themes, action vs. inaction.
2011
In a novel by William Styron, a father tells his son that life "is a search for justice."
Choose a character from the play Hamlet who responds in some significant way to justice or
injustice. Then write a well-developed essay in which you analyze the character's understanding
of justice, the degree to which the character's search for justice is successful, and the significance
of this search for the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
This prompt fits the play Hamlet because before the play begins, King Claudius kills his
brother, steals the throne from his nephew, and marries his ex-sister-in-law. Due to this chain of
events, Prince Hamlet is sent into a rage which is eventually tipped over the edge when the ghost
of King Hamlet tells Hamlet that King Claudius killed him. King Hamlet urges Prince Hamlet to
seek justice through vengeance. The prompt can be properly answered by elaborating on
Hamlet’s misperceived definition of justice, leading to Hamlet’s death and inevitable failure.
Prince By the end of the play, Hamlet realizes his plan has failed and kills King Claudius without
regard for his past decisions in an attempt to bring justice to his father. Hamlet’s search for
‘justice’ is crucial to the play's plot, and many characters would have no purpose without it.
2009
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