Hamlet Final Project

Directions: For this project, you will be creatively expressing your comprehension and understanding of different elements of the play Hamlet. The content of the project will be yours to choose; however, note that your project must follow the criteria and guidelines located in each category. You may choose one of the following four options:

Option 1- Write a Paper: For the writing option, you will be asked to either: (1) Write a diary entry from the perspective of one of the characters in the play. -OR(2) Write a reflection on 2 of the themes found in Hamlet. Each of these papers must be 1-2 pages in length Examples of a diary entry could be to: write an entry from Ophelia directly following her and Hamlets nunnery argument, or perhaps an entry from Gertrude following the scene in which Hamlet slays Polonius. The choice of the character and timing of the entry are entirely up to you. It should however be clear who is writing and when the writing is taking place. Note that through this entry, I will also need to see that you have a thorough understanding of the play and its elements. It should be clear that you have a firm grip on plotline, subtext, and relationships between characters. For the theme paper, I would simply like you to choose two of the major themes found in the play and discuss Shakespeares overall message behind these themes. Some if the major themes in Hamlet are: lies, deceit, revenge, death, love, and family. As an example, if you were to choose lying as one of your themes, what do you think Shakespeare is trying to tell us about lying? You will be asked to cite one textual reference for each theme to support your thoughts (2 total).

Option 2- Make a Video: This option will be a group effort of up to 5 people. Examples of videos could be: (1) (2) (3) (4) Reenacting a scene from the play. Summarizing and reenacting the entire story. Parodying different parts or elements of the play. Creating a Hamlet music video.

Videos must be at least 2 minutes in length, but no longer than 12 minutes. It will be important to note that regardless of what style of video you choose, I will need to see that

members have a thorough understanding of the play and its elements. I do not expect you to use the lines from the play in your reenactments. Feel free to paraphrase. However, it should be clear that students have a firm grip on plotline, subtext, and relationships between characters.

Option 3- Create a Comic: For this option, you will have to create a comic strip with at least 25 comic boxes in length. The comic must be colored and I must be able to see that sufficient work has gone into its creation. This is not to say that you must be a good artist to choose this option. However, I should be able to tell that you put some time into creating the drawings and the story (no chicken scratch or simplistic stick figures). Examples for comics are: (1) Drawing a scene from the play. (2) Summarizing and drawing events from the entire play. (3) Creating a comic that parodies an element of the play (including scenes). I should note that I do not expect you to use all the lines from the play in your comics. Feel free to paraphrase. However, that being said, I will also note that regardless of what type of comic you create, I will need to see that you have a thorough understanding of the play and its elements. It should be clear throughout the comic that you have a firm grip on plotline, subtext, and relationships between characters. Option 4- Create a Song: For this option you will be creating a song about/relating to Hamlet. Some possible options may be to: (1) Retell the story or a scene through lyrics (2) Put a soliloquy or passage into song (like the To Be, or Not to Be video) (3) Focus a song around a particular theme or event found in the play (maybe create a song entitled Get Thee to a Nunnery Girl or The Sorrows in the State of Denmark). I encourage you to be as creative as youd like with the style of music and lyrics (MUST be school appropriate!!). You may choose a group of up to three students for this option. It will be important to note that regardless of what type of song you choose to create, I will need to see that members have a thorough understanding of the play and its elements. It should be clear through the lyrics that members have a firm grip on plotline, subtext, and relationships between characters.

Further Criteria: For the essays- Proper spelling, grammar, and structure will be an additional factor in grading. For the video- Each individual will be graded on their level of participation, this will be based on the evaluation I receive from the group members.

For the comic- Comic boxes must be colored and I must be able to see that a good deal of effort was put into their creation. For the song- Each individual will be graded on their level of participation, this will be based on an evaluation I receive from each group member.