However, This Classic Interpretation Differs from That of Critic Allan Massie. Read The

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Hamlet Essay

The tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is often read as the tragedy of a young man who suffers insurmountable grief at the murder of his father and the hasty marriage of his mother. Hamlet, in this sense, is a victim—he has been wronged and must bring justice to those who have wronged him. Therefore, it can be argued that Hamlet is justified for his actions and for being “self-pitying”. However, this classic interpretation differs from that of critic Allan Massie. Read the essay “Prince of Self-Pity” by Massie and determine whether you feel that Hamlet’s woes can be attributed to his being a victim of horrible wrongs, or, as Massie would argue, if his actions and behavior can be attributed to Hamlet being “self-pitying” and pathetic. If we accept Massie’s argument, we could argue that Hamlet is self-pitying, selfish, and ultimately a villain rather than a victim of his circumstances. Think of all of Hamlet’s wrongdoings - killing Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, possibly causing Ophelia to go mad, killing Claudius, etc. Is Hamlet at fault for his self-pitying behavior and guilty of causing destruction and suffering? Is Hamlet himself the cause of his own misfortunes and misery and the villain who brought about the destruction of others? If Hamlet’s self pity is his weakness, then he has no one to blame but himself for all of the misfortunes that have occurred in the play, including his own.

YOUR WRITING TASK: Choose a side to this argument and write a five-paragraph essay that gives three good reasons as to why you agree that Hamlet is a victim of circumstances, or a self-pitying villain as Massie suggests. Each argument you make should be clear and distinct and well-supported by examples from the play. Be sure to quote Massie at least once, and use a minimum of THREE quotes from the play Hamlet.

ORGANIZATION/BRAINSTORMING:

I. Forming Your Thesis: What points are you making or proving in this paper? Start by rephrasing the essential essay question and answering it in your own words.

II. THESIS STATEMENT: Using your best point(s) from above, form a thesis statement for your paper. Make sure to be clear and specific! You do not need to state the words “the themes that are important are…” and PLEASE DO NOT STATE “THE POINT I AM TRYING TO MAKE IS…” or “THE POINT I WILL PROVE IN MY PAPER IS…” Make your statement speak for itself. III. BODY PARAGRAPH MAIN IDEAS (essentially, your topic sentences): Brainstorm and list THREE main ideas in relation to your topic and your main argument. Basically, state THREE different main ideas (one for each of your body paragraphs). These ideas should ALL support your thesis statement. Be very specific.

IV. INTRODUCTION: Write your intro using the five-step process.

1. Attention-getter: (1-2 sentences): (Typically a statement about the theme/topic or a general statement about life or everyday society that relates to the essay prompt)

2. Background about the context of Hamlet’s conflict and the play itself (several sentences) DON’T FORGET TO MENTION THE TITLE OF THE PLAY (underlined or in italic) AND SHAKESPEARE’S name.

3. Address the writing prompt by discussing both possible arguments or stances on Hamlet’s character. Make it clear what side you are on and WHY: (several sentences)

4. Thesis Statement: What is your ultimate argument about Hamlet and how will you support it throughout your essay? What points prove your argument. Be brief and don’t go into too much detail here. (1-2 sentences)

5. Clincher Sentence: (Wrap up your points with a follow-up sentence to your thesis that pushes your ideas forward. This will give the reader closure) V. BODY PARAGRAPHS: Organize and structure your main ideas/topic sentences. Think about what points you will use to set up your body paragraphs and uphold the main ideas you discuss in each body paragraph. (Don’t forget to use transitions throughout your paper!)

Body Paragraph 1- Main Idea: ______

Supporting details: (List several examples from the text of Hamlet and/or the Massie article that you will use to prove your points.)

Quotes: Record a quote(s) from Hamlet and/or the Massie article that will help you prove your points. Cite the play using MLA Style. (Act.Scene.Lines) using Roman numerals Ex: If the quote is from Hamlet Act 5, Scene 1 on line 110: “QUOTE” (V.i.110). Body Paragraph 2- Main Idea: ______

Quotes: Record a quote(s) from Hamlet and/or the Massie article that will help you prove your points. Cite the play using MLA Style. (Act.Scene.Lines) using Roman numerals Ex: If the quote is from Hamlet Act 5, Scene 1 on line 110: “QUOTE” (V.i.110). Body Paragraph 3- Main Idea: ______

Quotes: Record a quote(s) from Hamlet and/or the Massie article that will help you prove your points. Cite the play using MLA Style. (Act.Scene.Lines) using Roman numerals Ex: If the quote is from Hamlet Act 5, Scene 1 on line 110: “QUOTE” (V.i.110).