This Excerpt Best Supports the Claim That Hamlet...
This phrase is a common prompt in literature analysis, particularly when studying Shakespeare's Hamlet. It encourages readers to delve into specific sections of the text and understand how they contribute to a larger argument about the character of Hamlet.
To effectively answer this prompt, you'll need to follow these steps:
1. Identify the Specific Excerpt:
- Read the passage carefully and understand the context: Who is speaking? To whom? What is the situation? What are the key themes or ideas being discussed?
- Look for key words, phrases, and imagery: These can reveal important insights into Hamlet's character and motivations.
2. Determine the Claim:
- What is the argument you are trying to support? Common claims about Hamlet include:
- He is indecisive and contemplative.
- He is deeply affected by grief and loss.
- He is a master of deception and manipulation.
- He is driven by a desire for revenge.
- He is morally conflicted and tormented by guilt.
- He is a tragic hero.
- Ensure the claim is specific and relevant to the excerpt.
3. Connect the Excerpt to the Claim:
- Explain how the excerpt directly supports the claim. Use evidence from the text to justify your reasoning.
- Focus on the specific details and language that reveal Hamlet's character and motivations.
- Avoid making assumptions or reading too much into the excerpt. Stick to the textual evidence.
4. Provide Clear and Concise Reasoning:
- Use a clear and logical structure to explain your connection between the excerpt and the claim.
- Support your reasoning with specific examples from the text.
- Use transitional phrases to connect your ideas and create a cohesive argument.
Example:
Excerpt:
"To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them?" (Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1)
Claim: This excerpt best supports the claim that Hamlet is indecisive and contemplative.
Reasoning: This famous soliloquy showcases Hamlet's internal struggle. He contemplates the merits of enduring suffering ("slings and arrows") or taking action against adversity. The repetition of "to be, or not to be" emphasizes his indecision, and the use of phrases like "nobler in the mind" and "take arms against a sea of troubles" reveals his contemplative nature. He is caught between two choices, unable to commit to a definitive course of action.
Key takeaways:
- By carefully analyzing the excerpt and connecting it to the claim, you can develop a strong and convincing argument about Hamlet's character.
- Use evidence from the text to support your reasoning and avoid making assumptions.
- Remember that the excerpt should directly relate to the claim you are trying to support.
