essay titles hamlet

151 Hamlet Essay Topics & Thesis Ideas

We know how long students search for interesting Hamlet essay topics. In this post, you will find a list of the most debating Hamlet essay titles and thesis ideas. We’ve also developed a guide on how to write a Hamlet paper and included some helpful Hamlet essay examples.

👍 Hamlet Essay Writing – Tips & Ideas

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Here, at IvyPanda, we know how daunting can be the task of writing a Hamlet Essay. In this post, you will find out how to write a paper that would get top marks.

Tip #1. Read critically before starting hamlet essay outline

Critical reading will help you to prepare for writing your paper. There are a lot of techniques that can increase your reading speed. You may try some of them, described below:

Highlighting

Grab a few highlighters and use them to underline things that might suit for various topics. For example, use green when you see something pertaining to a tragic hero character analysis; pink for a particular symbol, etc. Don’t forget to make a key, so you know what each color means.

This method helps you to organize your evidence and allows you to see if you have enough support to write your essay.

Note-taking

Take notes and record your ideas and critical aspects while reading the plot. This approach will help you to avoid multiple re-readings. However, be sure to remark what part of the essay your notes pertain to.

Making annotations in the margins of the book, you will ensure that you understand what is happening in a text after you’ve read it. Note the author’s key points, central areas of focus, and your thoughts.

Annotating will help you to summarize, highlight crucial pieces of information, and prepare yourself for writing Hamlet essay prompts that your professor may give you

You can use the methods mentioned above or try any other, or even come up with your own technique. This simple exercise will help you to recall which points to write about in your paper.

Tip #2. Write a detailed outline

Now, when you’ve done the prewriting work, it’s time to focus on what you’re going to write in and create your Hamlet essay outline.

Here’s the trick: the more detailed your outline will be, the less time you will spend on the writing process. If you put a lot of detail in the outline, all you will have to do is connect arguments and make it readable.

If you have to turn in a formal outline, as part of your essay, check that each level has at least two parts.

Tip #3. Write your Hamlet essay thesis statement

A thesis statement is among the crucial parts of your entire essay. It tells your readers what you will write in the rest of the paper. It should correspond with the essay title and act as a short preview of the assignment.

You will bring up may points in the paper, although the thesis should tie all of them together.

Write your Hamlet essay thesis statement during outlining and refine it when you start writing. It is possible to revise it when the essay is already finished, and you see ways to improve the thesis.

Tip #4. Start writing your Hamlet essay

When you begin to write an essay, you can check available samples and titles to get inspiration. However, make it personal. Ask yourself questions.

Here are some question examples: What interests me about the play? Is it Hamlet’s monologues? Is it the figure of the Ghost of Hamlet’s father? Or is it something even more obscure?

If you are still struggling to find your Hamlet essay topics or ideas to add to the paper, check these free samples of high-quality papers!

Hamlet’s Relationship with His Mother (Gertrude) – Attitude Towards Her The conversation between Hamlet and his mother brings back Gertrude to her senses where she feels guilty and ashamed of her actions.
A Critical Analysis of Hamlet’s Constant Procrastination in Shakespeare’s Hamlet Claudius is successful in his ambition and Hamlet is left with the decision on whether or not to kill his uncle so as to avenge his father’s death.
Hamlet, Laertes, Fortinbras: Revenge for the Deaths of Their Fathers He thinks about the fact that revenge is not a good action to make his soul get to heavens. His is a prince of Norway, but likewise Hamlet did not receive the crown, he was […]
Gertrude’s Character in “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare However, in the second part of the play, when Gertrude faces the truth of her first husband’s dead, she immediately stands a reformed character, sympathetic to Hamlet’s cause.
Shakespeare: Hamlet The scene that is the subject of this report refers to a scene in the play that takes place at the graveyard following the death of Ophelia.
Why Is Hamlet a Complex Character: Critical Analysis When Hamlet’s father requests him to avenge his death against King Claudius, he is unable to carry out his revenge. In addition, Shakespeare mission to delay Hamlet’s plan to avenge his father’s death highlights the […]
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”: The Use of Allusion and Metaphors Shakespeare’s use of allusion and metaphors in Hamlet is vital to creating the dramatic imagery surrounding the play and foreshadowing the extent of the growing conflict.
William Shakespeare: Hamlet and Macbeth It is important to examine the role that the setting plays in Hamlet and Macbeth in relation to the tragic flaw and developments of the plot.
Hamlet’s Attitude Toward Women in Shakespear’s “Hamlet” The event that gives birth to his hatred is Gertrude’s marriage to her brother-in-law Claudius very soon after the untimely death of her husband, King Hamlet.
Psychoanalytic Study of Hamlet by Ernest Jones (Critical Writing) I agree with the author regarding the dialogues, the flow of the play, and the sequence of the events in it.
Blindness in Oedipus Rex & Hamlet Therefore, in this play, the sighted like Oedipus and Jocasta are ‘blind’ to the truth whilst the blind like Teiresias can see the truth.
Hamlet Analysis Essay: Shakespeare’s Play Analysis Example The writer used the name of the play as the name of the main actor while other characters in the play helped in development of the predominant theme in the main character.
Minor Characters in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Some of the stories that the reader comes to know, about some people or events in the play, come inform of narrations from the minor characters. The minor characters give most of the information known […]
Hamlet & Laertes: Fathers’ Death Reactions King Hamlet’s ghost then informs prince Hamlet of the person who killed him; consequently, Hamlet accepts the ghost’s demands, swears his accomplices to secrecy and reveals to them his intention of killing the king to […]
Father-Son Relationships in Hamlet – Hamlet’s Opinion In the case of Hamlet, he surrenders his own life and future to the will of his father, albeit following significant hesitation, not to mention the passage of an entire play.
Hamlet vs. Oedipus Compare and Contrast Essay In his speech to his brother-in-law Creon, the proud king voices the desire to find the murderer to secure not only the wellbeing of his state but his safety as a ruler as well.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in the “Hamlet” Hamlet is a son to the former King and a nephew to the current King Claudius These two characters seem indispensable throughout and serve as informants of Claudius. In the play, they fit in as […]
Literary Analysis of “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare They are the symbolic image of Hamlet’s father the ghost of the King, the flowers and Ophelia, the skull, and the grave of Yorick.
Lying, Acting, Hypocrisy in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” This paper will argue that, although the concepts of hypocrisy, lying, and acting are brought up directly only a few times in Hamlet, the manifestations thereof can be found throughout the poem, the Dutch prince […]
Hamlet’s Choice of Fortinbras as His Successor Choice of Fortinbras is an act to usurp his place as the rightful king and avenge for the injustice done to Fortinbras, as well as him. Another reason could be an act to reconcile with […]
Comparison of “Hamlet”, “King Lear” and “Othello” by Shakespeare Iago’s reports and the loss of the handkerchief appear to Othello reliable proofs of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness, and under the effect of anger the protagonist is both unable and unwilling to do further investigation.
Characterization of Hamlet When Hamlet learns in a dream that he is supposed to revenge the death of his father, he promises to do so “with wings as swift as meditation or the thoughts of love, may sweep […]
“The Lion King” Movie as Adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” The film parallels Hamlet as the main characters in the play and the film are both princes, and the antagonists are uncles who murder their brothers to gain power.
The Theme of Revenge in Shakespeare’s Hamlet The latter, after seeing his father’s ghost and learning the truth, feels that he is taken over by revenge and sets up a performance that copies Claudius’s, the murderer’s, plan and results in a tragic […]
Role of Women in Twelfth Night and Hamlet by Shakespeare Purpose of the research The purpose of this study is to compare specific women characters in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Hamlet and to explore their similarities in terms of their passivity, relationships with other characters […]
Hamlet And Laertes: A Comparison Hamlet, shocked by the revelation and shaken to the core by the knowledge of his mother’s role in the act, immediately makes his intention clear in the presence of the ghost.
Creative Process in William Shakespeare Works Creativity in his works, Merchant of Venice and Hamlet, is portrayed by the manner he makes choice of characters, the way themes are tied up with stylistic language to reflect hidden meanings reflective of the […]
Hamlet’s Renaissance Culture Conflict The death of Hamlet as the play ends indicates that though he was the definite answer to all the questions before him as he faced death, he was not in any position to give any […]
Horatio (Hamlet): Character Analysis Hamlet does not follow his friend’s caution and goes with the ghost, where he learns of his father’s murder and swears to avenge him.
“Hamlet and His Problems” by Thomas Stearns Eliot Hamlet assumes the role of both the father and the son and the need to detect his identity about his idea of the father becomes problematic in the presence of his mother.
Shakespeare versus Olivier: A Depiction of ‘Hamlet’ The presentation of the Ghost in the film builds the main theme of revenge and tragedy. Olivier shows that the Oedipus complex is a crucial aspect in understanding the play especially the character of Hamlet […]
Elements of Literature Used in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” The audience may be able to show a degree of empathy with Hamlet as the play was written in a slightly satirical manner and shows that he is very much human in his qualities and […]
Macbeth and Hamlet Characters Comparison The queens in Hamlet and Macbeth play a pivotal role in the life of the heroes of the play. She is portrayed as a mother who, in her awareness of Hamlet’s crisis, feels guilty and […]
Resilience of Hamlet and Oedipus The plot of the tragedy of Sophocles is built on a chain of accidents, which are in fact the fatal will of the powerful gods.
William Shakespeare: Hamlet’s Actions and Inactions This paper is an attempt to analyze Hamlet’s actions and inactions to prove the authenticity of the application of these maxims to the protagonist.
Hamlet’s Hesitation in Revenge: Four Separate Theories The play within a play is one of many tactics Hamlet employs over the course of the play to delay the revenge and therefore avoid his own death.
Hamlet’s Mental State and Issues That Affected Him To begin with, it is evident to the reader that the main character is overwhelmed by the grief and mourning of his father.
“Hamlet the Prince of Denmark” by William Shakespeare The first one is the plot of the play that lasts from the beginning till the scene when Hamlet meets the ghost of his father.
Ophelia from Shakespeare’s ”Hamlet” Shakespeare employs the traditional view of the woman as a means of illustrating its more dangerous elements through his portrayal of Ophelia in her innocence, the ease with which others use her, and the suspicion […]
Hamlet in the Film and the Play: Comparing and Contrasting There is a certain discrepancy in the way Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Gibson’s hero unveil the tragic style of the play. This assumption is justified by the scenes from the movie because many of the dialogues […]
The Importance of Paintings in Hamlet The play revolves around the two opposing forces: truth and deceit, and we see a contrast between the importance of being true to one’s self and the importance of being truthful with others.
“The Prince” by Machiavelli and “Hamlet” by Shakespeare The author tries to bring to light the concepts of life when he uses the different aspects of death in the piece of work.
Education and Knowledge in “Hamlet” by Shakespeare Shakespeare portrays that in a world of complexity, instability, and unpredictability, people are struggling to make sense of the changes and to situate themselves within the new milieu.
Consideration of the Ghost in “Hamlet” by Shakespeare The Ghost in the play is charitable because it helps Hamlet to know the truth about the way his father died and to begin finding clues for the murder.
Canonical Status of Hamlet by William Shakespeare However, the technique has been defended by some of the scholars who argue that Shakespeare’s skill is to develop and emphasize the purpose of duality and dislocation in the play.
The Hamlet’s Emotional Feelings in the Shakespearean Tragedy The grief that Hamlet feels at the death of his father is tempered by a Claudius’s statement to him that grief is ‘unmanly.’ He also associates women with deception beginning with his mother with whom […]
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and the Modern World The tragedy of Hamlet addresses eternal problems: the incompatibility of lofty ideals and dreams with reality, the mismatch between the goals and the means of achieving them, and the role of the individual in history.
Comparing Dr. Faustus and Hamlet Hamlet kills numerous characters in the play and this goes to show his excessive pride or in other words his sin of pride.
Hamlet: Gertrude’s Complicit Character However, Queen Gertrude seems to be more on the inside of the plotting and scheming occurring within the castle than an innocent woman should have.
“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare: To Be or Not to Be It begins with supernatural such as the presence of the ghost and Hamlet attempting to glance into Claudius’ soul, to the mystery of the crime and the need for revenge. The masterful use of style, […]
Hamlet and King Oedipus Literature Comparison This essay compares the characters and roles of both Hamlet and King Oedipus as the sons who have to deliver justice to their fathers’ killers.
The Role of Queen Gertrude in Play “Hamlet” Whether or not Queen Gertrude, Prince Hamlet’s mother, was guilty of being part of the conspiracy that led to the murder of her husband, King Hamlet is debatable.
The Idea of Insanity in “Hamlet” He is maybe a bit spoiled and used to getting his own way, but he knows he has a duty to the state and to his family and he knows he is destined to someday […]
Shakespearean Hamlet’s Character Interpretation For example, Hamlet believed that his mother was loyal to his father and to the kingdom, but he felt unhappy with how events unfolded when grieving.
Themes in “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare With consideration of critical responses, use of language and structure, and through a close analysis of Hamlet’s soliloquies, the role of Shakespeare’s characterization of Hamlet in shaping the enduring power of the text is appreciated […]
Ghost in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Play In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, the titular character begins plotting his revenge after he encounters the ghost of his father, who informs him of the murder as well as the culprits.
The Use of Revenge in William Shakespeare`s “Hamlet” The only character in the play to claim to have first-hand knowledge of the murder of Hamlet’s father and who speaks aloud about them to another character is the ghost of Hamlet’s father.
Key Themes in “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare Among the characters in this play include Claudius, hamlet, Gertrude, Polonius, Ophelia, Horatio, Laertes, Voltimand, Rosencrantz, Osric, ghost of Hamlet’s father, Barnardo to mention but a few Mystery of death is one theme that clearly […]
The Function of the Soliloquies in Hamlet This happens when it influences the plot, the characterization in the play, and the play’s mood, on top of expressing themes that could be termed to be the main themes.
Shakespeare Authorship Question: Thorough Analysis of Style, Context, and Violence in the Plays Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night It should be stated that even though most of the scholars point to the fact that Shakespeare was not the author of the plays, I would like to contradict this opinion and prove that Shakespeare’s […]
Deceiving Appearances in “Hamlet” and “The Lion King” In particular, Claudius and Scar represent villains under the guise of well-wishers, while Rosencrantz and Guildenstern from Hamlet and hyenas from The Lion King appear worse than they seem.
“Hamlet” Scene Comparison: Hawke’s and Gibson’s Films In both Hawke’s and Gibson’s versions of Hamlet, the original text is used for dialogue between Hamlet and Ophelia as she is sent to trap the reasons for Hamlet’s insanity out of him.
Characters in “The Scarlet Letter” and “Hamlet” Film Hester returns to Boston just before her death, in order to be buried in the same grave as Dimmesdale, with ‘A’ inscribed on their tombstone. Much to her son’s anger and disgust, she marries Claudius […]
Oedipus and Hamlet Characters’ Contrast and Comparison The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast one of the main characters of literature – Oedipus and Hamlet, as well as to determine the qualities and skills of people which make them […]
Hamlet’s Parental Relationships The death of his father, the actions of his mother and his existing relationship with his uncle all have Hamlet confused regarding the true nature of the world.
The Reflection of Time in “Hamlet” by Shakespeare Thesis Human existence and purpose of life were considered unimportant because the human soul had a divine nature, thus, they were afraid of death as an unknown state of human existence.
Hesitation and Indeterminacy of Hamlet There is no denying the importance of the fact that the whole fabric of Shakespeare’s tragedy unfolds in Hamlet subjective perception and interpretation of his uncle and mother’ treason.
Gender Equality Question: “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare For the past few centuries, the rise of various movements have marked a certain change in the ideas and philosophies of man regarding the true nature of his existence, the pronounced inequalities of not only […]
Human Nature and Morality in “Hamlet” and “Dr. Faustus” These are the problems we are going to discuss in the current essay, and we are going to address for help with it such masterpieces of literature as the play “Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark” […]
Shakespeare’s Hamlet’s Behavior in Act III In the end, he comes to the conclusion that this obscurity is the reason people do not want to die and prefer to lead the lives full of suffering.
Depression and Melancholia Expressed by Hamlet The paper will not attempt and sketch the way the signs or symptoms of depression/melancholia play a part in the way Shakespeare’s period or culture concerning depression/melancholia, but in its place portrays the way particular […]
“Hamlet” and “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” The link of “Hamlet” and “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” to the present days can be seen in the lost characters.
How a Film Interprets Hamlet Laurence Olivier’s need to focus on less traditional approaches, his need to shorten the production, and the need to perform a psychological analysis of the characters determine his interpretation of the play ‘Hamlet’.
Recurring Theme of Revenge in Hamlet On top of this, Laertes wants to revenge the insanity and subsequent death of his sister, which he blames on Hamlet.
Appearance vs. Reality in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex” In preparing for the performance, Hamlet provides the players with specific lines and actions to include within the overall play they are about to perform and gives them lengthy instructions as to the acting of […]
Anti-Heroism in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Cervantes’ Don Quixote This ghost will only talk to Hamlet, and when the time is right, he will share his side of the account with the prince.
A Play Within a Play: Hamlet and Second Shepherd’s Play In contrast to Hamlet, the role of ‘a play within a play’ is to underline onstage and offstage characters and their qualities.
Hamlet and Forgiveness: A Personal Reflection Some of the most prominent themes in the story are the ideas of mutual forgiveness, people’s motivation to be proactive and take risks, and their willingness to forgive and ask for forgiveness.
Resiliency in Sophocles’ Oedipus and Shakespeare’s Hamlet According to the information provided the reader rises with the question dealing with the resiliency of both Hamlet and Oedipus and what does it mean to them.
Hamlet: A New Type of Independent Thinker Hamlet considers the plan to disturb Claudius and convince the audience of his guilt distracting attention from prayer and confession. Such innovations permeate the entire text, which allows the reader to assert that Hamlet did […]
Hamlet’s Descent Into Darkness: A Tale of Revenge, Death, and Uncertainty Hamlet was thinking about the afterlife and suicide to achieve peace, and during this speech, a reader might feel the pain and despair of the main character.
Hamlet vs. Oedipus Rex: Who Is More Resilient? In Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, Oedipus is a protagonist; he is seeking the truth and is unconcerned about the harm it may pose.
Reality and Illusion in Shakespeare’s Hamlet The last and the greatest deceiving character is Claudius, who is far from being the brave brother of the monarch who ascended to the throne in order to protect the kingdom. It is evident that […]
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”: Hamlet as a Masculine Character Initially, the themes and scenes of the play were designed for staging at the Shakespeare theatre, and the costumes and the actors’ play were supposed to evoke awe for the rich life of medieval nobles.
Coping With Changes in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and O’Connor’s “A Good Man…” Tragedies in “Hamlet” and “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” lead characters to rely on the change as a coping mechanism.”Hamlet” narrates the story of an individual dealing with a loss which leads him […]
“The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” and “A Raisin in the Sun” In this regard, the decisions of Hamlet, Claudius, Walter, and Lena illustrate the character’s commitment to family despite differences of opinion and disagreements.
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Play: Then and Now Hamlet’s cynicism, as well as his sense of meaning, distinguish him as a uniquely contemporary figure and a watershed moment in the theatrical past.
Does Shakespearean Hamlet Love Ophelia? The love that Hamlet has for Ophelia is demonstrated in letters that he wrote to her. Hamlet reminds Ophelia that he is in love with her in the later stages of Act 3 of the […]
Hamlet and Gertrude Relationships in Shakespeare’s Play However, even though Hamlet threatens to murder Gertrude to “wring” her heart, the audience can understand that he loves his mother and wants her to repent of her sins and end the relationship with Hamlet’s […]
Power and Importance of Hamlet’s Role in Shakespeare’s Play The first striking problem of Hamlet is the one of choice, which may be considered a reflection of the main conflict of the tragedy.
Gender Roles and Representation of Women in “Hamlet” Specifically, the author refers to the problem of being confined in the prison of gender stereotypes that can be experienced when reading Shakespeare’s works.
Is Shakespeare’s Hamlet Really Crazy? According to the first one, Hamlet pretends to be mad, so that he is not taken seriously and is not considered as dangerous, under the guise of a madman, he can say anything.
“Oedipus King” by Sophocles and “Hamlet” by Shakespeare The protagonist is on the verge of madness: an intelligent and unexcelled humanist in the world, which is an enemy to his ideas. However, Oedipus later comes to terms with his fate and takes responsibility […]
Hamlet: Analyzing Various Scenes On top of this, Hamlet hopes that seeing a replay of the murder of his father would move the king’s conscience to a point where he would be forced to admit his crime.
Human Nature in Shakespearean Tragedy “Hamlet” Soliloquies maintain significant place in the play Hamlet, which start with the beginning of the play, and chase the protagonist almost near the close of the end of the play.
Hamlet’s Relationship With His Mother and Uncle Hamlet’s assessment of his issues is accurate in the sense that he already associates Claudius with problems, but the prince is too quick to judge his mother.
Supporting Characters in “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” Shakespeare utilizes secondary characters to depict the theme of friendship and loyalty, as these aspects are influential on the main character.
“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare: Overview In the play Hamlet is a noble soldier with admirable qualities but he avenges the death of his father using his free will.
Genji, Hamlet, Oedipus and Jesus Christ Character Analysis This paper will attempt to asses the characters in the following set of books and plays: The New Testament, Oedipus the King, Shakespeare Hamlet and Shikibu the tale of the Genji.
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” as the Central Tragedy for Revenge Understanding The core concept of revenge in Hamlet, Shakespeare’s play, is the hesitation of the main character and his doubt moral and philosophical maxims in the whole world; the main idea of the play may be […]
The Vision of the Main Character in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” The main character of the tragedy is Hamlet, a young man who comes to know about the real reasons of his father’s death from the ghost that claims to be the spirit of his father. […]
Protagonist in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” The Protagonist plays a major part to achieve the goals of the story while the antagonist is an adversary who struggles against the efforts of the protagonist.
The Character of Gertrude in ‘Hamlet’ The character of Ophelia is responsible for projecting an aura of guilt and deception to the role of women in ‘Hamlet.’ She is not treacherous or complicated, but instead weak and insensibly dependent on the […]
William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Drama Play These soliloquies are dramatic and ironical, Harold Wilson submits, with an irony that is implicit and eloquent in the extravagances of Hamlet’s rhetoric.
Hamlet: The Circumstances That Lead Hamlet to Soliloquy Out of his anger, he worries about the death of his father and the hasty marriage of his mother to his uncle.
The Issue of Human Manipulation in ‘Hamlet’ by W. Shakespeare It seems the love he contains in his heart is not enough for him to forgive and forget what has happened.
Hamlet, Ophelia and Insanity in Shakespear’s “Hamlet” The knowledge the Queen has as to the specific nature of Ophelia’s death calls into question her sincerity in her lament.
Hamlet by William Shakespeare: A Filmic Event In bringing Shakespeare’s classic story of Hamlet to the big screen and reset into a modern context, director Michael Almereyda is forced to reinterpret the role of Ophelia due to significant changes in modern women’s […]
Aeschylus’ Oresteia and Shakespeare’s Hamlet One such device in Hamlet is Shakespeare’s placing of the Danish prince in the context of Fortinbras and Laertes as the characters that, like Hamlet, find themselves in the role of having to avenge their […]
Roles of Poison in Shakespeari’s “Hamlet” It is obvious that Hamlet is the representative of the new world. I think that the answer to this riddle is that his ways of revenge are not good.
Comparison of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and Perrault’s “Cinderella” The paper also includes the analysis of the narratives in accordance with the epic laws introduced by Axel Olrik. In Cinderella’s story, the presence of royalty is only limited to the prince.
Freud and Hamlet’s Relationship with His Mother When analyzing the relationship between Hamlet and his mother, one can note that even at a young age, the Oedipus complex manifests in the boy, which reflects a number of his conflicting experiences about his […]
Act 1 Scene 2 of the “Hamlet” Play by Shakespeare The use of honorifics, stichomythia, and imagery is discussed, as well as the aside, the motif of spying, and the overall mood of the scene will be discussed and evaluated. The overall mood of the […]
Ophelia and Hamlet’s Dialogue in Shakespeare’s Play In some ways, this scene represents the conflict between Hamlet and the society he lives in, as no one is capable of understanding his concerns.
The Masks of William Shakespeare’s Play “Hamlet” The first thing that has to be determined is the truth behind the claim that Hamlet saw the ghost of his departed father.
Ghosts and Revenge in Shakespeare’s Hamlet Despite the common beliefs concerning the existence of ghosts, it seems that the ghost’s presence is still supported by the testimonies of all characters in the story, including Horatio, Francisco, and the protagonist himself.
Act II of Hamlet by William Shakespeare The King is worried about Hamlet’s madness and starts to suspect that he might have found out the real reasons for his father’s death.
Meditative and Passionate Responses in the Play “Hamlet” This is seen in his soliloquy “to be, or not to be: that is the question; /Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer?
Portrayal of Hamlet in Shakespeare’s Play and Zaffirelli’s Film In fact, Mel Gisbon’s power as an act does not provide a sufficient understanding of his ability to penetrate to Shakespeare’s world and reach the ideas in the play.
Psychiatric Analysis of Hamlet Literature Analysis However, he tells the doctor that he is not actually aware of the reasons that are taking him to his death.
The Value of Source Study of Hamlet by Shakespeare In regards to the intended significance, Stopes, Belleforest, and Shakespeare report that Shakespeare designed the role of the ghost to appear to Hamlet relentlessly to enhance the melancholy motif of the play.
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Generally, the main idea of the play is considered to be the impact of people’s actions on their future.”The ghost of Hamlet’s father does urge him to action”.
Relationships Among Individuals in Shakespeare’s Plays The events that take place in Athens are symbolic in the sense that they represent the sequence of events during the day whereas the events in the forest represent the dream like circumstances.
The Play “Hamlet Prince of Denmark” by W.Shakespeare Hamlet, a Denmark Prince, is the main character in the play. In the climax of the play, Claudius appears to be responsible for the death of King Hamlet.
Oedipus the King and Hamlet However, the fact is both Oedipus and Claudius managed to get the post of kingship after killing the former kings leaving the seats vacant. In conclusion, both Oedipus and King Claudius attained their crown after […]
A Play “Hamlet” by William Shakespear Hamlet decides to prove whether Claudius really killed his father and in act three, he uses the play “The Murder of Gonzago” to get the truth.
How Effectively Does Shakespeare Introduce the Characters and Themes of “Hamlet”?
How Does Shakespeare Present Women and Sex in “Hamlet”?
Is Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Based on a True Story?
What Are the Symbols in “Hamlet”?
Where Did Shakespeare Get His Inspiration for “Hamlet”?
How Does Shakespeare Use Conflict in “Hamlet” as a Way of Exploring Ideas?
What Is the Language Style in “Hamlet” Play?
How “Hamlet” Was Inspired by an Obscure Tale From Finland’s Kalavala?
How Does Shakespeare Introduce the Theme of Madness in “Hamlet”?
What Does “Hamlet” Teach Us About Humanity?
Did William Shakespeare Really Write “Hamlet”?
How Strange Behavior and Ghosts Are Depicted in “Hamlet”?
What Is the Most Important Theme in “Hamlet”?
What Is the Contrast Between Hamlet and Claudius in “Hamlet”?
What Is the the Meaning of Soliloquy in “Hamlet”?
How Perennial Issues of the Human Condition Are Imaged in “Hamlet”?
What Are the Similar Motifs Between “Wuthering Heights” and “Hamlet”?
Why Did Shakespeare Choose Loyalty and Betrayal as Lead Themes in “Hamlet”?
What Are the Inward and Outward Conflicts in “Hamlet”?
How Does Shakespeare Use Language in “Hamlet” to Teach the Reader?
What Is the Significance of “Hamlet’s” Creating?
How Do “Hamlet” Characters Solve Their Mental Problems?
How Crime Fiction and Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Are Connected?
What Is Corruption and How Its Rampant Impact Is Depicted in “Hamlet”?
Why Is the Ending of “Hamlet” Ironic?
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140 Hamlet Essay Topics

One of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays is Hamlet. Set in Denmark, it tells the story of Hamlet, a young prince who becomes aware of his father’s death and seeks revenge against his mother Gertrude by killing her new husband, Claudius.

The play is a thrilling roller coaster ride of emotions, with themes such as lust, love, betrayal, and revenge present throughout the story.

Hamlet Essay Writing

Usually first studied in high school literature classes, Hamlet’s many themes have been the subject of many essay writing assignments. Whether it’s an argumentative, persuasive, or analytical essay, the trick to writing about Hamlet lies in the following steps.

Understand the Reading

The key to writing about Hamlet is understanding it. Shakespeare wrote in a much different way from modern literature, so it takes time for many to understand the writing or where the author is going.

To better understand the play, it may be necessary to read it multiple times. It can help to mark specific sections with a color-coded or annotation system. If you color code the reading, use different colored highlighters designated to a particular theme, symbol, character, or event to mark several passages. If annotating, use a pencil or pen to underline, circle, or write notes in the margins of important passages.

By marking the reading as you go through it, you develop a better idea of how each symbol relates to the others and the overall story.

Choose a Topic

Once you have read through the play and made notes detailing the significant themes, symbols, and characters, it is time to choose a topic. There are many different ways to approach the essay, depending on what you feel will make for the best argument or story.

Pick a topic that interests you and can be backed by the number of examples you have highlighted or noted while reading the play. If you are having trouble choosing a topic for a Hamlet essay, consider using any of the 140 Hamlet essay topics at the bottom of this article.

Create a Strong Thesis Statement

Once you have chosen a topic, it is time to create your thesis statement. A thesis statement on Hamlet should include the topic your essay will focus on, as well as an argument that your textual evidence can support. For example:

“The role of women in Hamlet is significant to understanding the meaning behind revenge.”

“Hamlet’s lust for Gertrude affects his ability to carry out his plan for revenge.”

“It can be argued that Hamlet is trapped in a cycle of revenge and cannot escape until the ghost gives him permission to do so.”

These thesis statements clearly state what your essay will focus on and can be backed up with examples from the play.

Hamlet Essay Structure

Once you have the key steps above completed, it’s time to start drafting your Hamlet essay.

Introduction

Start with a compelling hook that draws the reader in. For example, compelling opening sentences for Hamlet essays could be something like:

“In a time when women were expected to be silent…”

“Hamlet’s lust for his mother…”

“In a world where revenge…”

After the hook, you’ll want to include pertinent background information to help the reader understand your essay. For example, if you are writing about the role of women in Hamlet, begin with a brief summary of King Hamlet’s death and how it affected his family before getting into specific examples from the play that show the role of women.

Finish your introduction with a strong thesis statement that lays out the essay’s overall argument.

The body paragraphs should go logically from the least crucial point to the most vital, usually with one to three examples per paragraph. Use quotations from the play where possible, and remember to include any subtleties that tie back into your thesis statement.

Pro Tip: When quoting lines from Hamlet, be sure to reference them in the correct format. Depending on the style, this may require using parenthetical notation to reference the act, line, and scene, written as (1.2.41)

Your conclusion should summarize what you have said during your essay and tie up any loose ends that were left.

For example, if your essay began with a summary of King Hamlet’s death and how it affected his family, be sure to end the essay by reiterating how that loss impacted Hamlet’s life.

This is also where you can bring up any implications or possible future developments based on what has happened in the play to tie it back into the overall argument.

Pro Tip: Remember that a well-written essay will include fewer examples and more textual evidence instead of a long list of facts without any supporting quotes from the play. Include as much detail as possible about each example or instance you bring up in your essay to strengthen your argument and show your reader how each point is relevant to the topic.

Choosing the right topic for your Hamlet essay can be challenging. Fortunately, this list of 140 Hamlet essay topics is perfect for students writing about the famous play.

Hamlet Essay Topics About Tragedy

Discuss the tragedy of Hamlet and how it affects his life
Analyze how tragedy is represented through literary devices throughout Hamlet
Compare and contrast Hamlet’s various tragedies in terms of literary devices
Discuss how Hamlet’s tragedies are reflected through the characters in the play
Analyze the effect of death on both Hamlet and his family/friends
Compare/contrast Queen Gertrude’s tragedies to Lady Macbeth’s
Analyze how death functions as a literary device throughout Hamlet
Discuss whether or not Hamlet is truly a tragic hero
Compare and contrast the portrayal of tragedy in Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet
Discuss how Hamlet’s tragedies could have been avoided
Would it still be considered a tragedy if Hamlet happened in modern times?
Reflect on the theme of tragedy as it pertains to Hamlet
Which character in Hamlet experiences the worst tragedy, why?
How does the theme of tragedy compare with the other themes in Hamlet?
When does the tragedy of Hamlet become noticeable as the play progresses?
Why is Hamlet considered a tragedy?
Do you think that Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s best or worst tragedies?
How could the tragedy have been avoided in Hamlet?
Would better communication between the characters have prevented the tragedy in Hamlet?
Who is more of a tragic hero, Hamlet or Othello? Why?

Hamlet Essay Topics About Revenge

Discuss why Hamlet’s plan to seek revenge is an internal conflict
Analyze how Hamlet deals with his desire for revenge after learning of his father’s death
Compare and contrast Claudius’ and Macbeth’s quests for power that leads them to take a life
Analyze whether or not Hamlet’s motivations can be justified as revenge
Discuss the role of revenge and vengeance in Shakespeare tragedies (e.g., Othello, Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet)
Analyze how revenge is portrayed in Hamlet
Compare and contrast taking revenge on Claudius to Ulysses’s quest for revenge in The Odyssey
Discuss the concept of suspicious minds throughout Hamlet
Identify examples of extreme suspicion in Hamlet
Discuss the literary devices used to express suspicion in Hamlet
Analyze the impact of suspicious minds on Hamlet and his family/friends
Analyze the role of urgency in Hamlet: Is it a necessary part of revenge?
Is revenge justified in Hamlet? Discuss your answer.
Hamlet is often considered an anti-hero. Why do you think that is?
How would the story have been different if Hamlet had taken revenge sooner?
What does Shakespeare achieve through his portrayal of revenge in Hamlet?
Which character in Hamlet gets the most out of their revenge?
Is revenge ever warranted in any situation? Discuss why or why not.
How would modern-day society view Hamlet’s revenge plot?
Compare and contrast the themes of revenge in Hamlet with a modern-day literary work

Hamlet Essay Topics About Women in Hamlet

Analyze how women are portrayed in Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Compare and contrast Lady Macbeth and Gertrude in terms of their relationships with the men in their lives
Discuss the role of gender politics throughout Hamlet
Analyze how Gertrude is treated by her husband, son, and the other characters in the play
Analyze Gertrude’s role as Queen of Denmark
Analyze how Shakespeare uses women to convey the political atmosphere of Denmark during this period
What is the significance of the women in Hamlet?
How do male-female relationships function throughout Hamlet?
Compare and contrast the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello with that of Hamlet
If Hamlet was written today, how would the female characters be portrayed?
Was there any significance behind Claudius’ betrothal to Gertrude?
Discuss the importance of Ophelia’s death in Hamlet
How do women convey the theme of revenge throughout Hamlet?
Did Gertrude love Claudius, or was she forced into marriage with him?
Is any female character redeemed in Hamlet?
How does gender function as a theme in Hamlet?
Would a female director’s vision of the play be drastically different from a male director’s?
Discuss whether or not women stand up for themselves throughout Hamlet.
Analyze why Gertrude commits suicide at the end of Hamlet
How do women convey madness, desire, and revenge themes in Hamlet?
Do you think that Shakespeare was critical or supportive of women throughout his works?
Is Gertrude just as guilty for Hamlet’s death as Claudius is?
Analyze whether or not Shakespeare has a feminist or misogynistic view of women in Hamlet.

Hamlet Essay Topics About Grief

Analyze the role of grief in Hamlet
Discuss the various ways that characters deal with grief throughout Hamlet
Analyze Laertes’ main motivation for seeking revenge on Claudius
Compare and contrast how different characters are affected by grief in Hamlet
Analyze whether or not Laertes is a reliable source of information in the play
Analyze whether or not Hamlet is actually living up to his name throughout the play
What does Shakespeare mean when he says that “the readiness is all”?
How are the characters’ feelings about death conveyed in Hamlet?
How does grief influence the actions of various characters in Hamlet?
Which theme is more prevalent in Hamlet – grief or madness?
What is the significance of Ophelia’s death in Hamlet?
Would modern-day society view grief as a valid motivation for revenge?

Hamlet Essay Topics About Madness

Analyze the various ways that insanity is manifested in Hamlet
Discuss how Shakespeare uses madness to convey themes of grief and revenge in Hamlet
Compare and contrast Hamlet’s riddling with The Tempest’s concept of magic
What is the significance of the “ghost” scene in Act 1, Scene 4?
Is Hamlet genuinely insane?
Does Ophelia go mad, or does she purposefully act that way?
Does Claudius’ desire for power drive him into insanity?
Analyze whether or not all of the characters in Hamlet are truly insane.
How does insanity function as a theme throughout Shakespeare’s play?
What is the significance of Laertes’ recovery from his madness, and how does it affect the plotline?
Compare and contrast Gertrude’s sanity at the beginning of the play with her sanity at the end.
How does insanity manifest itself throughout Hamlet?
Which literary devices are the most essential for depicting the scope of madness experienced by characters in Hamlet?

Hamlet Essay Topics About Power & Corruption

Analyze the role of power dynamics within families in Hamlet
Discuss Claudius’ motivations for murdering his brother and marrying Gertrude
Analyze the significance of the name “Hamlet” throughout Shakespeare’s play.
Compare and contrast how different characters respond to their loss of power or status in the play.
Discuss the theme of corruption throughout the play.
Does power corrupt Claudius?
Are there any characters in the play that do not experience some form of loss of power, status, or nobility?
Compare and contrast Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with Laertes
How would the pursuit of power in Hamlet be viewed in modern times?
Is there a specific character that is corrupted or corrupting throughout Hamlet?
Discuss whether the theme of corruption exists more prominently in The Lord of the Flies or Hamlet.
What does Shakespeare mean when he says, “one may smile, and smile, and be a villain”?
Was one character’s quest for power the only thing going on in the play?
How do the themes of corruption and power in Hamlet mimic modern-day events?
What are the most significant changes throughout Hamlet in terms of power dynamics?
Which characters are corrupted by their pursuit of power, and which are not?
How does Shakespeare convey the theme of corruption through literary devices?
How does Shakespeare critique corruption and power in Hamlet?
Are there any characters that display no form of corruption after experiencing significant events in the play?

Hamlet Essay Topics About Jealousy

Analyze how the theme of jealousy plays out throughout Hamlet
Which characters in Hamlet express feelings of jealousy and why?
Compare and contrast Hamlet’s relationship with Ophelia to that of Laertes’ relationship with Ophelia.
How does Shakespeare use jealousy as a literary device?
Do you think Gertrude is justified in her feelings towards Ophelia?
Does Laertes’ understanding of his sister’s relationship with Hamlet influence his decision to fight in the duel?
What motivations do Hamlet and Laertes have in fighting in a duel with one another?
Compare and contrast Claudius’ feelings of envy when he hears of Fortinbras’ men passing by with the jealousy Laertes experiences towards Hamlet.
Does the theme of jealousy exist throughout the play?
How does Shakespeare portray the characters that experience feelings of jealousy in Hamlet?
Which character’s jealousy is most detrimental to their relationships with others?
What impact do Gertrude’s feelings for Claudius have on the play?
How does Shakespeare subtly convey feelings of jealousy through his use of language and literary devices?

Hamlet Essay Topics About Friendship

How do Ophelia’s feelings of loss influence her decisions to act in certain ways throughout the play?
What is the significance of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern betraying Hamlet?
Analyze whether or not Gertrude’s friendship with Claudius contributes to her betrayal of Hamlet.
How do the relationships between characters in Hamlet evolve throughout the play?
How does Shakespeare portray friendships in Hamlet?
Which character displays the most loyalty to another, and why?
What is the significance of Ophelia’s relationship with her father, Polonius?
What do you think Shakespeare thought about friendship based on Hamlet?
What is the importance of Hamlet’s relationship with Horatio?
How does Shakespeare portray friendships in his use of language and literary devices?
How would you define friendship based on your analysis of Hamlet?
Is it possible for someone who betrays another person to be considered a friend?

Hamlet Essay Topics About Morality

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern do not experience as much change as the primary characters of the play from good to evil.
In what ways has Claudius changed since he came to power?
How would someone who has killed a person be viewed in modern society?
Compare and contrast Laertes’ actions with those of Hamlet’s.
Does Shakespeare explore immorality or morality in Hamlet?
Do you think Claudius can be saved from damnation in the eyes of God?
What impact do recent events in the play have on Hamlet’s decision to avenge his father’s death?
How does Shakespeare portray morality in his use of language and literary devices?

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353 Hamlet Essay Topics & Ideas

Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
Icon Page 3220 words
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Hamlet essay topics delve into the deep, convoluted world of Shakespearean tragedy, focusing on various themes, such as revenge, mortality, madness, and moral corruption. These topics provide a rich exploration of Hamlet’s internal struggles and existential crises, his complex relationships with characters, like Ophelia, Gertrude, and Claudius, and his philosophically profound soliloquies. They also invite analysis of the play’s symbolism, motifs, and underlying social and political commentary. Delving into these subjects, students can contrast Hamlet’s contemplative nature with the impulsive behavior of other characters, scrutinize the impact of the supernatural, or dissect the tragic elements that lead to Hamlet’s downfall. From examining the ambiguity of characters’ actions to questioning the meaning of life and death, Hamlet essay topics offer many critical lenses through which students can understand and interpret this famous work of literature.

Best Hamlet Essay Topics

Exploring the Concept of Revenge in Hamlet
Uncertainty in Decision Making: A Deep Dive Into Hamlet’s Indecisiveness
Madness as Portrayed in Hamlet: Real or Feigned?
Polonius as a Catalyst in the Tragedy of Hamlet
Interpreting the Significance of Ophelia’s Death
Hamlet and the Oedipus Complex: Analyzing Freudian Themes
Claudius’ Manipulation Techniques in Power Consolidation
Betrayal in Hamlet: Who Betrays Whom and Why?
A Comparative Study: Hamlet and the Elizabethan Era
Unpacking the Metaphor of Yorick’s Skull
Aesthetic Symbolism in the Mousetrap Play Within Hamlet
Laertes and Hamlet: A Study in Contrasts
Death and the Afterlife: How Does Hamlet Approach Existential Questions?
Soliloquies in Hamlet: Window Into the Prince’s Soul
Shakespeare’s Hamlet: A Feminist Interpretation
Hamlet’s Paralysis of Action: Causes and Consequences
Exploring Misogyny and Power Structures in Hamlet
Existential Crisis in Hamlet: A Modern Interpretation
Supernatural Elements in Hamlet: Apparition as a Narrative Device
Shakespeare’s Use of Foils in Hamlet: Purpose and Effectiveness

Easy Hamlet Essay Topics

Hamlet’s Tragic Flaw: Procrastination and Its Consequences
Understanding the Ghost of Hamlet’s Father
Analysis of King Claudius as Hamlet’s Adversary
Significance of the Play-Within-a-Play in Hamlet
Examining Hamlet’s Relationship With Gertrude
The Portrayal of Love and Relationships in Hamlet
Major Themes in Hamlet: A Comprehensive Review
A Closer Look at Hamlet’s Soliloquies
Character Analysis: Is Polonius Truly Wise?
Duplicity and Deception in Hamlet’s Denmark
Hamlet’s View on Life and Death
Comparing Hamlet and Laertes: A Study of Similarities
Symbolism in Hamlet: An In-Depth Study
Fortinbras as a Parallel Character to Hamlet
Fate vs. Free Will in Hamlet’s Narrative
Decoding the Importance of Dreams in Hamlet
Understanding the Tragic Ending of Hamlet
Guilt and Regret: Claudius’s Secret Torment
Hamlet’s Friendship With Horatio: An Analysis

Interesting Hamlet Essay Topics

Unraveling the Mystery of Hamlet’s Madness
Deconstructing the Hamartia in Hamlet’s Character
Dualism in Hamlet: Appearance vs. Reality
Disease and Decay: A Recurring Imagery in Hamlet
Analyzing Hamlet’s Misogyny: A Feminist Perspective
Deciphering the Cryptic Nature of Hamlet’s Soliloquies
Ophelia’s Descent Into Madness: A Psychological Interpretation
Insight Into Hamlet’s Melancholic Nature
Existentialism in Hamlet: A Philosophical Analysis
Analyzing the Significance of Fortinbras in Hamlet
Interpreting the Foreshadowing in Hamlet’s Narrative
Comparative Analysis: Hamlet and Macbeth
Decoding the Dramatic Irony in Hamlet
Morality and Ethics in Hamlet’s Denmark
A Closer Look at Hamlet’s Tragic Redemption
Significance of the Sea Imagery in Hamlet
Familial Relationships in Hamlet: An In-Depth Analysis
Closet Scene in Hamlet: A Turning Point
Understanding Hamlet Through His Soliloquies
Exploring the Underlying Theme of Madness in Hamlet

List of Hamlet Essay Topics to Start With

Understanding Hamlet’s State of Mind: A Psychological Analysis
Consequences of Revenge in Hamlet’s Story
Analyzing the Relationship Dynamics Between Ophelia and Hamlet
Shakespeare’s Usage of Dramatic Irony in Hamlet
Influence of Supernatural Elements in Hamlet
Tragic Elements in Hamlet: A Detailed Study
Unpacking the Concept of Death in Hamlet
Existential Dilemmas Faced by Hamlet
Imagery and Metaphors: A Study in Hamlet
Insights Into the Ghost of King Hamlet
Shakespeare’s Perspective on Morality in Hamlet
Tracing the Theme of Deception in Hamlet
Characters in Hamlet: A Comparative Analysis
The Portrayal of Power Dynamics in Hamlet
Feminine Characters in Hamlet: An Analytical Review
Hamlet and His Tragic Hero Attributes
King Claudius: An In-Depth Character Study
Disguise and Deceit in the Court of Denmark
Exploring the Theme of Loyalty in Hamlet
Decoding the Symbolism in Hamlet’s Soliloquies

Hamlet Argumentative Essay Topics

Deconstruction of the Ghost in Hamlet: A Derridean Perspective
Analyzing Hamlet through Lacanian Psychoanalysis
The Portrayal of Existentialist Philosophy in Hamlet
Hamlet’s Madness: A Rorschach Test for Audiences and Readers
The Politics of Power and Subterfuge in Hamlet
Ophelia: An Early Feminist Icon or Victim of Patriarchy?
Applying Carl Jung’s Theory of Archetypes to Characters in Hamlet
Hamlet’s Tragic Paradox: Intellectual Acumen vs. Emotional Impulsivity
Closet Scene: Freudian Psychoanalysis of Gertrude and Hamlet’s Relationship
Justice and Retribution: A Postmodern Reading of Hamlet
Analyzing Hamlet Using Judith Butler’s Theory of Gender Performativity
Meta-Theatrical Elements in Hamlet: A Performance Theory Approach
Hamlet’s Existential Crisis: A Nietzschean Perspective
Decoding Hamlet’s Tragic Flaw Through Aristotelian Lens
Hamlet and the Divine Right of Kings: A Political Analysis
Concept of ‘Delay’ in Hamlet: A Study in Elizabethan Context
Application of Julia Kristeva’s Intertextuality: Hamlet and Its Sources
Absurdism in Hamlet: A Comparative Analysis With Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot
Hamlet: An Eco-Critical Interpretation
Hamlet’s Soliloquies: A Bakhtinian Dialogic Analysis

Hamlet Research Paper Topics

Subjectivity and the Self in Hamlet: A Lacanian Analysis
Hamlet’s Delay: Procrastination or Philosophical Deliberation?
Gender Dynamics and Power Structures in Hamlet’s Denmark
Interpretation of Religious Themes in Hamlet
Understanding Madness in Hamlet: From a Foucauldian Perspective
Postcolonial Reading of Hamlet: Center and Periphery in Denmark
Tragic Ambiguity: A Comparative Study of Hamlet and Oedipus Rex
Interpreting Hamlet’s Indecision Through Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalysis
Metafiction in Hamlet: A Study of the Play Within the Play
Deconstructing the Use of Irony in Hamlet
Exploring Notions of Honor and Social Hierarchy in Hamlet
Decoding Hamlet’s Relationship With Ophelia: A Freudian Perspective
Ethical Dilemmas in Hamlet: A Kantian Interpretation
Existential Dread in Hamlet: A Study Through Kierkegaard’s Philosophy
Hamlet’s Soliloquies: A Study in Self and Society
Revenge Tragedy Elements in Hamlet: A Comparative Study With Spanish Tragedy
Interpreting the Paradox of Hamlet’s Character: A New Historicist Approach
Characterization in Hamlet: A Study in Contrast
The Intertwining of Politics and Morality in Hamlet

Hamlet Essay Questions Examples

How Does the Character of Hamlet Reflect the Freudian Theory of Psychoanalysis?
Exploring the Power Dynamics in Hamlet: A Foucauldian Analysis
Does Hamlet’s Madness Symbolize an Individual’s Struggle Against Society?
Can Hamlet’s Tragic Flaw Be Seen as a Reflection of His Intelligence?
How Do Hamlet’s Soliloquies Contribute to the Development of His Character?
What Makes Hamlet a Tragic Hero in Shakespeare’s Hamlet?
Interpreting the Theme of Revenge in Hamlet: What Are Its Consequences?
Is Ophelia a Victim or a Manipulator in Hamlet?
How Does the Ghost of Hamlet’s Father Influence the Course of the Play?
To What Extent Does the Theme of Mortality Drive the Narrative of Hamlet?
Can We Consider Hamlet as a Commentary on the Nature of Acting?
How Does Hamlet Conform to or Subvert the Conventions of a Revenge Tragedy?
How Does Hamlet Explore the Idea of the Individual vs. Society?
In What Ways Do the Other Characters Serve as Foils to Hamlet?
How Does the Play Within the Play Contribute to the Meta-Theatrical Aspects of Hamlet?
How Do the Concepts of Honor and Loyalty Manifest in Hamlet?
What Is the Significance of the Oedipal Complex in Hamlet’s Relationship With Gertrude?
How Does Hamlet’s Relationship With Ophelia Reflect His Attitude towards Women?
What Role Does Polonius Play in the Tragedy of Hamlet?
Can Hamlet Be Seen as an Exploration of the Human Condition?

The Theme of Modern Society for Hamlet Essay Ideas

Hamlet’s Indecision: A Reflection of Modern-Day Analysis Paralysis
Relevance of Hamlet’s Existential Crisis in the 21st Century
Interpreting the Tragic Hero: Hamlet in a Modern Context
Unpacking the Theme of Surveillance in Hamlet and Its Echoes in Today’s Society
Interpreting Hamlet’s Madness: A Lens to View Mental Health Stigma in Contemporary Society
Deception and Duplicity in Hamlet: A Comparison With Modern-Day Politics
Hamlet’s Struggle With Moral Dilemmas: Parallels in the Modern World
Tragic Outcomes of Revenge in Hamlet and Its Reflections on Modern Conflicts
Misogyny in Hamlet: A Dialogue on Current Gender Inequality
Exploring the Theme of Death in Hamlet: A Contemporary Perspective
Analyzing the Decay of Political Systems in Hamlet and Its Modern Reflections
Ophelia’s Madness: A Commentary on Societal Treatment of Women’s Mental Health
The Role of Conscience in Hamlet and Its Place in Modern Society
Authority and Power in Hamlet: A Mirror to Modern Political Structures
Father-Son Relationships in Hamlet and Its Reflections on Contemporary Society
Hamlet’s Soliloquies: An Exploration of Individualism in the Modern World
Corruption in Hamlet’s Denmark: Parallels With Contemporary Societies
Decoding the Concept of Honor in Hamlet and Its Resonance Today
Hamlet’s Tragic Paradox: Relevance in the Age of Information Overload

Hamlet Essay Topics on Themes and Motifs

Deconstructing the Motif of Revenge in Hamlet
Interpreting Death and Mortality in Hamlet: A Comprehensive Analysis
Unmasking the Theme of Madness in Hamlet
Tracing the Motif of Disease and Corruption in Hamlet
Exploring the Theme of Betrayal in Hamlet
Examining the Recurring Motif of Incest in Hamlet
Analyzing the Theme of Appearance vs. Reality in Hamlet
Decoding the Motif of Hesitation and Delay in Hamlet
Fate and Destiny in Hamlet: A Thematic Exploration
Understanding the Theme of Action vs. Inaction in Hamlet
Exploring the Motif of Theatricality in Hamlet
Analyzing the Theme of Love and Relationships in Hamlet
Tracing the Motif of Suicide in Hamlet
Hamlet’s Fear of the Afterlife: A Thematic Study
Unraveling the Theme of Honor and Reputation in Hamlet
Identifying the Motif of Ears and Hearing in Hamlet
The Theme of Loyalty in Hamlet: A Detailed Analysis
Analyzing the Recurring Motif of Ghosts and the Supernatural in Hamlet
Interpreting the Theme of Deception and Lies in Hamlet
Decoding the Motif of Metaphysical Uncertainty in Hamlet

Hamlet Essay Topics on Character Analysis

Character Study: Hamlet as an Anti-Hero
Exploring the Contradictions in Hamlet’s Character
Analysis of Ophelia: Victim or Manipulator?
Claudius: A Villain or a Tragic Figure?
Understanding Gertrude: A Complex Character Study
Fortinbras: A Contrast to Hamlet
Polonius: Folly or Wisdom?
Laertes: Revenge, Honor, and Contrast to Hamlet
Horatio: Friendship and Loyalty Personified
The Ghost of King Hamlet: More than an Apparition?
Interpreting the Character of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
Gravediggers in Hamlet: Humor amid Tragedy
Marcellus and Bernardo: Gatekeepers of the Supernatural
Ophelia’s Madness: A Character Analysis
Hamlet’s Foils: A Study of Laertes and Fortinbras
Exploring the Character of Reynaldo in Hamlet
Decoding the Character of Francisco in Hamlet
Interpreting the Character of Voltemand in Hamlet
Understanding the Character of Cornelius in Hamlet

Shakespearean Language and Style for Hamlet Essay Topics

Metaphysical Imagery in Hamlet: An Analysis
Exploring the Use of Soliloquies in Hamlet
Decoding the Symbolism in Hamlet’s Monologues
Shakespearean Puns in Hamlet: A Study of Linguistic Humor
Figurative Language in Hamlet: An In-Depth Analysis
Interpreting the Blank Verse and Prose in Hamlet
Rhyme and Rhythm in Hamlet: A Study of Shakespeare’s Poetic Style
Hamlet’s Language: An Indicator of His Madness?
The Role of Foreshadowing in Hamlet
Wordplay in Hamlet: A Comprehensive Study
Analyzing the Use of Irony in Hamlet
Tracing the Recurring Motifs in Hamlet Through Language
Analyzing the Use of Alliteration in Hamlet
Exploring the Use of Paradox in Hamlet
Deciphering the Cryptic Language of the Ghost in Hamlet
The Use of Similes and Metaphors in Hamlet
Understanding the Role of Iambic Pentameter in Hamlet
Analyzing the Language Patterns of Ophelia in Hamlet
Exploring the Use of Pathos in Hamlet
Interpreting the Imagery of Death and Decay in Hamlet

Hamlet Essay Topics on Literary Devices

Exploring Foreshadowing in Hamlet: A Comprehensive Analysis
Analyzing Irony in Hamlet: Dramatic, Situational, and Verbal
Understanding the Significance of Soliloquies in Hamlet
Tracing the Use of Metaphors and Similes in Hamlet
Decoding the Role of Allusion in Hamlet
Dramatic Structure in Hamlet: Freytag’s Pyramid Applied
Analyzing the Use of Hyperbole in Hamlet
Interpreting the Use of Symbolism in Hamlet
Understanding the Significance of Metadrama in Hamlet
Analyzing the Use of Antithesis in Hamlet
Exploring the Role of Foils in Hamlet
Decoding the Use of Puns and Wordplay in Hamlet
Understanding the Significance of Anaphora in Hamlet
Interpreting the Use of Synecdoche in Hamlet
Understanding the Role of Juxtaposition in Hamlet
Hamlet’s Language: A Study in Oxymoron and Paradox
The Use of Euphemism in Hamlet: An Analysis
Exploring the Use of Dramatic Monologue in Hamlet
Analyzing the Significance of Alliteration in Hamlet

Hamlet Topics on Historical and Cultural Contexts

Contextualizing Hamlet: Understanding Elizabethan Tragedy
Hamlet and the Historical Context of the Protestant Reformation
Exploring the Influence of Renaissance Humanism in Hamlet
Interpreting Hamlet in the Light of Jacobean Political Intrigue
Hamlet in Context: The Question of Regicide in Elizabethan England
Understanding the Influence of Greek Tragedy on Hamlet
Shakespeare’s Hamlet: An Examination of Renaissance Machiavellian Politics
The Influence of Medieval Danish History on Hamlet
Hamlet and the Influence of Elizabethan Views on Madness
Understanding the Socio-Cultural Context of Ghosts in Hamlet
Hamlet: A Critique of Courtly Politics in the Elizabethan Era?
Analyzing the Influence of Elizabethan Gender Norms in Hamlet
Understanding the Elizabethan Concept of Honor in Hamlet
Interpreting Hamlet in the Context of Early Modern Attitudes Toward Death
Hamlet and the Influence of Renaissance Philosophy
Decoding the Influence of Elizabethan Revenge Tragedy Conventions in Hamlet
Understanding the Historical Perception of Madness in the Context of Hamlet
Interpreting the Cultural Symbolism of the Skull in Hamlet
The Influence of Classical Tragedy on the Structure of Hamlet
Hamlet and the Question of Loyalty in Elizabethan Society

Themes of Tragedy and Revenge for Hamlet Essay Topics

Hamlet: Tragedy or Revenge Play?
Understanding the Concept of Revenge in Hamlet
Unraveling the Tragic Hero in Hamlet
Interpreting the Cycle of Revenge in Hamlet
Analyzing Hamlet as a Tragic Figure
Exploring the Destructive Nature of Revenge in Hamlet
The Tragedy of Action vs. Inaction in Hamlet
Decoding the Link Between Madness and Revenge in Hamlet
Understanding the Tragic Flaw in Hamlet
Revenge and Its Consequences in Hamlet
Tragic Consequences of Deception in Hamlet
Analyzing the Role of Revenge in Driving the Plot of Hamlet
Exploring the Impact of Revenge on the Characters of Hamlet
Understanding the Transformation of Revenge Into Tragedy in Hamlet
Analyzing the Role of Supernatural in Inciting Revenge in Hamlet
Exploring the Intersection of Revenge and Madness in Hamlet
Understanding the Dichotomy of Revenge and Justice in Hamlet
Hamlet’s Procrastination: The Tragic Delay in Revenge
Tragic Elements in the Subplot of Hamlet

Hamlet Topics on Feminist Criticism and Gender Roles

Hamlet: A Feminist Critique
Exploring the Feminine in Hamlet: Character Analysis of Ophelia
Understanding Gertrude: A Feminist Perspective
Hamlet and the Patriarchal Society: A Feminist Reading
Interpreting Hamlet Through the Lens of Gender Performativity
Analyzing the Role of Female Agency in Hamlet
Feminist Criticism of Female Objectification in Hamlet
Unraveling the Feminine Mystique in Hamlet
Understanding the Subjugation of Women in Hamlet
Decoding the Binary Oppositions of Gender in Hamlet
Unraveling the Silence of Women in Hamlet
Hamlet: A Study in Gender and Power Relations
Analyzing the Influence of the Male Gaze in Hamlet
Understanding the Construction of Femininity in Hamlet
Exploring the Stereotypes of Madness and Female Weakness in Hamlet
Unraveling the Madonna-Whore Dichotomy in Hamlet
Gender and Mortality in Hamlet: A Feminist Study
The Role of Women in Hamlet: Victims or Villains?
A Feminist Reading of the Tragic Women in Hamlet
Analyzing the Role of Virginity and Purity in the Characterization of Ophelia

Hamlet Topics on Mental Health and Illness

Hamlet and the Spectrum of Madness: A Comprehensive Analysis
Interpreting Ophelia’s Madness in the Context of Elizabethan Society
Hamlet’s Melancholia: An Analysis Through Freudian Lens
Exploring the Representation of Mental Illness in Hamlet
Depiction of Grief and Loss in Hamlet: A Psychological Perspective
Hamlet: Tragic Hero or a Victim of Mental Illness?
Understanding the Representation of Psychosis in Hamlet
Interpreting the Mental Breakdown of Ophelia: A Psychological Study
Hamlet’s Soliloquies: Insight Into His Mental State
Exploring the Impact of Hamlet’s Faked Insanity on His Mental Health
Analyzing the Theme of Madness and Mental Instability in Hamlet
Hamlet: A Study of Paranoid Personality Disorder
Interpreting the Theme of Despair in Hamlet
Understanding the Depiction of Depression in Hamlet
Madness Real and Feigned: A Study of Hamlet
Hamlet: A Case Study in the Stigmatization of Mental Illness
Ophelia’s Descent Into Madness: A Psychological Analysis
Understanding the Tragic Consequences of Ignoring Mental Health in Hamlet

Hamlet Topics on the Role of Ghosts

Hamlet’s Ghost: Messenger or Manipulator?
Interpreting the Significance of Ghosts in Hamlet
Ghostly Apparitions and Their Function in Hamlet
Hamlet and the Supernatural: Analyzing the Ghost’s Influence
Deciphering the Ghost in Hamlet: A Study of Supernatural Elements
Understanding the Ethereal: The Ghost’s Existence in Hamlet
Exploring the Intersection of Supernatural and Reality in Hamlet
Hamlet: A Study in Spectral Ambiguity
Interrogating the Ghost’s Veracity in Hamlet
Hamlet’s Ghost: Symbol of Revenge or Remorse?
The Ghost in Hamlet: An Embodiment of Fear and Guilt?
Deconstructing the Role of Ghosts in Shaping Hamlet’s Actions
Understanding the Narrative Function of the Ghost in Hamlet
The Ghost as a Catalyst for Tragedy in Hamlet
Purgatorial Representations: The Ghost in Hamlet
How the Ghost Alters the Course of Events in Hamlet
Ghosts and Revenge: Unraveling the Connection in Hamlet
Investigating the Existential Dread Created by the Ghost in Hamlet
The Ghost as a Symbol of Unresolved Issues in Hamlet
Influence of the Ghost on Hamlet’s Perception of Death

Symbolism of Objects and Settings for Hamlet Essay Topics

Significance of Yorick’s Skull in Hamlet: A Symbolic Analysis
Interpreting the Symbolism of the Ghost in Hamlet
Understanding the Role of Denmark’s Court as a Symbol in Hamlet
Exploring the Symbolism of the Poisoned Sword in Hamlet
Hamlet’s Soliloquy: Symbolic Representation of His Inner Turmoil
The Garden Imagery in Hamlet: Symbolizing Corruption and Decay
Reading the Symbolism in Ophelia’s Flowers in Hamlet
Decoding the Symbolism of Death and Mortality in Hamlet
Understanding the Role of Theater in Hamlet: A Symbolic Study
The Symbolism of Madness in Hamlet: A Thorough Examination
The Metaphor of the Unweeded Garden in Hamlet: A Symbolic Analysis
Significance of the Ghostly Apparitions in the Setting of Hamlet
The Symbolism of the Sea and Voyages in Hamlet: A Detailed Study
Elucidating the Role of the Graveyard Scene in Hamlet
Symbolism in Hamlet’s Clothing: A Comprehensive Analysis
Decoding the Symbolism in the Monarchic Power Struggle in Hamlet
Interpreting the Symbolic Use of Ophelia’s Death in Hamlet
The Symbolism of Revenge in Hamlet: An Analytical Study
Decoding the Symbolic Representation of Power and Betrayal in Hamlet
The Symbolic Function of the Play-Within-a-Play in Hamlet

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100+ Hamlet Essay Topics

Table of Contents

What is a Hamlet Essay?

A Hamlet essay is an analytical piece that delves into the themes, characters, plot, motifs, or historical context of William Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, “Hamlet”. This play, often touted as one of the greatest pieces of literature ever written, is rife with profound topics and subtle nuances. When writing an essay on “Hamlet”, students explore these intricacies, shedding light on the play’s enduring relevance and its multifaceted layers.

Choosing the Right Topic for Your Hamlet Essay: A Quick Guide

In choosing a Hamlet essay topic, consider what aspect of the play intrigues you the most. Is it the psychological torment of Hamlet, the play’s exploration of existentialism, or perhaps its political undertones? Reflect on the themes that resonate with you. Review the play and take notes on pivotal scenes or dialogues. Your passion will come through in your writing, making your essay more engaging. Moreover, ensure your topic is not too broad; narrowing it down will allow for a deeper analysis.

Hamlet Essay Topics to Spark Your Imagination

Character analysis.

Hamlet : A Study in Paralysis and Procrastination
Ophelia’s Descent into Madness
The Dual Nature of King Claudius
Gertrude: Victim or Villain?
Horatio: Hamlet’s Constant in a Chaotic World

Thematic Concerns

The Play Within the Play: Exploring Metatheatre in Hamlet
Madness vs. Sanity: A Thin Line in Elsinore
Revenge and Its Consuming Nature
Death and Decay: Imagery and Symbolism
Betrayal and Loyalty: Conflicting Values

Symbolism and Motifs

The Significance of Yorick’s Skull
The Poisoned Sword and Cup: Instruments of Fate
The Role of the Ghost in Driving the Plot
Flowers in Ophelia’s Hands: More Than Just Bloom
The Omnipresent Notion of Eavesdropping

Historical and Contextual Analysis

Elizabethan Beliefs About Madness as Reflected in Hamlet
Hamlet and the Renaissance Man
The Influence of Greek Tragedy on “Hamlet”
Political Strife and Its Reflection in Elsinore
“Hamlet” in the Lens of Protestant Reformation

Comparative Studies

“Hamlet” and “Oedipus Rex”: Tragedies of Fate
The Role of Women in “Hamlet” vs. “Macbeth”
How Film Adaptations Have Interpreted Hamlet’s Soliloquies
Modern Interpretations of “Hamlet” in Popular Culture
“Hamlet” and “Lion King”: From Denmark to Pride Rock

Character Exploration

Hamlet : The Complexity of His Avenging Mission
Ophelia: Between Love and Loyalty
The True Intentions of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
Laertes: The Counterpart to Hamlet’s Revenge Quest
Polonius: The Manipulative Councilor

Themes and Philosophical Inquiries

The Ubiquity of Death in “Hamlet”
Exploring Existentialism in Hamlet’s Soliloquies
The Consequences of Deception and Secrets
The Tragedy of Miscommunication in Elsinore
Corruption and Moral Degradation in the Danish Court

Symbolism and Literary Devices

The Role of Ghosts in Elizabethan Drama and “Hamlet”
The Significance of the Play-within-a-Play Scene
The Use of Mirrors and Reflections in Character Dynamics
Gardens as Symbols of Decay and Corruption
The Sea and its Symbolic Representations

Structural Analysis

The Role and Impact of Soliloquies in “Hamlet”
The Use of Foreshadowing in the Tragedy’s Climax
The Dramatic Ironies that Pervade the Play
The Significance of Off-Stage Actions in “Hamlet”
The Role of Acts and Scenes in Pacing the Drama

Comparative Analyses

Contrasting “Hamlet” with Other Shakespearean Tragedies
“Hamlet” and “Othello”: Exploring Jealousy and Betrayal
A Comparative Study of “Hamlet” and its Sources
The Transformation of the “Hamlet” Story Through Time
“Hamlet” vs. “Romeo and Juliet”: Love in the Midst of Tragedy

Modern Interpretations and Adaptations

“Hamlet” in Today’s Pop Culture References
Cinematic Interpretations of “Hamlet”: From Olivier to Branagh
“Hamlet” in Non-English Theater: A Global Perspective
Updating “Hamlet”: The Challenges and Rewards
The Influence of “Hamlet” on Modern Dramatic Writing

Feminist Perspectives

The Role and Representation of Women in “Hamlet”
Gertrude: Passive Queen or Calculative Player?
Ophelia’s Voice and Silence: A Feminist Reading
The Paternal Controls Over Ophelia and Gertrude
Women’s Agency in “Hamlet”: A Critical Exploration

Historical and Contextual Insights

The Influence of Shakespeare’s Life Events on “Hamlet”
“Hamlet” and the Elizabethan Worldview on Ghosts and the Supernatural
Political Undertones in “Hamlet”: The State of Denmark
Elizabethan Theater and its Reflection in “Hamlet”
“Hamlet” and the Reflection of Renaissance Humanism

Psychological Angles

Hamlet’s Oedipal Complex Explored
The Mental State of Characters: Who’s Truly Mad?
The Psychological Effects of Grief and Loss in “Hamlet”
Fear, Paranoia, and Suspicion: A Psychological Dive into Elsinore’s Inhabitants
Analyzing “Hamlet” Through the Lens of Freudian Psychoanalysis

Miscellaneous Topics

The Role of Fate vs. Free Will in “Hamlet”
The Ethical Implications of Revenge in “Hamlet”
Exploring Religion and Morality in “Hamlet”
The Concept of Honor in “Hamlet”
The Nature of True Friendship in the Play

Narrative Techniques and Structure

The Role of the Chorus in “Hamlet”: Absence and Implication
Non-linear Storytelling in “Hamlet”: Flashbacks and Memories
The Significance of Interludes and Their Impact on the Main Plot
Parallel Plots in “Hamlet”: Subplots and Their Relation to the Central Narrative

Cultural Perspectives

“Hamlet” from an Eastern Philosophical Perspective
“Hamlet” in the Context of African Oral Traditions
Exploring “Hamlet” from a Postcolonial Point of View
The Play’s Universality: Why “Hamlet” Resonates Globally

Philosophical and Ethical Discussions

“To Be or Not To Be”: Hamlet’s Exploration of Nihilism
The Dichotomy of Action vs. Inaction in “Hamlet”
Ethical Ambiguities: Is Hamlet Justified in His Actions?
Determinism and Free Will in “Hamlet”

Performance and Stagecraft

The Evolution of “Hamlet” Stage Productions Over the Centuries
Modern Theatrical Interpretations of “Hamlet” and their Relevance
Challenges of Portraying Hamlet: An Actor’s Perspective
The Role of Stage Directions in Shaping “Hamlet’s” Performances

Secondary Characters and Their Significance

Fortinbras: The Silent Counterpart to Hamlet
Gravediggers in “Hamlet”: Humor Amidst Tragedy
Osric: A Reflection of Elsinore’s Decaying Morality
Marcellus and Bernardo: The Unsung Heroes of Elsinore

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Useful References

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet – Full Text
Royal Shakespeare Company’s Guide to Hamlet
Shakespeare Online: Hamlet Essays
BBC’s In-Depth Look at Hamlet

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Hamlet Essay Topics: 40+ Interesting Ideas to Explore

by Antony W

December 8, 2023

The Tragedy of Hamlet by William Shakespeare may be an over 500 years old work of literature. But it covers fundamental and equally interesting themes that touch the very lives of humankind 5+ decades on. So there are literally tens of essay topics to explore in this area.

You can focus your essay on themes such as moral decay, revenge, existential crises, relationship complexities, mortality, character analysis, political commentary, or even human’s struggles. Your essay can be short or long depending on the theme that you’ve decided to explore. Just make sure you pick the best topic and write based on the assignment brief.

Key Takeaways

Hamlet has multiple themes that you can explore to demonstrate a clear understanding of famous work of literature despite being so old.
Because you have the freedom to choose what area to explore, your goal should be to write an impressive essay that draws in the attention of your professor and glues them to the essay from start to finish.

Best Hamlet Essay Topics

The following is a list of good essay topics to explore based on Hamlet by William Shakespeare:

Essay Topics on Themes and Motif

How Hamlet navigate the intricate pathways of vengeance
Comprehensive insights into mortality and death Hamlet offer through its holistic exploration
Ways Hamlet progressively reveals and explores the multifaceted nature of madness within its narrative
How Hamlet portrays the themes of decay and corruption through the motif of disease
Depths of human betrayal plumbed within the context of Hamlet
How Hamlet repeatedly confronts the taboo of incest and the significance this motif holds within the narrative
How is hesitation and procrastination portrayed within Hamlet?
What revelations about fate and destiny emerge from Hamlet’s thematic exploration of these existential elements?
How does Hamlet scrutinize the consequences and complexities associated with inaction versus action?

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Hamlet Essay Topics on Character Analysis

How Hamlet’s character embodies the essence of an anti-hero
Paradoxes and contradictions within Hamlet’s character that contribute to a multifaceted understanding of his persona
Layers of complexity that define Gertrude’s character within the Hamlet narrative
How Polonius’ character navigate the thin line between folly and wisdom
The role Laertes plays in the exploration of themes such revenge, honor, and his contrast with Hamlet’s character within the play
How Horatio embody the themes of friendship and unwavering loyalty
The significance that lies beyond King Hamlet’s ghostly appearance and how this character transcend its supernatural nature
How Rosencrantz and Guildenstern contribute to the broader narrative of Hamlet
How humor interplays with the tragic circumstances in Hamlet through the characters of the gravediggers
The role Marcellus and Bernardo play as guardians of the supernatural realm within the context of Hamlet’s narrative

Easy Hamlet Essay Topics

Unveiling the Spectral Layers: Derrida’s Deconstructive Exploration of Ghostly Presence in Hamlet
Explore Hamlet’s depths through Lacan’s psychoanalytic insights
Rorschach test-like exploration of madness in Hamlet
Delve into Ophelia’s role as a potential feminist icon or victim of patriarchy
Explore Hamlet’s characters through Carl Jung’s archetypal lens interest you
Explore Hamlet’s dichotomy between intellect and impulsive emotions
Freudian analysis of Gertrude and Hamlet’s relationship in the closet scene
Postmodern exploration of justice and retribution in Hamlet
Gender performativity in Hamlet through Judith Butler’s lens
Examine Hamlet’s existential crisis from a Nietzschean perspective
Explore Hamlet’s political landscape in terms of divine right and kingship
Look at the contextual aspects of ‘delay’ in Hamlet’s actions within the Elizabethan era
Do a comparative analysis of absurdist in Hamlet and Beckett’s Waiting for Godot
Write about the environmental themes explored in Shakespeare’s Hamlet from an eco-critical perspective

Best Hamlet Topics

Examine Hamlet’s inaction, its causative factors and ramifications
Write about artistic symbolism within Hamlet’s the mousetrap play
Focus on the modern perspectives on Hamlet’s existential turmoil
Examine Polonius’ role as a catalyst in Hamlet’s tragedy
Write about the significance of Ophelia’s tragic demise
The vengeful ethos: Deconstructing revenge in Hamlet
Comparative analysis with the Elizabethan era in Hamlet in context:
Laertes and Hamlet: A difference in characterization
Exploring misogyny and power dynamics within hamlet
Unveiling the symbolism in Yorick’s skull metaphor
Supernatural elements as narrative devices in Hamlet
Claudius’ machinations for power consolidation
Authenticity versus pretense of the madness in Hamlet

Theme of Modern Society in Hamlet

How Hamlet’s decision-making approach reflect the psychological phenomenon of analysis paralysis in contemporary cognitive studies
In what ways does Hamlet’s existential crisis resonate with and contribute to modern-day philosophical discourse?
What parallels exist between the themes of surveillance in Hamlet and their reverberations within today’s societal structures?
How does the interpretation of Hamlet’s perceived madness shed light on the persistent stigma surrounding mental health in contemporary society?
To what extent can the duplicity and deceit in Hamlet illuminate present-day political landscapes?
The connections drawn between Hamlet’s narrative of revenge and its implications for resolving modern conflicts
In what ways does Hamlet’s narrative expose and prompt dialogue regarding ongoing gender inequalities in society?
Does a contemporary perspective shed new light on the pervasive theme of mortality in Hamlet?
How corruption within Hamlet’s political system mirror and contrast with today’s governance structures
What Ophelia’s descent into madness offer regarding attitudes toward women’s mental health
How Hamlet’s conscience resonates with and influence modern moral landscapes
How do the dynamics of father-son relationships in Hamlet transform when viewed through the lens of modern family structures?
What insights do Hamlet’s soliloquies offer into the individualistic ideals prevalent in the 21st century?
Ways in which instances of corruption in Hamlet’s Denmark mirror present societal anomalies
How the concept of honor has evolved from Hamlet’s time to the modern era
How does Hamlet’s enigmatic paradox resonate in an era inundated with overwhelming information?

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About the author

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

204 Hamlet Essay Topics

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Appearance vs Reality: Hamlet Theme Analysis
The Seven Soliloquies of Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” as a Tragedy
Shakespearean Hamlet’s and Ophelia’s Relationship
Hamlet and Gertrude Relationship Analysis – Research Paper
The Revenge Theme in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Oedipus Rex & Hamlet: Compare & Contrast Essay
Power and Powerlessness in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet This paper explores how characters in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet have power in one situation and are powerless in another through the Marxist theory.
Love in “Hamlet” Play by William Shakespeare Hamlet written by William Shakespeare is a play-tragedy disclosing a lot of aspects of the social and personal lives of its characters.
Ophelia in “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare Lack of maternal guidance, possession of a naïve spirit, and lack of exposure are the main reasons for Ophelia’s unhealthy love to Hamlet and her subsequent tragedy in the Shakespeare ‘s play.
Similarities and Character Differences of Hamlet and Laertes Although Hamlet and Laertes display similar qualities, they vary in that Hamlet is wise, and motivated by reason while Laertes is impulsive, and passionate.
Hamlet’s Internal Conflict in Shakespeare’s Play Hamlet’s indecision presents the central pillar of the internal conflict. The distinction between illusion and reality presents another internal conflict within Hamlet.
How the Renaissance Affected Hamlet The Renaissance period was one in which many creative writers, artists, and songwriters worked together to create and produce magnificent works of art.
Why Shakespeare’s Hamlet Is Still Relevant Today and 400 years ago people care about personal feelings. Regardless of their social status and cultural background, Hamlet is deeply rooted in the hearts of readers.
Crisis of Masculinity in Hamlet Through the main character, Shakespeare translates and critiques the ideas about masculinity and femininity that were prevalent at the time.
Analysis of Hamlet’s Second Soliloquy Soliloquies are widely used in the play, as Hamlet cannot freely express his emotions and share the thoughts that are rooted in his inner drama.
The Complex Character: Hamlet From “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare Hamlet’s deeply observant and reflective nature is shown to be the central defining feature that enables the progression of the plot in “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare.
Hamlet’s Costume Design Scenic design is a vital element in every play. This study looks at the costume design in Hamlet with reference to the characters in act 3 scenes.
Claudius as Hamlet’s Foil in Shakespeare’s Play In Hamlet, Shakespeare utilizes several foil characters to help readers better comprehend Hamlet’s character. One such foil is Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle.
The Role of Conflicts in Hamlet by William Shakespeare A number of conflicts come out in the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare: internal conflict of Hamlet, the conflict between Hamlet and King Claudia and others.
Importance of Female Characters in Hamlet In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, there are two major female characters, whose relationships with Hamlet play a role in understanding the ambiguous position of women.
Hamlet and Oedipus: Resilience Compared Every tragic character has to face an unexpected reveal. When encountering it, Hamlet demonstrates greater resilient than Oedipus.
Stylistic and Literary Devices of “Hamlet” Stylistic devices and the tone of “Hamlet” establish the atmosphere of the play and navigate the reader through the most dramatic parts of the tragedy.
Loyalty as a Source of Tragedy in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Being a thematically intricate and unbelievably nuanced work, Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” incorporates a plethora of ideas.
The Power Concept in Hamlet by Shakespeare In the dramatic tragedy Hamlet by William Shakespeare, power can be portrayed as the theme that drives the play.
An Analysis of “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare Hamlet and the other characters do not really know who they are and this is a theme subtly brought to light here and more so, it echoes throughout the whole play.
Literature Analysis of Hamlet’s Soliloquies This paper will analyze Hamlet’s beliefs,and fears, wants, talents, and flaws solely based on his soliloquies.
Why Hamlet by Shakespeare Delays Revenge Shakespeare gives Hamlet an essential sense of reflection and compassion, giving him time to reflect on the need for revenge.
Hamlet’s Vision and Candide’s Consideration of Love Hamlet considers the reality in which he is forced to live as extremely hostile. Under the pressure of dangerous events he lost his faith in people’s honesty.
The Role and Impact of Gertrude in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” The paper discusses Gertrude. She is the mother of the protagonist of the play “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare. She is the widow of King Hamlet of Denmark.
Who Showed Greater Resilience: Oedipus or Hamlet? Both Oedipus and Hamlet are determined individuals; however, from this review, it is clear that Hamlet shows greater resilience than Oedipus.
Resilience in “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles and “Hamlet” by Shakespeare Both Oedipus and Hamlet have difficulties accepting horrible truths about themselves and their families; however, Hamlet seems to be more resilient.
Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras: The Theme of Vendetta Hamlet is an outstanding tragedy by William Shakespeare, which is considered an example of skillful language and complicated plot.
Shakespeare’s Hamlet and His Self-Destructive Temper This essay discusses Hamlet’s temperament as his problem and shows how such a temper is not only self-destructive but how it affects society at large.
Women Role in Shakespeare’s Othello and Hamlet The villain role of women in the Shakespeare’s plays Othello and Hamlet seems to have inspired the themes in both literary works.
A Comparison of “Hamlet” by Shakespeare and “Wuthering Heights” by Bronte Literature has a way of continuing to explore many of the same themes that seem to plague mankind throughout history.
Hamlet’s Relationship With Gertrude Hamlet’s conflict with Gertrude, his mother, reflects the difference in views between them and the young prince’s desire for imaginary ideals amid royal intrigue.
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Through the Historical Lens The paper states that it is vital to analyze the historical period in which William Shakespeare worked as well as the origin of the Hamlet story.
Oedipus Versus Hamlet: Resilience in Characters Resilience as the ability to hold onto one’s beliefs despite the odds that the world may throw at a person is one of the traits that appeal particularly strongly to readers.
Hamlet’s Vulnerability in “Hamlet” by Shakespeare This paper discusses the vulnerability of Hamlet, the protagonist of Shakespeare’s play, “Hamlet” and explores the reasons behind Hamlet’s vulnerability.
Imagery Blindness of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and Sophocle’s “Oedipus” Illustrating blindness as imagery, Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Sophocle’s Oedipus reflect the confrontation of appearance and reality in the society and in the souls of these characters.
The Character of Hamlet’s Mother This paper discusses the Heirbruns and Maxwell’s articles about Gertrud and two different outlooks on the character traits of Gertrud in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Interplay of Literary Elements in Shakespeare’s Hamlet The goal of this essay is to identify and promote a philosophical interpretation of Hamlet through the prism of metaphors, similes, allusions, and other literary elements.
Hamlet’s Letter to a Friend This document contains a letter from the first person of Hamlet to Cornelius from the famous play by William Shakespeare “Hamlet”.
Oedipus and Hamlet – Resilience in Tragedy Although Oedipus is a Sophocles’ personality in Oedipus rex, Hamlet is the male protagonist in the play Hamlet by Shakespeare; both are tragic personalities in search of reality.
Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Summary of the Play The play begins with Prince Hamlet going back home for his father’s funeral. Hamlet swears to avenge his father’s death.
Analysis of “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare Shakespeare’s Hamlet has attracted abiding interest due to its aesthetics and the exceptional complexity of the author’s masterpiece.
The Justification of Hamlet’s Revenge on Claudius The author provides a brief overview of Shakespeare’s play The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, and reflects on the ethical issues raised in the play.
Character Analysis of Shakespeare’s Prince Hamlet Hamlet is Charismatic because of Ophelia’s and Horatio’s admiration of him. Lastly, Hamlet shows the reader his loyalty by meeting his dad’s ghost and agreeing to revenge.
Shakespear’s Hamlet: Conflict Between Seeming and Being This is an analysis of the characters such as Hamlet, Ophelia, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern clarifies the play’s obsession with the theme of the conflict between seeming and being.
Hamlet’s Monologue: A Rhetorical Analysis The rhetorical devices used by Shakespeare in the monologue of Hamlet help readers better understand the main character’s uncertainty about his life, death, and revenge.
Father-Son Relationship in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Play The paper states that Hamlet’s struggle emanates from the death of his father. Although he becomes a villain at some point, he remained steadfast.
Art of Drama Through the Shakespear’s ‘Hamlet’ This writing provides information about the theme of drama in the Shakespear’s ‘Hamlet’, discusses a well-structured plot, characterization of Hamlet and Laertes.
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: Analysis Despite the fact that the motive of revenge is the basis for the plot, the theme of mortality, fear of death, and afterlife questions is more revealed in the play.
The Theme of Loneliness in “Hamlet” and “Odysseus” The theme of loneliness has been explored countless times in numerous works of literature, yet the ones that address the specified issue most authentically are “Hamlet” and “Odysseus”.
“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare: Character of the Ghost Character of the Ghost helps to identify such themes as mortality and revenge and promotes the reader’s tracing of the evolution of other heroes’ attitude toward these concepts.
Claudius as the Main Antagonist in Shakespeare’s Hamlet Even though Claudius is introduced as the main antagonist in William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, he possesses several strong qualities.
Revenge in the Play “Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” Hamlet is a character used in the play, Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, to depict the theme of revenge. The paper argues that Hamlet avenges for the murder of his father.
Interpersonal & Internal Conflict in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Conflicts are integral parts of our lives, and knowing how to resolve them is one of the essential skills to learn.
Resilience: Oedipus and Hamlet Ancient Greek plots and motives are commonly reflected in the European literature of the New Age, which makes the heritage of different epochs comparable.
What Do Hamlet and Oedipus Have in Common? Hamlet by Shakespeare has similar elements in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. This essay aims to show the common features of Oedipus and Hamlet, the main characters of eponymous plays.
Madness of Ophelia in “Hamlet” by Shakespeare The paper states that in the tragedy “Hamlet,” Ophelia is a special character who causes much admiration and compassion, yet is a very controversial figure.
Comparison of Hamlet’s Procrastination and Personal Results: Shakespeare Hamlet by William Shakespeare can be considered a literary character whose procrastination leads to gruesome consequences.
An Analysis of Hamlet by Shakespeare Hamlet is a play that everyone has to read at least once in their life to see how the feeling of grief can affect a person’s behavior.
Analysis of Hamlet Passage by William Shakespeare A passage from the second scene of the second act reveals essential facts about Hamlet’s character and has impressive diction, syntax, and imagery.
The Relevance of “Hamlet” to Contemporary Readers The purpose is to analyze the famous excerpt from “Hamlet”, which begins with the words “To be or not to be” and to dwell upon the way readers can relate to its message.
The Murder in the Play “Hamlet” Hamlet is a play with a strong focus on interpersonal relationships. Most of the pivotal events revolve around the friends and family of Hamlet, specifically, their involvement in the murder.
Sunjata’s vs. Hamlet’s Literary Works Comparison By comparing and contrasting the major characters of Sunjata and Hamlet, this paper will demonstrate how these works explore themes of power, fate, and revenge in unique ways.
Is Shakespearean Hamlet’s Madness Feigned? Hamlet is a tragedy play written by Williams Shakespeare; it is set in Denmark during unsettled times. It was revealed to the young prince.
Laura Bohannan vs. the Tiv on the “Hamlet” Meaning Laura Bohannan believed that the universality of Shakespeare would be clear to everyone but she realized that cultural differences could provide new insights.
Imitation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” This paper attempts to imitate the format of soliloquies from William Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke” rewrite the story from real life.
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet: Is He Insane? Hamlet looks like a completely sane and rational although upset young man, there is little doubt that Hamlet is as the sound of mind as most of the rest of the characters.
Ethical Dilemmas in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Hamlet is William Shakespeare’s tragedy play that was written in the late 14th century. The imagery in this play is both entertaining and creative.
The Novel “Don Quixote” by de Cervantes and the Play “Hamlet” by Shakespeare This paper presents the comparative analysis of the novel “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes and the play “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare.
Concept of Power in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Henry IV Plays The current essay discusses the concept of power in Hamlet and Henry IV, Part 2, demonstrating that wielding power requires notable character and a vigorous heart.
The Plays “Oedipus Tyrannus” by Sophocles and “Hamlet” by Shakespeare This essay discusses the characters development techniques in the plays “Oedipus Tyrannus” by Sophocles and “Hamlet” by Shakespeare.
Rewriting Hamlet by Shakespeare Shakespeare’s Hamlet is an eternal classic played in theaters worldwide and adapted in movies by multiple screenwriters and directors.
Images of Oedipus, Socrates, and Hamlet in the Interpretation of Tragic Heroes Oedipus, Hamlet, and Socrates are united by firmness, steadfastness of the spirit, thirst for knowledge, and a tragic fate due to predestination and a ‘special destiny.’
Monologue of Hamlet by William Shakespeare The vital claim of the world-famous monologue in Hamlet is, in concentrated form, that our state is so miserable that entire non-existence would be definitely preferable to it.
Oedipus Rex and Hamlet: Compare and Contrast Oedipus Rex and Hamlet, both show outstanding resilience in their desire to help others and disclose the truth that is hidden.
“The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark”: Combination of Conflicting Qualities in the Characters The existence of conflicting characters in “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” helps to understand how good and evil qualities are combined within human beings.
The Tragedy “Hamlet” by Shakespeare: Evidence of Religious Beliefs This paper aims at proving that the characters of the tragedy “Hamlet” by Shakespeare are believers and that they evaluate their actions based on their faith.
Oedipus and Hamlet Characters’ Comparison This paper discusses two similarities between Oedipus and Hamlet – they are both consumed with vengeance and suffer from hubris, which leads to their ultimate downfall.
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Gertrude William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is one of the most known tragedies in the English literature, while Hamlet himself is an illustrative example of a turbulent mind.
The Nature of Revenge Prior to and After the Creation of Hamlet This proposal will compare and contrast human understanding of the nature of revenge prior to and after the creation of Hamlet.
The Play “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, presents an enthralling view on lunacy and the individual mind. It presents a sharp contrast when comparing two characters, Hamlet and Ophelia.
“Hamlet” Play and “The Mad Gardener’s Song”: Comparison Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and Lewis Carroll’s The Mad Gardener’s Song are two works that have had a significant literary impact.
Adaptations of “Hamlet”: Zeffirelli’s and Doran’s Renditions Studying the film adaptations of “Hamlet” can be engaging for potential future discourse, and for this particular piece, Zeffirelli’s and Doran’s renditions of Hamlet are chosen.
The Play “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” by Shakespeare “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” is Shakespeare’s revenge play, that may be defined as one of the most well-known tragedies in world literature.
Hamlet’s Universality and Contemporary Cultural Discourse Despite the possible arguments surrounding Hamlet, a number of reasons that make it essential for syllabi around the world, particularly in occidental countries, exist.
Hamlet as an Enjoyable and Exuberant Play William Shakespeare was a renowned English writer, poet, and dramatist. Shakespeare had a number of plays to his credit.
“Hamlet” by Shakespeare: Scenes Analysis of the Play Critical analysis of the “Ghost Hamlet “ in the play Hamlet by Shakespeare. The most critical criticism is in the nature of the ghost, of the main character’s father.
Themes in Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Hamlet” Hamlet is one of the most significant works by Shakespeare. The author considers various important issues and this makes the play so influential.
Dilemmas in Hamlet and The Fall of the House of Usher This paper will explore the character of Hamlet and compare Hamlet’s dilemma to the predicament of the unknown narrator of “The Fall of the House of Usher”.
Modern Film Version of “Hamlet” by Shakespeare Various attempts are made to create a modern version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. However, it is also important to retain the original emotional and moral conflicts explored by the author.
Thematic Significance of the Image in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” The variety of well-known images that Shakespeare presents in Hamlet reflects the genius of the playwright and the demand for his play in the modern world.
Shakespeare’s Hamlet vs. Sophocles’ Oedipus The aim of this paper is to compare Hamlet’s and Oedipus’s resilience in the plays “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare and “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles.
Oedipus, the King and Hamlet: Analysis Belonging to entirely different cultures and addressing quite different social and psychological issues, “Oedipus, the King” and “Hamlet” might seem quite distant from each other.
Finding Strength While Searching for the Truth: Hamlet and Oedipus Hamlet and Oedipus’s characters serve as an example of what a quest for truth can lead to and how differently the process of discovering a secret story might be.
Shakesperian Literature: Hamlet’s Character in Act 2 Shakespeare uses Hamlet to demonstrate the primordial link between stage performance of plays and real-life scenarios.
Oedipus and Hamlet: Review The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast Oedipus and Hamlet. The King of Thebes and the Prince of Denmark have several common features, the first one being their descent.
Love vs Fear: The Song of Roland and Hamlet Being loved is better than being feared since love-based actions result in healthier things; being happy, peace and security are some of the consequences of love.
Character Comparison: “Odyssey”, “Scarlett Latter,” “Troy,” “Hamlet” The paper compares the heroes from Homer’s “Odyssey”, Hawthorne’s “Scarlett Latter” and characters from Hollywood movies “Troy” and “Hamlet”.
The Tragedy of Revenge in the “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare One of the most famous plays created by William Shakespeare is Hamlet. The play deals with multiple themes. The issue of revenge is questioned from the point of view of violence.
Modern Take on Hamlet: King Cornelius’s Monologue In a dimly lit room, a dark figure of King Claudius occupies a large sofa. He occasionally stands up and walks across the room, his appearance disheveled, and they look exhausted.
Actor’s Character Development in “Hamlet” Play As the play Hamlet is based on conflicts, it is necessary to show how the main character faces difficulties and different challenges created by the fortune.
Upsetting the Social Order During “Hamlet” Created Disruption
What Makes Hamlet Such a Complex Character?
How the Play “Hamlet” Portrays Shakespeare’s Ingenuity as a Literary Artist
Manipulation and the Use of the Art of Acting in “Hamlet”, a Play by William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and Its Classical Tragedy Elements
William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and the Mental Changes Ophelia Undergoes
The Inner Conflicts and Introspective Attitude in William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
“Hamlet”: Character Analysis and Outstanding Features of the Author’s Style
Church Corruption and Lutheranism in William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
How Does Shakespeare Use Linguistic and Dramatic Devices to Introduce the Character of Hamlet?
Prince “Hamlet” and Ophelia: Intricate and Often Confusing Relationship
“Hamlet”: Does Shakespeare Have a Profound Dislike of Women?
Hamlet’s Transformation From Good to Evil in Shakespeare’s Ham
Reality, Illusion, Appearance, and Deception in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Dysfunctional Families and the Inadequate Role Played by Parents in “Hamlet”
Hamlet Comparing the Dissimilar Characters of Gertrude and Ophelia
Differences Between Hamlet’s Mental and Emotional Conflicts
Hamlet’s Interaction With Other Characters of the Play as a Path to Better Understanding of His Character
Hamlet’s Depression and Its Impact in Decision-Making in “Hamlet”, a Play by William Shakespeare
How Does Shakespeare Present Women and Sex in “Hamlet”?
Death, Illness, and Decay in William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Classical and Renaissance Paradigms of Heroism in “Hamlet”
“Hamlet”, Moral Truths, Redemption, and a Just Society
How Does Hamlet React to His Momentous Decision and What Does He Risk to Save Himself From His Ideas
“Hamlet”, His Psychological Estrangement Fueled This Tragedy
The Human Condition and Ideologies in “Hamlet” by Willliam Shakespeare
Hamlet’s Capacity for Self-Sacrifice in the Face of Compelling Circumstances
How Does Shakespeare Present Issues About Revenge and Madness in “Hamlet”
Does Hamlet Fabricate the Conversation With the Ghost?
The Reasons for the Delayed Revenge of Hamlet in the Tragedy of “Hamlet”, a Play by William Shakespeare
The Reasoning and Decisions of Hamlet in the Tragedy of “Hamlet” a Play by William Shakespeare
Did HamletCommit Suicide or Was He Murdered in William Shakespeare’s Tragedy
Analysis of Shakespeare’s Use of Soliloquy in Presenting the Developing Character of “Hamlet”
Elizabethan’s Laws Against Perpetrators of Suicide in “Hamlet” by William
Betrayal, Vengeance, and Procrastination in “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare
Means and Ends: How “Hamlet’s Supposed Insanity Justifies and Masks His True Goal of Revenge
Disease, Sickness, Death, and Decay in “Hamlet”
How Does Hamlet and Ophelia’s Relationship Evolves Throughout the Play of “Hamlet”?
Body Politic and the Final Scene of “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare
The Sexist Attitude and Characterization of Women in “Hamlet”, a Play by William Shakespeare
Deception, Murder and Love in “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare
The Ideas and Themes Indicated in the First Three Scenes of “Hamlet” That You Find Particularly Interesting
Hamlet and His Madness as a Psychoanalytical Depiction
Cultural and Religious Beliefs Driving the Action in “Hamlet”
Hamlet and Shakespeare’s Perceptions of Human Behavior
Darkest Sins and Heavenly Shows: The Nature of Iago’s Villainy in Shakespear’s “Hamlet”
Hamlet’s and Laertes’ Revenge: Which One Seems More Justified
Christian Morals Versus Barbaric Customs in “Hamlet”
How Does Shakespeare Use Conflict in “Hamlet” as a Way of Exploring Ideas?
William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and Deadly Character Flaws
Hamlet’s Antic Disposition and Its Impact in Shakespeare’s Play “Hamlet”
Gender Roles and Attitudes Toward Love in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Contrasting William Shakespeare’s Play “Hamlet” With Kenneth Branagh’s 1996 Film
Why Did “Hamlet” Wait Too Long to Avenge His Father’s Death?
Hamlet, the Machiavellian Prince: An Exploration of Shakespeare’s Use of Machiavellian Politics
“Hamlet”: Hamlet’s Greatest Crime Was His Inherent Goodness
Evil for Evil’s Sake: An Analysis of the Nature of Evil in William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
The Mysterious Murder Case in the Play “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare
Gertrude, Claudius, and Hamlet: Various Perspectives of Death
Hamlet and Trifles: Aspects of the Past Relevant to the Present
Examining Queen Gertrude’s Innocence in Shakespeare’s Play, “Hamlet”
William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and Deception, Poison, and Disease
King Claudius’s Character Development and Transformation in “Hamlet”
Disillusionment, Depression, and Despair in the Play “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare
How Ophelia Was Manipulated by the Men in Her Life in “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare
Why Does Hamlet Use His Madness to Confuse People?
“Everyman” and Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” – Comparing the Medieval World View to the Modern
Does Hamlet’s Attitude Towards His Mother in General Solely Contribute to the Tragedy of the Play, or Is It Just on of Many Contributing Factors
Love and Hate Within the Family in William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Claudius’ Role and Personality in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
The Relationship Between the Main and the Lesser Characters in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
The Three Issues That Caused the Internal Struggle and Passive Response of Hamlet in William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Hamlet Discloses His True Feelings in a Play by William Shakespeare
What Is the Main Topic of Hamlet’s “To Be or Not to Be” Soliloquy?
Why Is “Hamlet” Considered Shakespeare’s Best Play?
Is the Madness of Hamlet Real or Feigned?
What Is the Moral of “Hamlet”?
What Is the Meaning of ‘Can Tell a Hawk From a Handsaw’ in “Hamlet”?
What Makes Hamlet Such a Compelling Character?
What Are Some Important Themes From Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”?
What Are Some Examples of Corruption and Decay in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”?
Would Hamlet Have Been an Effective Ruler and a Good King?
How Does “Hamlet” Relate to the Elizabethan Era?
Why Is Play “Hamlet” Still Relevant and Popular Today?
What Central Question Does “Hamlet” Raise?
What Does “Hamlet” Teach Us About Humanity?
Why Hamlet Would Be Considered a Depressed King?
What Are Dramatic Structures and Themes of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”?
How Duality and Appearance vs Reality Themes Are Imaged in “Hamlet”?
What Role Does Religion Play in “Hamlet”?
How Important Is the Theme of Having a Clear Conscience in “Hamlet”?
How Shakespeare Presents the Female Characters in “Hamlet”?
What Are the External and Internal Conflicts in “Hamlet”?
Why Does Hamlet Delay So Long in Following the Ghosts?
Why “Hamlet” Would Have Been Loved by Aristotle?
How Does “Hamlet” Represent the Human Condition?
What Does It Mean to Be a Complex Human Being in “Hamlet”?
What Are Some Historical Events That Influenced Shakespeare to Write “Hamlet”?

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These essay examples and topics on Hamlet were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 8, 2024 .

by William Shakespeare

Hamlet essay questions.

Hamlet is widely hailed as the first modern play in the English language. Which characteristics of its central character might account for this label?

Hamlet is considered the first modern play partly because of the psychological depth of its main character -- Hamlet suffers from melancholy, self-doubt, and even delusions. The audience never quite knows what Hamlet is thinking, or what is real. In fact, Hamlet himself declares again and again that he doesn't understand his doubts either ("I have of late, but wherefore I know not , lost all my mirth.")

Death is a constant presence in this play. Does Hamlet's speech to Yorick's skull represent a philosophy of death? How does his attitude toward death differ from that of the gravediggers?

Death was a much more ordinary presence in Elizabethan England than it is in the modern world. Infant mortality was high and plagues swept whole nations. In this sense, the gravediggers exhibit a much more realistic approach to death than most people. Hamlet uses the occasion for a more general examination of mortality. His attitude toward death is not necessarily inconsistent with that of the gravediggers, but it is different in his emphasis on metaphysical rather than physical implications of death.

Does the text hold up to a Freudian reading of Hamlet's relationship with his mother? How does Hamlet's relationship with Ophelia support, complicate or work against an Oedipal interpretation of the play?

Certainly Hamlet does visit his mother's bedchamber, and is immensely interested in her sexual relationships with other men, both of which are classic elements of an Oedipal complex. Freud's reading of the play may have influenced his sexual theories—but it is important to remember the order of events, especially because scholars tend to label Hamlet "Freudian." Better stated, Freud is Shakespearean, not the other way around.

"To be or not to be" is the famous question that Hamlet poses in Act Three, Scene One. Explore this speech. What does he mean by this famous question? What events of the play prompt this speech?

Hamlet is musing about death, but whose death, or what kind of death, is frustratingly difficult to pin down. He is perhaps contemplating suicide, perhaps thinking about the risks he must run in order to fulfill the task of revenge. He has an audience of Ophelia, Polonius and Claudius, who are eavesdropping on him; but he most likely does not realize that they are present.

The play within a play, the long soliloquies wherein Hamlet faces the audience and speaks to them directly, the vivid discussions of whether or not Hamlet is "acting" mad -- there are many elements of Hamlet that call attention to its status as a play, rather than reality. By showing the trappings of theater and non-reality, does Shakespeare make Hamlet's suffering seem more acute or more distant? How?

"Life's but a stage," another Shakespearean character proclaims, and the playwright recognized quite well the dramatic trappings of life and the life-like elements of staged productions. Soliloquies are modern in that they break what is much later termed the "fourth wall" separating audience from stage; the character speaks directly to the audience. Although the whole atmosphere seems patently false and theatrical, this serves to draw Hamlet somehow closer. Somehow, the effect of such "metatheatrical" gestures is to show not how different acting is from life, but how similar life is to acting.

In terms of the usual categorizations, Shakespeare's tragedies end in death, his comedies in marriage. By this measure, Hamlet is a tragedy. But Shakespeare's best plays are a tragicomic mix. Choose and discuss two comical or farcical elements in Hamlet.

The scene with gravediggers is a good example of tragedy mixed with comedy. The work is morbid, but the workers joke and sing as they go about their business. They seem totally unaware of the majestic tragedy unfolding itself in the castle nearby. On a smaller level, Yorick's skull embodies the tragicomic dichotomy; it is a gruesome, deathly object that once belonged to a joker. There are several other comic scenes, including much of Hamlet's dialogue with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and most of Polonius' scenes before his death. This gruesome mixture of pathos and humor is the essence of Shakespearean theater.

Define revenge. Is Hamlet a traditional revenge play? What other forces are at work in Hamlet's psyche?

Revenge is traditionally the cold-blooded pursuit to make up for one hurt with a strike against its perpetrator. Revenge is usually violent. Hamlet is hardly a traditional play of revenge, because the main character is so uncertain and ambivalent about both the original strike and what he should do about it. Melancholy and uncertainty play just as large a role in Hamlet's character as the desire for revenge.

Discuss the setting of Hamlet. What effect does setting the psycho-drama in a bleak northern castle -- similar to that in Macbeth -- have on the characters and audience?

From the script, the audience gathers that Elsinore Castle is a remote place in northern Europe. Not much else is known: there were no sets in Shakespeare's time. But the setting certainly matches Hamlet's melancholy mood, and the isolation of the place helps make the violence and implied incest believable.

The play begins with the fantastical appearance of a ghost. Are we meant to believe that this is really Hamlet's father, or is he a figment of Hamlet's imagination? If he is imagined, is the rest of the play imagined as well?

Hamlet struggles with the question of whether the ghost is his father and decides that he must be who he says he is. The audience remains in doubt, however, because of the ghost's claim that he comes from Purgatory (blasphemous in Elizabethan England), and the fact that Gertrude is unable to see it when it appears to Hamlet in her chamber. One of the moral questions of the play is resolved, however, when it becomes clear that Claudius is a murderer. Whether the ghost is Old Hamlet or a demon, he has told the truth about Claudius' guilt.

Can a healthy state be presided over by a corrupt ruler? Shakespeare draws frequent comparisons between the moral legitimacy of a leader and the health of a state. Is Denmark's monarchy responsible for the demise of the state in this play?

At the end of the tragedy, it is not only Hamlet and most of the characters who die. The entire state of Denmark fails after Norway invades, and the health of the nation seems very much wrapped up with the moral state of the leader. This accords with the medieval idea of the "body politic" with the leader making up the head, literally, and the people the body of a personified state.

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Hamlet Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Hamlet is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Closely examine Hamlet’s most famous soliloquy on page 137 (lines 57-91). Summarize the arguments he is contemplating in this speech.

What act and scene are you referring to?

Describe Fortinbras based on what Horatio says.

Do you mean in Act 1? Based upon Horatio's description, young Fortinbras is bold, inexperienced, and willing to do anything to regain his father's lost lands.

Why is a clock mentioned in Hamlet. There weren’t any clock’s in Hanlet’s time.

Yes I've heard this question before. This is called an anachronism. It is an inconsistency in some chronological arrangement. In this case, there were clocks in Shakespeare’s time but not in Hamlet's. Shakespeare wrote it in because he thought it...

Study Guide for Hamlet

Hamlet study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

About Hamlet
Hamlet Summary
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Character List

Essays for Hamlet

Hamlet essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

Through Rose Colored Glasses: How the Victorian Age Shifted the Focus of Hamlet
Q to F7: Mate; Hamlet's Emotions, Actions, and Importance in the Nunnery Scene
Before the Storm
Haunted: Hamlet's Relationship With His Dead Father
Heliocentric Hamlet: The Astronomy of Hamlet

Lesson Plan for Hamlet

About the Author
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Common Core Standards
Introduction to Hamlet
Relationship to Other Books
Bringing in Technology
Notes to the Teacher
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Hamlet Bibliography

E-Text of Hamlet

The Hamlet e-text contains the full text of the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

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170+ Best Hamlet Essay Topics to Ace Your Literature Paper

When it comes to literature, William Shakespeare is a name that you cannot help but think about. His timeless classic, Hamlet has been studied by students across generations because of the complexity of language and philosophy that it encompasses. Like every student of literature, you may also find yourself having to write an elaborate research paper on this masterpiece. Here are some of the best hamlet essay topics that will help you churn out an interesting paper that will certainly get you the best grades.

Hamlet Argumentative Essay Topics

The play offers several messages through the plot, giving rise to conversations and arguments. This is why you can find a host of interesting Hamlet argumentative essay topics as mentioned below:

Was it right of Hamlet to plan the death of his father?
What did the Ghost mean by saying that Claudius was the king’s murderer?
Did Claudius deserve to become the heir to the throne?
Was Claudius responsible for the king’s death?
Did Hamlet truly love Ophelia?
Did the attack on Polonius affect the relationship between Ophelia and Hamlet?
Did Polonius have a role to play in the plot of Hamlet?
Is Hamlet a tale of love or revenge?
What were the reasons for Hamlet’s feelings towards Laertes?
Does the relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude set a good example for mothers and sons of the present date?
Did the Ghosts control the plot of the play?
The story of Hamlet is full of hatred. Do you agree?
Hamlet lost his love because of his passion for revenge. What are your thoughts?
Are the ghosts in the play real?
Could the characters of Guildenstern and Rosencrantz have been omitted from the play?
Were Guildenstern and Rosencrantz important to break the intensity of the play?
Is death morally justified by the death of several people?
Did the King truly reveal his guilt in the play?
Why was prayer important in the end?
Was it right of Polonius to paint Hamlet’s admission of love in a negative light?
Is ignorance a good enough justification of Ophelia’s distrust towards Hamlet?
Was Ophelia’s decision of going to the nunnery a good one?
Was Polonius’ judgment correct?
Did Gertrude play a role in murdering the king?
Was Gertrude’s instant decision to remarry a sign of infidelity towards the King?
Was Gertrude a good mother?
Is it correct to call Hamlet a Hero?
Did Hamlet deserve the end that he met?
Are Laertes and Claudius alike or different?
Is ignorance of the cause of his father and sister’s death a good enough reason to seek revenge?

Hamlet Inductive Essay Topics

This list of Hamlet Inductive essays discusses a theme or a subject and requires the writer to present a point of view towards the end. These Hamlet research essay topics must be backed by evidence to make a strong conclusion.

Do you agree with Shakespeare’s portrayal of the female characters in the play?
Does the morality of Hamlet coincide with the one in the current society?
What was the primary message of the play?
Does the setting of Hamlet impact the interpretation?
Was justice finally served in the play, Hamlet?
Did Gertrude fulfill her role as the Queen of Denmark?
Was Polonius the right person to be Claudius’ chief counselor?
Do you think that Hamlet was a decisive character?
Did Ophelia make the right choice by deciding to take her own life?
Why do you think there were so many minor characters in the play?
Is the fight between Laertes and Hamlet over Ophelia’s grave ironic?
Guildenstern and Rosencrantz were trustworthy spies. What are your views on this?
Did Claudius dominate Elsinore Court because of his powerful stature?
Can you prove with examples that Hamlet genuinely loved Ophelia?
How important were the ambassadors in ensuring peaceful negotiations?
Did the death of his brother affect Claudius’ dominance?
Was Fortinbras truly a threat to Claudius?
Is it right to claim that Hamlet was evil?
Can the play Hamlet be considered a tragedy based on Aristotle’s definition?
Did Ophelia have any other option but to commit suicide?
Was Hamlet’s decision to commit suicide a wise one?
Was Gertrude obsessed with female sexuality?
Is Hamlet a villain or a hero?
Do you think Claudius undermined Hamlet or was aware of what he was capable of? Illustrate with examples.
How does the play showcase the power of introspection?
Was Hamlet’s famous monologue an example of his progression as a character?
Did Scene 2 in the 5th Act of the play show the emotional development of Hamlet? Analyze the scene and present your views.
Do you think the ending of the play is fitting? Would you change it?
Did Hamlet’s love for Ophelia reduce after her death?
Why did Hamlet not take his revenge when the opportune moment arrived?

Hamlet Madness Essay Topics

There is a hint of madness in every character in the play. This is a recurring and interesting theme that makes for some of the most exhaustive and intriguing hamlet writing prompts.

Madness is the underlying theme of Hamlet. Illustrate with examples.
Was Ophelia the cause for Hamlet’s madness?
Was it the pursuit of revenge that led to Hamlet’s madness?
Did the ghost of the King represent the fact that Hamlet had lost touch with reality?
Hamlet’s character showed duplicitousness. Can you explain with examples?
Hamlet is a complex character. Explain with examples.
Compare the madness between Titus Andronicus and Hamlet.
Are there any similarities between Juan from the Censors and Hamlet?
Explain why you think Hamlet was not insane as most people perceive him to be.
What is the nature of Hamlet’s madness?
Was his madness an outlet for the burden that Hamlet carried in his heart?
Did Gertrude’s quick marriage contribute to Hamlet’s madness?
The great and fast changes in his environment drove Hamlet to insanity. Discuss.
Is Hamlet’s mockery of Polonius an example of his madness?
How does the play demonstrate a variety of human emotions through imagery?
Did Hamlet’s inner conflict arise from grief controlling all his emotions?
Do you think Hamlet makes some logical decisions through the play? Explain.
Were Claudius and his henchmen significant in reiterating Hamlet’s madness throughout the play?
How did the plot allow his madness to progress from harmless to hazardous?
Claudius talks about Hamlet being the “owner of the foul disease”. Do you think Hamlet acknowledged his insanity?
The relationship between love and madness in the play.
How important is the theme of madness to the plot of this play?
What was the significance of Ophelia’s madness in this play?
How does Shakespeare represent Hamlet’s madness?
What is the relationship between melancholy and madness in the play?
Was Hamlet mad from a broken heart?
Illustrate how Hamlet’s double-speak showed a method to this madness.
Was Hamlet’s madness feigned?
The madness for love is one true madness. How does the play prove this statement?
What are your thoughts on Ophelia’s state of mind? Did she showcase some madness too?

Best Hamlet Essay Topics High School

These essay topics for Hamlet are perfectly suited for English literature students at the high school level. They explore themes and subjects that are most relevant:

What do you think the play, ‘Hamlet’ is really about?
What is your personal take on the play?
Do you think that Hamlet suffered from depression?
How does Hamlet try to live with his suicidal thoughts and depression?
What were Hamlet’s personal views on humanity?
Is there any particular psychological disorder that Hamlet shows symptoms of? Analyze his actions to explain.
Are there any elements of Marxism in the play?
Can you relate any modern-day leader or character to Hamlet?
Do you think that Hamlet led to his own demise?
What are the five most prominent tragedies in Hamlet’s life?
Is Hamlet a feminist play?
Do you think Hamlet has a negative opinion about women?
Write a detailed character analysis of Polonius. Did he deserve to be killed?
Use thematic elements from Hamlet’s famous speech to prove that it is one’s responsibility to act according to moral and ethical rules.
Do you think that there was a hint of evil in every character in Hamlet?
Would Hamlet be relevant as an individual today?
What are some aspects of the current world that Hamlet would appreciate?
What are some aspects of the current world that would trouble Hamlet?
What are the primary forces that affected Hamlet’s psyche?
What do you think is the one relationship that Hamlet valued the most in his life?
Can Hamlet be considered a romantic hero?
Write about how your opinion of Hamlet changed from the beginning of the play until the end.
Write about the attitudes of modern society towards the play Hamlet.
Do you think that Hamlet faced several contradictions throughout the play? Highlight with examples.
What are the most significant changes you notice in Hamlet’s character from Act 1 and Act 2?
What was the significance of the fencing duel at the end of the play?
Who caused the demise of the kingdom in ‘Hamlet’
What are your opinions about Claudius as King?
How were the words and actions of Hamlet towards Ophelia constantly contradictory?
Talk about the role of imagery in Hamlet.

Easy Hamlet Essay Topics

Here are some easy Hamlet essay ideas that are commonly used in academic papers:

How did Hamlet perceive love?
Were the themes of revenge and tragedy the only ones that stood out in the play?
Analyze Hamlet’s speech to show how he decided to move from active to passive?
Did Hamlet’s speech showcase nihilism?
List the various foils of Hamlet and the role they played in the plot.
How does Hamlet’s idea of salvation and sin develop through the play?
What were the reasons for Hamlet’s indecisiveness?
Is it possible to justify Hamlet’s need to seek revenge?
Did family play a role in Hamlet’s understanding of justice?
Explain how Hamlet undergoes inner and outer conflict.
Provide a detailed character analysis of Hamlet.
Analyze the character of Gertrude as a mother and a queen
Explore how suicide played an important role in the plot of the play?
Was Polonius a good courtier?
Was Hamlet unwilling to face reality? Explain with examples.
Did Hamlet manage to control his actions in any part of the play?
Analyze any film based on ‘Hamlet’.
Explore Hamlet’s idea of sex and sexuality.
Describe what impact Gertrude had on Hamlet’s character.
How did the conflict between Ophelia and Hamlet influence the outcome of the play?
What was Hamlet’s perception of death? Support this with his quotes.
Is Hamlet similar to King Lear?
Would a person with Hamlet’s character be perceived as a threat to society in today’s world?
Analyze the mood swings of Hamlet throughout the play.
What were the factors that affected Hamlet’s mood directly?
Describe the qualities of a hero and a villain that Hamlet possessed.
Explain the development of any theme in the play.
Was Hamlet betrayed?
Provide examples of honor and corruption in the play.
Write a detailed character analysis of Claudius.
Which male character in the play would be relevant in today’s society?
Explain the role of deception in the play.
Compare and contrast Hamlet and Ophelia with Romeo and Juliet.
Are there similarities between ‘Alice in Wonderland and ‘Hamlet’?
The role of madness in Laertes and Hamlet’s relationship

Essays on Hamlet

Hamlet essay topics and outline examples, essay title 1: the tragic hero in "hamlet": analyzing the complex character of prince hamlet.

Thesis Statement: This essay delves into the character of Prince Hamlet in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," examining his tragic flaws, internal conflicts, and the intricate web of relationships that contribute to his downfall, ultimately highlighting his status as a classic tragic hero.

Introduction
Defining Tragic Heroes: Characteristics and Literary Tradition
The Complex Psychology of Prince Hamlet: Ambiguity, Doubt, and Melancholy
The Ghost's Revelation: Hamlet's Quest for Justice and Revenge
The Theme of Madness: Feigned or Real?
Hamlet's Relationships: Ophelia, Gertrude, Claudius, and Horatio
The Tragic Climax: The Duel, Poisoned Foils, and Fatal Consequences

Essay Title 2: "Hamlet" as a Reflection of Political Intrigue: Power, Corruption, and the Tragedy of Denmark

Thesis Statement: This essay explores the political dimensions of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," analyzing the themes of power, corruption, and political manipulation as portrayed in the play, and their impact on the fate of the characters and the kingdom of Denmark.

The Political Landscape of Denmark: Claudius's Ascension to the Throne
The Machiavellian Villainy of Claudius: Murder, Deception, and Ambition
Hamlet's Struggle for Justice: The Role of Political Morality
The Foils of Polonius and Laertes: Pawns in Political Games
The Fate of Denmark: Chaos, Rebellion, and the Climactic Tragedy
Shakespeare's Political Commentary: Lessons for Society

Essay Title 3: "Hamlet" in a Contemporary Context: Adaptations, Interpretations, and the Play's Enduring Relevance

Thesis Statement: This essay examines modern adaptations and interpretations of "Hamlet," exploring how the themes, characters, and dilemmas presented in the play continue to resonate with audiences today, making "Hamlet" a timeless and relevant work of literature.

From Stage to Screen: Iconic Film and Theater Productions of "Hamlet"
Contemporary Readings: Gender, Race, and Identity in "Hamlet" Interpretations
Psychological and Existential Interpretations: Hamlet's Inner Turmoil in the Modern World
Relevance in the 21st Century: Themes of Revenge, Justice, and Moral Dilemma
Adapting "Hamlet" for New Audiences: Outreach, Education, and Cultural Engagement
Conclusion: The Timelessness of "Hamlet" and Its Place in Literature

Revenge Symbolism in Hamlet

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Comparison Between Hamlet and Ophelia

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The Tragic Story of Hamlet

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"Act": The Theme of "Acting" in Hamlet

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1603, William Shakespeare

Play; Shakespearean tragedy

Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Polonius

The play Hamlet is the most cited work in the English language and is often included in the lists of the world's greatest literature.

"Frailty, thy name is woman!" "Brevity' is the soul of wit" "To be, or not to be, that is the question" "I must be cruel to be kind" "Why, then, ’tis none to you, for there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. To me, it is a prison."

1. Wright, G. T. (1981). Hendiadys and Hamlet. PMLA, 96(2), 168-193. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/pmla/article/abs/hendiadys-and-hamlet/B61A80FAB6569984AB68096FE483D4FB) 2. Leverenz, D. (1978). The woman in Hamlet: An interpersonal view. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 4(2), 291-308. (https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/493608?journalCode=signs) 3. Lesser, Z., & Stallybrass, P. (2008). The first literary Hamlet and the commonplacing of professional plays. Shakespeare Quarterly, 59(4), 371-420. (https://academic.oup.com/sq/article-abstract/59/4/371/5064575) 4. De Grazia, M. (2001). Hamlet before its Time. MLQ: Modern Language Quarterly, 62(4), 355-375. (https://muse.jhu.edu/article/22909) 5. Calderwood, J. L. (1983). To be and not to be. Negation and Metadrama in Hamlet. In To Be and Not to Be. Negation and Metadrama in Hamlet. Columbia University Press. (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7312/cald94400/html) 6. Kastan, D. S. (1987). " His semblable is his mirror":" Hamlet" and the Imitation of Revenge. Shakespeare Studies, 19, 111. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/394df477873b27246b71f83d3939c672/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1819311) 7. Neill, M. (1983). Remembrance and Revenge: Hamlet, Macbeth and The Tempest. Jonson and Shakespeare, 35-56. (https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-349-06183-9_3) 8. Gates, S. (2008). Assembling the Ophelia fragments: gender, genre, and revenge in Hamlet. Explorations in Renaissance Culture, 34(2), 229-248. (https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA208534875&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=00982474&p=AONE&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7Eebb234db)

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Hamlet Essay Topics & Samples

It can be argued that William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is the most significant play ever written and performed. It is much more than just a play about revenge as it deals with universal philosophical questions. Life and death, love and betrayal, friends, and woes are all explored through the mind of the protagonist, Hamlet. In this article, you will see a plethora of Hamlet essay prompts to focus on. Besides, you will find some good Hamlet essay ideas with examples to inspire your writing.

Hamlet Essay Topics

A theme of suicide in the play . This Hamlet essay aims to examine a suicide theme from a moral, religious, and existential perspective. Does Hamlet contemplate an idea of suicide? What stops Hamlet from committing it? Students should pay close attention to “to be or not to be” soliloquy.
Elaborate on the relationship between Gertrude and King Hamlet. In this Hamlet essay, you can analyze what the reader knows about their marriage. What was Gertrude’s reaction to her husband’s death? Did she see the Ghost in the scene with Hamlet? Could she have pretended that she didn’t? Discuss how we can explore the status of women in Elizabethan times through Gertrude’s behavior.
The question of genre in Hamlet. In his timeless Hamlet , Shakespeare does not follow the rules of a tragic play or a revenge tragedy. So, it makes it quite hard to say what genre is Hamlet. However, in your essay, you can focus on explaining how Hamlet is a tragic hero. Explain what makes Hamlet a unique tragedy.
A theme of madness in Hamlet. This theme is by far the most prevalent in the entire play. Moreover, it overlaps with other topics in Hamlet , such as death, deception , love, and betrayal. Students can analyze both the nature of Hamlet’s forced insanity and Ophelia’s madness.
An analysis of Shakespeare’s writing style in Hamlet. In this Hamlet essay, students can analyze the language and literary devices that Shakespeare used. What does Hamlet’s way of speaking tell about him? Why are some lines written in prose, while others in verse? Analyzing these topics can help you to get started.
A motif of incest in Hamlet. Throughout the play, there are plenty of sexual references and allusions in Hamlet . Critics found an incestuous desire between Claudius and Gertrude, Gertrude and Hamlet. Even Laertes ’ attitude towards Ophelia and her love life can be interpreted this way. What does this motif contribute to Hamlet? Discuss Hamlet’s obsession with Gertrude’s sexual relationships from the Freudian perspective.
Hamlet’s attitude towards women. The only women in the entire play are Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude, and love interest, Ophelia . Both of them are very close to Hamlet, even though he regularly verbally abuses them. However, the protagonist does not merely attack their qualities—the whole Hamlet’s tone is misogynistic. What makes him hate women? Discuss it in your Hamlet essay.
A theme of revenge in Hamlet. This theme is one of the most fruitful Hamlet essay topics. It unites three characters: Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras. Why is Hamlet the only character who hesitates to act? Elaborate on his internal conflict concerning vengeance and how other mentioned characters serve as his foils. What makes Hamlet a unique revenge tragedy?
An existentialist reading of Hamlet. To elaborate on a more challenging Hamlet research paper topic, choose this one. Is Hamlet an existentialist? Why Hamlet’s inability to act can be seen as a form of action? How can existentialist philosophy provide a fresh view of the play?
Compare and contrast Hamlet and Laertes. Hamlet and Laertes have very different personalities yet share a lot of traits. Discuss their attitude towards women, their parents, and each other. How does Shakespeare portray the similarities between the characters? Why does Laertes serve as Hamlet’s character foil?

Hamlet Essay Samples

In this section, you will see several essay samples on writings of William Shakespeare to get inspired from. You can also find the description of each essay below.

Literature Analysis: Hamlet’s Appearance Vs. Reality Shakespeare’s Hamlet depicts the tensions between appearance and reality. Characters’ emotions and actions often appear to be real, when in fact, they are not. The topic is analyzed via Hamlet, Claudius, Polonius, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern. In the play, Shakespeare highlights the deceitfulness of these characters.
Revenge in the Play “Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” The main character of the play, Hamlet, is used to depict the theme of revenge. The essay demonstrates that he was avenging his father with the motivations for revenge, the process of revenge, and the actual revenge. These stages are described by examples from the play and literary analyses.
Literature Analysis of Hamlet’s Soliloquies The paper analyses Hamlet’s qualities based on his monologues. His character is well portrayed through his soliloquies. The essay takes on his religiosity, the fear of damnation, the want of justified revenge, the talent of critical thinking, and his flaws.
Women Role in Shakespeare’s Othello and Hamlet These Shakespearens plays portrayed women as one of the significant causes of conflict. The essay examines their roles in both pieces and compares their actions, age, and depiction.
Hamlet’s Costume Design Scenic design is a vital part of any play. It communicates the mood through illustrations of climate conditions, people’s statuses, and political instability. Thus, the paper examines the importance of colors and clothes design and how they reveal the characters’ emotions.
Modern Film Version of “Hamlet” by Shakespeare The essay describes the modern film version of Hamlet and why it is worth seeing. The author mentions the excellent acting, modern-dress production, and single-camera setup.
Ophelia in “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare Ophelia’s unhealthy love for Hamlet and consequent tragedy are stressed in the present paper. She is the embodiment of tragedy in the play. The author discusses her actions by using lack of maternal guidance, lack of exposure, and naivety.
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Shakespeare’s play is a tale of tragedy and revenge, and this Hamlet study guide will focus on this. In the present articles, we will discuss the literary piece, its plot, themes, and symbols. Additionally, you will get to know more about Shakespeare’s writing style and Hamlet’s genre. Hamlet Key Facts...

The Tragedy of the Prince of Denmark, often shortened to Hamlet, is central to William Shakespeare literary works. The play opens at night in the cold dark castle of Elsinore in Denmark. The setting plays a significant role in the overall understanding. In a play, as complex as plot of...

Even today, Hamlet characters can be seen as unique and well-defined, as well as the absolute majority of key figures in the dramatic works of William Shakespeare. They are why this Shakespeare’s tragedy became as famous as it is, so they deserve a thorough examination. This article analyzes all the...

Hamlet’s themes are crucial to see through if you wish to understand what the author tried to say. Famous works of William Shakespeare are staged even today, centuries after being written. They remain relatable and influential, regardless of period. The themes in Hamlet are one of the primary reasons why,...

There are several symbols in Hamlet that are crucial for understanding the underlying message of the play. They provide a more in-depth look into the characters’ minds, illustrating their emotions and sufferings. Besides, symbols and imagery reveal how the inner turmoils affect the world around. So, examine the symbolism in...

Antigone by Sophocles is a tragedy based on Greek mythology. The new king of Thebes, Creon, decides not to bury Polynices, a warrior who died fighting with his brother over the throne. Meanwhile, Antigone cannot accept the fact that her brother’s funeral is violated and buries him herself. In this...

Who Creates the Main Conflict for Antigone?

Since the whole plot development starts with Creon not burying Polynices properly, it is only logical to assume that he creates the main conflict. Antigone believes that every man has to be buried according to their traditions; otherwise, it is disrespectful to the gods. Therefore, she stands up against Creon’s...

What Does Antigone Tell Her Sister outside the City Gates?

Sophocles describes the period right after the war for Thebes in which two brothers killed each other. The next day, Creon, who becomes a new king, gives strict orders. Antigone takes her sister out of the city to tell her the news. That is how Ismene gets to know that...

What Motivates Antigone to Defy Creon’s Decree by Burying Her Brother?

In Sophocles’ play, Antigone has her own reasons to stand by her decision to bury Polynices. Even though it is the king’s order, she does it anyways. The main reason Antigone goes against the law is that the gods’ will is always stronger than some man’s words. Therefore, Creon’s orders...

Which Character Is a Dynamic Character in Antigone?

In Antigone, there are not many characters that change somehow throughout the play. For example, Antigone remains stubborn till the very end. Creon, on the other hand, alters his decision by the end. Therefore, he is the main dynamic character in the play. Apart from him, Ismene also shows some...

Which Argument Does Creon Make to Defend His Decision to Arrest and Execute Antigone?

In Sophocles’ play, when it appears that it was Antigone who broke the king’s law, Creon still goes on to arrest her. It does not matter to him that she is his son’s fiancé and simply a woman. Creon sees himself as the highest power, and the order should be...

In What Ways Does Ismene Differ from Her Sister, Antigone?

The main difference between the two sisters is that Ismene is much more obedient than Antigone. The main heroine tries her best to go against the king’s will, while Ismene refuses to do it. Moreover, Antigone is never seen as feminine and beautiful as her sister. It makes her jealous,...

HAMLET is one of those mentioned in “Fifty Books the World Can Do Without”. Discuss.🤭

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Jeffrey R. Wilson

Essays on hamlet.

Written as the author taught Hamlet every semester for a decade, these lightning essays ask big conceptual questions about the play with the urgency of a Shakespeare lover, and answer them with the rigor of a Shakespeare scholar. In doing so, Hamlet becomes a lens for life today, generating insights on everything from xenophobia, American fraternities, and religious fundamentalism to structural misogyny, suicide contagion, and toxic love.

Prioritizing close reading over historical context, these explorations are highly textual and highly theoretical, often philosophical, ethical, social, and political. Readers see King Hamlet as a pre-modern villain, King Claudius as a modern villain, and Prince Hamlet as a post-modern villain. Hamlet’s feigned madness becomes a window into failed insanity defenses in legal trials. He knows he’s being watched in “To be or not to be”: the soliloquy is a satire of philosophy. Horatio emerges as Shakespeare’s authorial avatar for meta-theatrical commentary, Fortinbras as the hero of the play. Fate becomes a viable concept for modern life, and honor a source of tragedy. The metaphor of music in the play makes Ophelia Hamlet’s instrument. Shakespeare, like the modern corporation, stands against sexism, yet perpetuates it unknowingly. We hear his thoughts on single parenting, sending children off to college, and the working class, plus his advice on acting and writing, and his claims to be the next Homer or Virgil. In the context of four centuries of Hamlet hate, we hear how the text draws audiences in, how it became so famous, and why it continues to captivate audiences.

At a time when the humanities are said to be in crisis, these essays are concrete examples of the mind-altering power of literature and literary studies, unravelling the ongoing implications of the English language’s most significant artistic object of the past millennium.

Publications

Why is Hamlet the most famous English artwork of the past millennium? Is it a sexist text? Why does Hamlet speak in prose? Why must he die? Does Hamlet depict revenge, or justice? How did the death of Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, transform into a story about a son dealing with the death of a father? Did Shakespeare know Aristotle’s theory of tragedy? How did our literary icon, Shakespeare, see his literary icons, Homer and Virgil? Why is there so much comedy in Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy? Why is love a force of evil in the play? Did Shakespeare believe there’s a divinity that shapes our ends? How did he define virtue? What did he think about psychology? politics? philosophy? What was Shakespeare’s image of himself as an author? What can he, arguably the greatest writer of all time, teach us about our own writing? What was his theory of literature? Why do people like Hamlet ? How do the Hamlet haters of today compare to those of yesteryears? Is it dangerous for our children to read a play that’s all about suicide?

These are some of the questions asked in this book, a collection of essays on Shakespeare’s Hamlet stemming from my time teaching the play every semester in my Why Shakespeare? course at Harvard University. During this time, I saw a series of bright young minds from wildly diverse backgrounds find their footing in Hamlet, and it taught me a lot about how Shakespeare’s tragedy works, and why it remains with us in the modern world. Beyond ghosts, revenge, and tragedy, Hamlet is a play about being in college, being in love, gender, misogyny, friendship, theater, philosophy, theology, injustice, loss, comedy, depression, death, self-doubt, mental illness, white privilege, overbearing parents, existential angst, international politics, the classics, the afterlife, and the meaning of it all.

These essays grow from the central paradox of the play: it helps us understand the world we live in, yet we don't really understand the text itself very well. For all the attention given to Hamlet , there’s no consensus on the big questions—how it works, why it grips people so fiercely, what it’s about. These essays pose first-order questions about what happens in Hamlet and why, mobilizing answers for reflections on life, making the essays both highly textual and highly theoretical.

Each semester that I taught the play, I would write a new essay about Hamlet . They were meant to be models for students, the sort of essay that undergrads read and write – more rigorous than the puff pieces in the popular press, but riskier than the scholarship in most academic journals. While I later added scholarly outerwear, these pieces all began just like the essays I was assigning to students – as short close readings with a reader and a text and a desire to determine meaning when faced with a puzzling question or problem.

The turn from text to context in recent scholarly books about Hamlet is quizzical since we still don’t have a strong sense of, to quote the title of John Dover Wilson’s 1935 book, What Happens in Hamlet. Is the ghost real? Is Hamlet mad, or just faking? Why does he delay? These are the kinds of questions students love to ask, but they haven’t been – can’t be – answered by reading the play in the context of its sources (recently addressed in Laurie Johnson’s The Tain of Hamlet [2013]), its multiple texts (analyzed by Paul Menzer in The Hamlets [2008] and Zachary Lesser in Hamlet after Q1 [2015]), the Protestant reformation (the focus of Stephen Greenblatt’s Hamlet in Purgatory [2001] and John E. Curran, Jr.’s Hamlet, Protestantism, and the Mourning of Contingency [2006]), Renaissance humanism (see Rhodri Lewis, Hamlet and the Vision of Darkness [2017]), Elizabethan political theory (see Margreta de Grazia, Hamlet without Hamlet [2007]), the play’s reception history (see David Bevington, Murder Most Foul: Hamlet through the Ages [2011]), its appropriation by modern philosophers (covered in Simon Critchley and Jamieson Webster’s The Hamlet Doctrine [2013] and Andrew Cutrofello’s All for Nothing: Hamlet’s Negativity [2014]), or its recent global travels (addressed, for example, in Margaret Latvian’s Hamlet’s Arab Journey [2011] and Dominic Dromgoole’s Hamlet Globe to Globe [2017]).

Considering the context and afterlives of Hamlet is a worthy pursuit. I certainly consulted the above books for my essays, yet the confidence that comes from introducing context obscures the sharp panic we feel when confronting Shakespeare’s text itself. Even as the excellent recent book from Sonya Freeman Loftis, Allison Kellar, and Lisa Ulevich announces Hamlet has entered “an age of textual exhaustion,” there’s an odd tendency to avoid the text of Hamlet —to grasp for something more firm—when writing about it. There is a need to return to the text in a more immediate way to understand how Hamlet operates as a literary work, and how it can help us understand the world in which we live.

That latter goal, yes, clings nostalgically to the notion that literature can help us understand life. Questions about life send us to literature in search of answers. Those of us who love literature learn to ask and answer questions about it as we become professional literary scholars. But often our answers to the questions scholars ask of literature do not connect back up with the questions about life that sent us to literature in the first place—which are often philosophical, ethical, social, and political. Those first-order questions are diluted and avoided in the minutia of much scholarship, left unanswered. Thus, my goal was to pose questions about Hamlet with the urgency of a Shakespeare lover and to answer them with the rigor of a Shakespeare scholar.

In doing so, these essays challenge the conventional relationship between literature and theory. They pursue a kind of criticism where literature is not merely the recipient of philosophical ideas in the service of exegesis. Instead, the creative risks of literature provide exemplars to be theorized outward to help us understand on-going issues in life today. Beyond an occasion for the demonstration of existing theory, literature is a source for the creation of new theory.

Chapter One How Hamlet Works

Whether you love or hate Hamlet , you can acknowledge its massive popularity. So how does Hamlet work? How does it create audience enjoyment? Why is it so appealing, and to whom? Of all the available options, why Hamlet ? This chapter entertains three possible explanations for why the play is so popular in the modern world: the literary answer (as the English language’s best artwork about death—one of the very few universal human experiences in a modern world increasingly marked by cultural differences— Hamlet is timeless); the theatrical answer (with its mixture of tragedy and comedy, the role of Hamlet requires the best actor of each age, and the play’s popularity derives from the celebrity of its stars); and the philosophical answer (the play invites, encourages, facilitates, and sustains philosophical introspection and conversation from people who do not usually do such things, who find themselves doing those things with Hamlet , who sometimes feel embarrassed about doing those things, but who ultimately find the experience of having done them rewarding).

Chapter Two “It Started Like a Guilty Thing”: The Beginning of Hamlet and the Beginning of Modern Politics

King Hamlet is a tyrant and King Claudius a traitor but, because Shakespeare asked us to experience the events in Hamlet from the perspective of the young Prince Hamlet, we are much more inclined to detect and detest King Claudius’s political failings than King Hamlet’s. If so, then Shakespeare’s play Hamlet , so often seen as the birth of modern psychology, might also tell us a little bit about the beginnings of modern politics as well.

Chapter Three Horatio as Author: Storytelling and Stoic Tragedy

This chapter addresses Horatio’s emotionlessness in light of his role as a narrator, using this discussion to think about Shakespeare’s motives for writing tragedy in the wake of his son’s death. By rationalizing pain and suffering as tragedy, both Horatio and Shakespeare were able to avoid the self-destruction entailed in Hamlet’s emotional response to life’s hardships and injustices. Thus, the stoic Horatio, rather than the passionate Hamlet who repeatedly interrupts ‘The Mousetrap’, is the best authorial avatar for a Shakespeare who strategically wrote himself and his own voice out of his works. This argument then expands into a theory of ‘authorial catharsis’ and the suggestion that we can conceive of Shakespeare as a ‘poet of reason’ in contrast to a ‘poet of emotion’.

Chapter Four “To thine own self be true”: What Shakespeare Says about Sending Our Children Off to College

What does “To thine own self be true” actually mean? Be yourself? Don’t change who you are? Follow your own convictions? Don’t lie to yourself? This chapter argues that, if we understand meaning as intent, then “To thine own self be true” means, paradoxically, that “the self” does not exist. Or, more accurately, Shakespeare’s Hamlet implies that “the self” exists only as a rhetorical, philosophical, and psychological construct that we use to make sense of our experiences and actions in the world, not as anything real. If this is so, then this passage may offer us a way of thinking about Shakespeare as not just a playwright but also a moral philosopher, one who did his ethics in drama.

Chapter Five In Defense of Polonius

Your wife dies. You raise two children by yourself. You build a great career to provide for your family. You send your son off to college in another country, though you know he’s not ready. Now the prince wants to marry your daughter—that’s not easy to navigate. Then—get this—while you’re trying to save the queen’s life, the prince murders you. Your death destroys your kids. They die tragically. And what do you get for your efforts? Centuries of Shakespeare scholars dumping on you. If we see Polonius not through the eyes of his enemy, Prince Hamlet—the point of view Shakespeare’s play asks audiences to adopt—but in analogy to the common challenges of twenty-first-century parenting, Polonius is a single father struggling with work-life balance who sadly choses his career over his daughter’s well-being.

Chapter Six Sigma Alpha Elsinore: The Culture of Drunkenness in Shakespeare’s Hamlet

Claudius likes to party—a bit too much. He frequently binge drinks, is arguably an alcoholic, but not an aberration. Hamlet says Denmark is internationally known for heavy drinking. That’s what Shakespeare would have heard in the sixteenth century. By the seventeenth, English writers feared Denmark had taught their nation its drinking habits. Synthesizing criticism on alcoholism as an individual problem in Shakespeare’s texts and times with scholarship on national drinking habits in the early-modern age, this essay asks what the tragedy of alcoholism looks like when located not on the level of the individual, but on the level of a culture, as Shakespeare depicted in Hamlet. One window into these early-modern cultures of drunkenness is sociological studies of American college fraternities, especially the social-learning theories that explain how one person—one culture—teaches another its habits. For Claudius’s alcoholism is both culturally learned and culturally significant. And, as in fraternities, alcoholism in Hamlet is bound up with wealth, privilege, toxic masculinity, and tragedy. Thus, alcohol imagistically reappears in the vial of “cursed hebona,” Ophelia’s liquid death, and the poisoned cup in the final scene—moments that stand out in recent performances and adaptations with alcoholic Claudiuses and Gertrudes.

Chapter Seven Tragic Foundationalism

This chapter puts the modern philosopher Alain Badiou’s theory of foundationalism into dialogue with the early-modern playwright William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet . Doing so allows us to identify a new candidate for Hamlet’s traditionally hard-to-define hamartia – i.e., his “tragic mistake” – but it also allows us to consider the possibility of foundationalism as hamartia. Tragic foundationalism is the notion that fidelity to a single and substantive truth at the expense of an openness to evidence, reason, and change is an acute mistake which can lead to miscalculations of fact and virtue that create conflict and can end up in catastrophic destruction and the downfall of otherwise strong and noble people.

Chapter Eight “As a stranger give it welcome”: Shakespeare’s Advice for First-Year College Students

Encountering a new idea can be like meeting a strange person for the first time. Similarly, we dismiss new ideas before we get to know them. There is an answer to the problem of the human antipathy to strangeness in a somewhat strange place: a single line usually overlooked in William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet . If the ghost is “wondrous strange,” Hamlet says, invoking the ancient ethics of hospitality, “Therefore as a stranger give it welcome.” In this word, strange, and the social conventions attached to it, is both the instinctual, animalistic fear and aggression toward what is new and different (the problem) and a cultivated, humane response in hospitality and curiosity (the solution). Intellectual xenia is the answer to intellectual xenophobia.

Chapter Nine Parallels in Hamlet

Hamlet is more parallely than other texts. Fortinbras, Hamlet, and Laertes have their fathers murdered, then seek revenge. Brothers King Hamlet and King Claudius mirror brothers Old Norway and Old Fortinbras. Hamlet and Ophelia both lose their fathers, go mad, but there’s a method in their madness, and become suicidal. King Hamlet and Polonius are both domineering fathers. Hamlet and Polonius are both scholars, actors, verbose, pedantic, detectives using indirection, spying upon others, “by indirections find directions out." King Hamlet and King Claudius are both kings who are killed. Claudius using Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet mirrors Polonius using Reynaldo to spy on Laertes. Reynaldo and Hamlet both pretend to be something other than what they are in order to spy on and detect foes. Young Fortinbras and Prince Hamlet both have their forward momentum “arrest[ed].” Pyrrhus and Hamlet are son seeking revenge but paused a “neutral to his will.” The main plot of Hamlet reappears in the play-within-the-play. The Act I duel between King Hamlet and Old Fortinbras echoes in the Act V duel between Hamlet and Laertes. Claudius and Hamlet are both king killers. Sheesh—why are there so many dang parallels in Hamlet ? Is there some detectable reason why the story of Hamlet would call for the literary device of parallelism?

Chapter Ten Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: Why Hamlet Has Two Childhood Friends, Not Just One

Why have two of Hamlet’s childhood friends rather than just one? Do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have individuated personalities? First of all, by increasing the number of friends who visit Hamlet, Shakespeare creates an atmosphere of being outnumbered, of multiple enemies encroaching upon Hamlet, of Hamlet feeling that the world is against him. Second, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are not interchangeable, as commonly thought. Shakespeare gave each an individuated personality. Guildenstern is friendlier with Hamlet, and their friendship collapses, while Rosencrantz is more distant and devious—a frenemy.

Chapter Eleven Shakespeare on the Classics, Shakespeare as a Classic: A Reading of Aeneas’s Tale to Dido

Of all the stories Shakespeare might have chosen, why have Hamlet ask the players to recite Aeneas’ tale to Dido of Pyrrhus’s slaughter of Priam? In this story, which comes not from Homer’s Iliad but from Virgil’s Aeneid and had already been adapted for the Elizabethan stage in Christopher Marlowe’s The Tragedy of Dido, Pyrrhus – more commonly known as Neoptolemus, the son of the famous Greek warrior Achilles – savagely slays Priam, the king of the Trojans and the father of Paris, who killed Pyrrhus’s father, Achilles, who killed Paris’s brother, Hector, who killed Achilles’s comrade, Patroclus. Clearly, the theme of revenge at work in this story would have appealed to Shakespeare as he was writing what would become the greatest revenge tragedy of all time. Moreover, Aeneas’s tale to Dido supplied Shakespeare with all of the connections he sought to make at this crucial point in his play and his career – connections between himself and Marlowe, between the start of Hamlet and the end, between Prince Hamlet and King Claudius, between epic poetry and tragic drama, and between the classical literature Shakespeare was still reading hundreds of years later and his own potential as a classic who might (and would) be read hundreds of years into the future.

Chapter Twelve How Theater Works, according to Hamlet

According to Hamlet, people who are guilty of a crime will, when seeing that crime represented on stage, “proclaim [their] malefactions”—but that simply isn’t how theater works. Guilty people sit though shows that depict their crimes all the time without being prompted to public confession. Why did Shakespeare—a remarkably observant student of theater—write this demonstrably false theory of drama into his protagonist? And why did Shakespeare then write the plot of the play to affirm that obviously inaccurate vision of theater? For Claudius is indeed stirred to confession by the play-within-the-play. Perhaps Hamlet’s theory of people proclaiming malefactions upon seeing their crimes represented onstage is not as outlandish as it first appears. Perhaps four centuries of obsession with Hamlet is the English-speaking world proclaiming its malefactions upon seeing them represented dramatically.

Chapter Thirteen “To be, or not to be”: Shakespeare Against Philosophy

This chapter hazards a new reading of the most famous passage in Western literature: “To be, or not to be” from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet . With this line, Hamlet poses his personal struggle, a question of life and death, as a metaphysical problem, as a question of existence and nothingness. However, “To be, or not to be” is not what it seems to be. It seems to be a representation of tragic angst, yet a consideration of the context of the speech reveals that “To be, or not to be” is actually a satire of philosophy and Shakespeare’s representation of the theatricality of everyday life. In this chapter, a close reading of the context and meaning of this passage leads into an attempt to formulate a Shakespearean image of philosophy.

Chapter Fourteen Contagious Suicide in and Around Hamlet

As in society today, suicide is contagious in Hamlet , at least in the example of Ophelia, the only death by suicide in the play, because she only becomes suicidal after hearing Hamlet talk about his own suicidal thoughts in “To be, or not to be.” Just as there are media guidelines for reporting on suicide, there are better and worse ways of handling Hamlet . Careful suicide coverage can change public misperceptions and reduce suicide contagion. Is the same true for careful literary criticism and classroom discussion of suicide texts? How can teachers and literary critics reduce suicide contagion and increase help-seeking behavior?

Chapter Fifteen Is Hamlet a Sexist Text? Overt Misogyny vs. Unconscious Bias

Students and fans of Shakespeare’s Hamlet persistently ask a question scholars and critics of the play have not yet definitively answered: is it a sexist text? The author of this text has been described as everything from a male chauvinist pig to a trailblazing proto-feminist, but recent work on the science behind discrimination and prejudice offers a new, better vocabulary in the notion of unconscious bias. More pervasive and slippery than explicit bigotry, unconscious bias involves the subtle, often unintentional words and actions which indicate the presence of biases we may not be aware of, ones we may even fight against. The Shakespeare who wrote Hamlet exhibited an unconscious bias against women, I argue, even as he sought to critique the mistreatment of women in a patriarchal society. The evidence for this unconscious bias is not to be found in the misogynistic statements made by the characters in the play. It exists, instead, in the demonstrable preference Shakespeare showed for men over women when deciding where to deploy his literary talents. Thus, Shakespeare's Hamlet is a powerful literary example – one which speaks to, say, the modern corporation – showing that deliberate efforts for egalitarianism do not insulate one from the effects of structural inequalities that both stem from and create unconscious bias.

Chapter Sixteen Style and Purpose in Acting and Writing

Purpose and style are connected in academic writing. To answer the question of style ( How should we write academic papers? ) we must first answer the question of purpose ( Why do we write academic papers? ). We can answer these questions, I suggest, by turning to an unexpected style guide that’s more than 400 years old: the famous passage on “the purpose of playing” in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet . In both acting and writing, a high style often accompanies an expressive purpose attempting to impress an elite audience yet actually alienating intellectual people, while a low style and mimetic purpose effectively engage an intellectual audience.

Chapter Seventeen 13 Ways of Looking at a Ghost

Why doesn’t Gertrude see the Ghost of King Hamlet in Act III, even though Horatio, Bernardo, Francisco, Marcellus, and Prince Hamlet all saw it in Act I? It’s a bit embarrassing that Shakespeare scholars don’t have a widely agreed-upon consensus that explains this really basic question that puzzles a lot of people who read or see Hamlet .

Chapter Eighteen The Tragedy of Love in Hamlet

The word “love” appears 84 times in Shakespeare’s Hamlet . “Father” only appears 73 times, “play” 60, “think” 55, “mother” 46, “mad” 44, “soul” 40, “God" 39, “death” 38, “life” 34, “nothing” 28, “son” 26, “honor” 21, “spirit” 19, “kill” 18, “revenge” 14, and “action” 12. Love isn’t the first theme that comes to mind when we think of Hamlet , but is surprisingly prominent. But love is tragic in Hamlet . The bloody catastrophe at the end of that play is principally driven not by hatred or a longing for revenge, but by love.

Chapter Nineteen Ophelia’s Songs: Moral Agency, Manipulation, and the Metaphor of Music in Hamlet

This chapter reads Ophelia’s songs in Act IV of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the context of the meaning of music established elsewhere in the play. While the songs are usually seen as a marker of Ophelia’s madness (as a result of the death of her father) or freedom (from the constraints of patriarchy), they come – when read in light of the metaphor of music as manipulation – to symbolize her role as a pawn in Hamlet’s efforts to deceive his family. Thus, music was Shakespeare’s platform for connecting Ophelia’s story to one of the central questions in Hamlet : Do we have control over our own actions (like the musician), or are we controlled by others (like the instrument)?

Chapter Twenty A Quantitative Study of Prose and Verse in Hamlet

Why does Hamlet have so much prose? Did Shakespeare deliberately shift from verse to prose to signal something to his audiences? How would actors have handled the shifts from verse to prose? Would audiences have detected shifts from verse to prose? Is there an overarching principle that governs Shakespeare’s decision to use prose—a coherent principle that says, “If X, then use prose?”

Chapter Twenty-One The Fortunes of Fate in Hamlet : Divine Providence and Social Determinism

In Hamlet , fate is attacked from both sides: “fortune” presents a world of random happenstance, “will” a theory of efficacious human action. On this backdrop, this essay considers—irrespective of what the characters say and believe—what the structure and imagery Shakespeare wrote into Hamlet say about the possibility that some version of fate is at work in the play. I contend the world of Hamlet is governed by neither fate nor fortune, nor even the Christianized version of fate called “providence.” Yet there is a modern, secular, disenchanted form of fate at work in Hamlet—what is sometimes called “social determinism”—which calls into question the freedom of the individual will. As such, Shakespeare’s Hamlet both commented on the transformation of pagan fate into Christian providence that happened in the centuries leading up to the play, and anticipated the further transformation of fate from a theological to a sociological idea, which occurred in the centuries following Hamlet .

Chapter Twenty-Two The Working Class in Hamlet

There’s a lot for working-class folks to hate about Hamlet —not just because it’s old, dusty, difficult to understand, crammed down our throats in school, and filled with frills, tights, and those weird lace neck thingies that are just socially awkward to think about. Peak Renaissance weirdness. Claustrophobicly cloistered inside the castle of Elsinore, quaintly angsty over royal family problems, Hamlet feels like the literary epitome of elitism. “Lawless resolutes” is how the Wittenberg scholar Horatio describes the soldiers who join Fortinbras’s army in exchange “for food.” The Prince Hamlet who has never worked a day in his life denigrates Polonius as a “fishmonger”: quite the insult for a royal advisor to be called a working man. And King Claudius complains of the simplicity of "the distracted multitude.” But, in Hamlet , Shakespeare juxtaposed the nobles’ denigrations of the working class as readily available metaphors for all-things-awful with the rather valuable behavior of working-class characters themselves. When allowed to represent themselves, the working class in Hamlet are characterized as makers of things—of material goods and services like ships, graves, and plays, but also of ethical and political virtues like security, education, justice, and democracy. Meanwhile, Elsinore has a bad case of affluenza, the make-believe disease invented by an American lawyer who argued that his client's social privilege was so great that it created an obliviousness to law. While social elites rot society through the twin corrosives of political corruption and scholarly detachment, the working class keeps the machine running. They build the ships, plays, and graves society needs to function, and monitor the nuts-and-bolts of the ideals—like education and justice—that we aspire to uphold.

Chapter Twenty-Three The Honor Code at Harvard and in Hamlet

Students at Harvard College are asked, when they first join the school and several times during their years there, to affirm their awareness of and commitment to the school’s honor code. But instead of “the foundation of our community” that it is at Harvard, honor is tragic in Hamlet —a source of anxiety, blunder, and catastrophe. As this chapter shows, looking at Hamlet from our place at Harvard can bring us to see what a tangled knot honor can be, and we can start to theorize the difference between heroic and tragic honor.

Chapter Twenty-Four The Meaning of Death in Shakespeare’s Hamlet

By connecting the ways characters live their lives in Hamlet to the ways they die – on-stage or off, poisoned or stabbed, etc. – Shakespeare symbolized hamartia in catastrophe. In advancing this argument, this chapter develops two supporting ideas. First, the dissemination of tragic necessity: Shakespeare distributed the Aristotelian notion of tragic necessity – a causal relationship between a character’s hamartia (fault or error) and the catastrophe at the end of the play – from the protagonist to the other characters, such that, in Hamlet , those who are guilty must die, and those who die are guilty. Second, the spectacularity of death: there exists in Hamlet a positive correlation between the severity of a character’s hamartia (error or flaw) and the “spectacularity” of his or her death – that is, the extent to which it is presented as a visible and visceral spectacle on-stage.

Chapter Twenty-Five Tragic Excess in Hamlet

In Hamlet , Shakespeare paralleled the situations of Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras (the father of each is killed, and each then seeks revenge) to promote the virtue of moderation: Hamlet moves too slowly, Laertes too swiftly – and they both die at the end of the play – but Fortinbras represents a golden mean which marries the slowness of Hamlet with the swiftness of Laertes. As argued in this essay, Shakespeare endorsed the virtue of balance by allowing Fortinbras to be one of the very few survivors of the play. In other words, excess is tragic in Hamlet .

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What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge round-up of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

Argumentative Essay Topics
Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics
Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
Descriptive Essay Topics
Expository and Informative Essay Topics
Humorous Essay Topics

Literary Essay Topics

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics
Personal Essay Topics
Persuasive Essay Topics

Research Essay Topics

Argumentative essay topics for high school.

When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some possible argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )

The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
The best country in the world is …
Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

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Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
Does social media do more harm than good?
Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
Are men and women treated equally?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 100 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

How does playing sports affect people?
What are the effects of loving to read?
Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
What effect does violence in movies or video games have on kids?
Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
Racism is caused by …

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

Public and private schools
Capitalism vs. communism
Monarchy or democracy
Dogs vs. cats as pets

Paper books or e-books
Two political candidates in a current race
Going to college vs. starting work full-time
Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
iPhone or Android
Instagram vs. Twitter (or choose any other two social media platforms)

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

Who is the funniest person you know?
What is your happiest memory?
Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
Write about your favorite place.
When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
What is your earliest memory?

What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
Describe your favorite pet.
What is the most important item in the world to you?
Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( See 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

What makes a good leader?
Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
Describe how the internet changed the world.
What does it mean to be a good teacher?

Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
What does “financial responsibility” mean?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.

Explain why it's important to eat dessert first.

Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well.

Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .

Analyze the role of the witches in Macbeth.

Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.

Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.

Write about a time when you or someone you know displayed courage.

Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
Tell about your proudest moment.

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience, so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 60 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
What animal makes the best pet?
Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
The best music genre is …

What is one book that everyone should be required to read?

Is democracy the best form of government?
Is capitalism the best form of economy?
Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
Should schools have dress codes?
If I could change one school rule, it would be …
Is year-round school a good idea?

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
Describe the causes and effects of a specific war.
Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?

Tell the story of the development of artificial intelligence so far, and describe its impacts along the way.

Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
Choose one animal from the endangered species list, and propose a realistic plan to protect it.

What are some of your favorite essay topics for high school? Come share your prompts on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the ultimate guide to student writing contests .

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Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.

100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens

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151 Hamlet Essay Titles, Examples, & Thesis Ideas
151 Hamlet Essay Topics & Thesis Ideas. We know how long students search for interesting Hamlet essay topics. In this post, you will find a list of the most debating Hamlet essay titles and thesis ideas. We've also developed a guide on how to write a Hamlet paper and included some helpful Hamlet essay examples.
140 Hamlet Essay Topics
140 Hamlet Essay Topics. One of Shakespeare's most iconic plays is Hamlet. Set in Denmark, it tells the story of Hamlet, a young prince who becomes aware of his father's death and seeks revenge against his mother Gertrude by killing her new husband, Claudius. The play is a thrilling roller coaster ride of emotions, with themes such as lust ...
353 Hamlet Essay Topics & Ideas
353 Hamlet Essay Topics & Ideas. Hamlet essay topics delve into the deep, convoluted world of Shakespearean tragedy, focusing on various themes, such as revenge, mortality, madness, and moral corruption. These topics provide a rich exploration of Hamlet's internal struggles and existential crises, his complex relationships with characters ...
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Suggested Essay Topics. 1. Contrast the attitudes towards the death of the old King as expressed by Claudius and Hamlet. 2. Compare the advice given to Ophelia by Laertes and that given by ...
100+ Awesome Hamlet Essay Topics and Ideas
A Hamlet essay is an analytical piece that delves into the themes, characters, plot, motifs, or historical context of William Shakespeare's iconic tragedy, "Hamlet". This play, often touted as one of the greatest pieces of literature ever written, is rife with profound topics and subtle nuances.
Hamlet Essay Topics
Essay Topics. 1. Hamlet is deeply concerned with questions of truth and falsehood. What role does truthfulness play in the events of the story, and how is truthfulness shown to be more complex than it might at first seem? 2. In the middle of Hamlet, we watch a play within a play, "The Mousetrap.". But first, we hear Hamlet's opinions on ...
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The general theme of the play deals with a society that is, or has already gone to pieces. 1. Another theme of the play is that of revenge. Hamlet must avenge his father's death. Revenge is ...
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Sample Essay Outlines. PDF Cite. The following paper topics are based on the entire play. Following each topic is a thesis and sample outline. Use these as a starting point for your paper. Topic ...
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Easy Hamlet Essay Topics. Unveiling the Spectral Layers: Derrida's Deconstructive Exploration of Ghostly Presence in Hamlet. Explore Hamlet's depths through Lacan's psychoanalytic insights. Rorschach test-like exploration of madness in Hamlet. Delve into Ophelia's role as a potential feminist icon or victim of patriarchy.
204 Hamlet Research Paper Topics & Essay Titles
This essay aims to show the common features of Oedipus and Hamlet, the main characters of eponymous plays. Madness of Ophelia in "Hamlet" by Shakespeare. The paper states that in the tragedy "Hamlet," Ophelia is a special character who causes much admiration and compassion, yet is a very controversial figure.
Hamlet Essays
Join Now Log in Home Literature Essays Hamlet Hamlet Essays Through Rose Colored Glasses: How the Victorian Age Shifted the Focus of Hamlet Rebecca Rendell Hamlet. 19th century critic William Hazlitt praised Hamlet by saying that, "The whole play is an exact transcript of what might be supposed to have taken pace at the court of Denmark, at the remote period of the time fixed upon."
Hamlet Essay Questions
Hamlet Essay Questions. 1. Hamlet is widely hailed as the first modern play in the English language. Which characteristics of its central character might account for this label? Hamlet is considered the first modern play partly because of the psychological depth of its main character -- Hamlet suffers from melancholy, self-doubt, and even ...
170+ Hamlet Essay Topics To Succeed In Literature Class
Hamlet Madness Essay Topics. There is a hint of madness in every character in the play. This is a recurring and interesting theme that makes for some of the most exhaustive and intriguing hamlet writing prompts. Madness is the underlying theme of Hamlet. Illustrate with examples.
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Essay Title 3: "Hamlet" in a Contemporary Context: Adaptations, Interpretations, and the Play's Enduring Relevance. Thesis Statement: This essay examines modern adaptations and interpretations of "Hamlet," exploring how the themes, characters, and dilemmas presented in the play continue to resonate with audiences today, making "Hamlet" a ...
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PAGES 2 WORDS 763. He never sees things from the perspective of other people or overthinks the moral implications of his deeds. Fortinbras challenges Claudius openly, unlike Hamlet who merely stages a play to test Claudius' guilt and tries (and fails) to kill the King at prayer. At first, Hamlet drew inspiration from a Player King's passion.
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A theme of madness in Hamlet. This theme is by far the most prevalent in the entire play. Moreover, it overlaps with other topics in Hamlet, such as death, deception, love, and betrayal. Students can analyze both the nature of Hamlet's forced insanity and Ophelia's madness. An analysis of Shakespeare's writing style in Hamlet.
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One may smile, and smile, and be a villain' (1.5.109). Hamlet is determined to act without delay, and swears as much to his father. We know, however, that if this is all there is, this is going to ...
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120+ Fascinating Essay Topics for High School Students
The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here.) Public and private schools. Capitalism vs. communism. Monarchy or democracy. Dogs vs. cats as pets. WeAreTeachers. Paper books or e-books. Two political candidates in a current race.
ArtII.1 Overview of Article II, Executive Branch
Footnotes Jump to essay-1 U.S. Const. art. II, § 3. Jump to essay-2 Springer v. Government of Philippine Islands, 277 U.S. 189, 202 (1928). Jump to essay-3 United States v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corp., 299 U.S. 304, 319 (1936). Jump to essay-4 See generally ArtII.S1.C1.1 Overview of Executive Vesting Clause. Jump to essay-5 Seila Law LLC v. Consumer Fin. Prot. Bureau, No. 19-7, slip op. at 22 ...
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In City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, the Supreme Court is asked to address the applicability of the Eighth Amendment 's bar on cruel and unusual punishments 1 Footnote U.S. Const. amend. VIII (cruel and unusual punishments [shall not be] inflicted). to city ordinances that impose fines, bans from public property, or prosecutions for criminal trespass on individuals who camp in public parks.
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Overview of Free Exercise Clause
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151 Hamlet Essay Topics & Thesis Ideas

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140 Hamlet Essay Topics

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