In the past two papers, you have been working with only primary texts. For this paper, you will be working with both primary and secondary texts. You will be writing about an element of the play Hamlet, which we will study together in class.
You may choose one of the following questions to research:
What is Hamlet’s tragic flaw?
Pick any character and research his/her importance—so: What is ____’s importance in the play?
You may choose your own topic if you run it by me and get it approved.
After you have picked what your paper will focus on, you will find 2-4 sources that weigh in on your topic. Read them thoroughly and write a paper that answers your question, arguing for your opinion as the correct reading of the play. To do this, you will use examples and quotes from the play and examples and quotes from the critics you read. You may choose to only work with critics whose opinion concurs with your own, or you may like to use one whom you disagree with. Either way, you are using them to help you prove your point. At no time do you want them to take over. You are not writing a paper about what critics say on your topic; you are writing a persuasive essay and using the critics to help you argue your thesis.
All of your sources should be from credible, peer-reviewed sources. We will go over how to do this research in class, and you will be responsible for using only research that meets these criteria. You must follow all MLA guidelines for in-text citations and a Works Cited page.
Your 700-900 word paper should be double-spaced, typed in 12 pt. font, and stapled. It will be graded on content, analysis, use of sources, grammar, mechanics, organization, citation, and appropriateness to the assignment.
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