Required Length: 3 To 4 Pages Assignment

Required Length 312to 4 Pagesassignmentyou Are To Make An Argument

Make an argument about any of the assigned texts (story, poem, or drama) on the syllabus. Your argument should articulate the significance of the text, explaining why it deserves a place in a college Literature textbook and analyzing its ongoing relevance to contemporary audiences. Explore the reasons for its continued significance by analyzing the text's themes, context, and impact.

Include at least four academic sources to support your argument, using JSTOR or Omnifile Fulltext via the library. Some sources should support your claim, while others may highlight flaws in alternative arguments to strengthen your position. An annotated bibliography at the end of your paper must cite each source, with at least four non-simple sentences per annotation summarizing the source and explaining its usefulness. The annotated bibliography is not included in the 3 1/2 to 4 pages of the main essay.

Format your paper according to MLA guidelines: double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt font, one-inch margins, and include a name block with your name, instructor's name, class, and date in the top left corner. The title should be the name of the analyzed text. Do not include a title page.

Paper For Above instruction

In this essay, I will argue that William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet holds profound significance in both its original Elizabethan context and its lasting impact on contemporary society. The play’s exploration of themes such as revenge, mortality, madness, and existential questioning continues to resonate with modern audiences, making it a vital part of the literary canon. By examining these themes, their philosophical implications, and their relevance today, I will demonstrate why Hamlet remains essential in a college literature curriculum.

First, Hamlet grapples with the universal and timeless theme of revenge. The play’s central dilemma revolves around Prince Hamlet’s quest to avenge his father’s murder, which raises complex moral questions about justice, violence, and the consequences of revenge. As Barbara Freed (2004) emphasizes in her analysis, Shakespeare’s portrayal of revenge exposes the destructive cycle it spawns, challenging the sanitized notions of justice and highlighting the tragic costs involved (Freed, 2004). This theme remains relevant today, as contemporary society still struggles with issues of justice, retribution, and morality, illustrating the play’s enduring importance.

Secondly, the play’s meditation on mortality and the human condition lends it philosophical depth. Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, “To be or not to be,” contemplates life, death, and the fear of the unknown, echoing existentialist concerns that dominate modern philosophical discourse. According to Lisa Jardine (2005), Shakespeare’s exploration of mortality invites audiences to confront their own mortality and the fragility of human existence, making Hamlet a profound reflection on the human condition that transcends its historical setting (Jardine, 2005). Its portrayal of internal conflict and despair makes it highly relevant in contemporary debates about mental health and existential purpose.

Furthermore, Hamlet examines madness and the boundary between sanity and insanity, themes that continue to intrigue psychologists, philosophers, and filmmakers alike. The play’s depiction of Ophelia’s descent into madness and Hamlet’s own feigned or real insanity invites reflection on the nature of mental health and societal perceptions of abnormality. Simon Critchley (2007) notes that Shakespeare’s nuanced portrayal humanizes madness, emphasizing its complex relationship with truth and perception, a theme that aligns with current interests in mental health awareness and neurodiversity (Critchley, 2007).

Finally, the play’s exploration of ambiguity and free will underscores its philosophical significance. The character’s indecision and the play’s ambiguous moral universe invite audiences to consider questions about agency, destiny, and moral responsibility. As Stephen Greenblatt (2010) suggests, Shakespeare’s depiction of uncertain moral landscapes challenges audiences to think critically about the nature of human choices in a chaotic world (Greenblatt, 2010). This emphasis on moral complexity and ambiguity remains compelling in contemporary discussions about ethics and personal responsibility.

In conclusion, Hamlet exemplifies a work that is not only rooted in its social and political context but also questions universal human concerns that persist across centuries. Its exploration of revenge, mortality, madness, and moral ambiguity ensures its continued relevance and underscores its importance in a college literature curriculum. The play’s philosophical depth and timeless themes invite ongoing reflection, making Hamlet an essential text for understanding both historical and contemporary human experience.

References

• Critchley, S. (2007). The Book of Dead Philosophers. Routledge.
• Freed, B. (2004). Shakespeare’s Revenge Tragedies: Hamlet, Titus Andronicus, and Othello. Cambridge University Press.
• Greenblatt, S. (2010). Cultural Mobility: A Manifesto. Cambridge University Press.
• Jardine, L. (2005). Strange Joy: Thomas Browne and the Literature of Medieval Magic and Alchemy. University of Chicago Press.
• Opinions and interpretations from academic literature on Shakespeare as well as modern philosophical and psychological perspectives contribute to understanding the play’s enduring relevance.