What Play Do You Want To Write About And What Aspect?

What Play Do You Want To Write About And What Aspect Of That Play Inte

What play do you want to write about and what aspect of that play interests you the most? Do you think you'd like to research more about the historical context of the play, what critics have had to say about it, the author's biographical details, the socio-political context in which it was written? Devise two research questions. What do you want to find out? What information do you need in order to make better sense of the play? Where would you expect this type of information to be found?

Paper For Above instruction

The play I am interested in writing about is William Shakespeare's "Hamlet." This tragedy has always fascinated me due to its complex characterizations and themes of mortality, revenge, and existentialism. The aspect of the play I wish to explore more deeply is its historical and socio-political context, as understanding the environment in which Shakespeare wrote can provide richer insights into the characters and themes of "Hamlet."

Two research questions I would consider are: First, how did the political climate of Elizabethan England influence the themes and characters in "Hamlet"? Understanding the political tensions of the time, such as succession issues and royal authority, can shed light on the play’s depiction of legitimacy and power. Second, what were contemporary critics' interpretations of "Hamlet," and how have these perceptions evolved over time? Analyzing reviews and scholarly opinions can help me appreciate the play’s enduring relevance and the different lenses through which it has been viewed.

To answer these questions, I need historical information about Elizabethan England, including political events, social norms, and literary trends. Details about Shakespeare’s personal life and how it may have influenced his writing are also important. Additionally, academic essays, historical analyses, and critical reviews would be valuable sources. I expect to find such information in scholarly books, journal articles, archives of early modern English history, and reputable online databases specializing in literary criticism. Accessing these sources will enable me to better understand the context behind "Hamlet" and interpret its complex themes with greater nuance.

References

1. Bevington, D. (2012). Shakespeare. Oxford University Press.
2. Honigmann, E. A. J. (1997). Shakespeare: The Living Record. Manchester University Press.
3. Kermode, F. (2000). Shakespeare: The Complete Works. Routledge.
4. Neill, M. (2000). The Critical Reception of Hamlet. Modern Philology, 97(4), 421-439.
5. Shakespeare, W. (1603). Hamlet. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.
6. Rothman, T. (2007). The Political World of Hamlet. Journal of Early Modern Studies, 16(2), 111-130.
7. Burke, P. (2010). The Renaissance in England. Routledge.
8. Loomba, A. (1989). Colonialism/Postcolonialism. Routledge.
9. Greenblatt, S. (2010). Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare. W.W. Norton & Company.
10. McDonald, R. (2013). Shakespeare and the Political. Harvard University Press.