ENG 125 - Act IV and V Revision Questions

Act IV
How does Hamlet contrast himself (all men) to beasts?
How does Claudius propose to satisfy Laertes' suspicions?
What reasons does Claudius give Laertes for not taking action against Hamlet, who, Claudius says "Pursed [his] life"?
Why does Claudius plan to poison the drink, in addition to poisoning the rapier tip which Laertes will wield?
How does Ophelia drown?

Act V
Why is there debate surrounding the nature of Ophelia's funeral?
What joking insult to the English does Shakespeare put into the gravedigger's dialogue, regarding Hamlet's madness?
What cause does Laertes ascribe to Ophelia's madness, which led to her death?
What prompts Hamlet's outburst at Ophelia's graveside?
How does Hamlet justify his counterfeit command that his friends are to be murdered by the English?
In his apology to Laertes, what does Hamlet mean when he says "I have shot my arrow o'er the house and hurt my brother"?
Why does Hamlet forbid Horatio to drink the rest of the poisoned cup?
Who will ascend to power as the new King of Denmark?

ENG 125 - Hamlet Revision Questions

Questions for Discussion

What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern report to Claudius regarding their conversation with Hamlet?
What do the pair fail to reveal to Claudius?
What favor does Hamlet ask of Horatio?
What is the plot of the show the players present?
What rationale do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern give for accepting Claudius' commission to take Hamlet to England?
What is ironic about Hamlet's failure to kill Claudius while the king is kneeling in prayer?
What is Hamlet's reaction when he realizes that he has killed Polonius rather than Claudius?
Why does the Ghost appear in the Queen's bedroom while Hamlet speaks with his mother? Why can't Gertrude see it?

One Page Response Questions (500 words)

Discuss the thematic connection between Hamlet's scene with Ophelia where he speaks of honesty, his speech to the Players on acting, and his speech to Horatio on flattery.

or

Compare Claudius' thoughts on his own guilt as he tries to pray to Gertrude's recognition of her guilt when confronted by Hamlet.

ENG 104 - Sample Process

Click here to read The Successful Student by Susan Kelly.

ENG 105 - Scott Berkun's "How to be a Free Thinker"

Read this excellent article by motivational speaker and author Scott Berkun. Observe how many of the ideas that 'chain us' are dictated by values, beliefs, and ideologies.

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who has said it, even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your reason and your own common sense.” - Buddha

Click here to read the article.

What is (or isn't) Poetic Appropriation?

Read this short article on the ethics of appropriation in the arts by Keith Wilson at We Who Are About to Die.
http://wewhoareabouttodie.com/2010/08/22/what-is-or-isnt-poetic-appropriation/

ENG 105 - Definition Writing Prompt

Write a 500 word essay attempting to define one of the following terms. You MUST adhere to MLA Conventions (if you do not have a Wadsworth Handbook PLEASE SEE THE OWL MLA GUIDE in the links).

Write a brief definition of: Honor; Humility; Maturity; Integrity; True Friendship; Success; Self-Respect; Ambition; or Progress. Remember that an effective definition encompasses techniques used in other styles of Composition.

This essay is due Wednesday September 1st 2010 BEFORE 4:00 p.m.

ENG 105 - Sample Extended Definition

Please read the example Extended Definition I have provided "What is Love?". It is a PDF document.