Hamlet Task

Read Hamlet’s speech at the end of Act 2, Scene 2. Consider its importance and write a short analysis of this speech. Post it as a comment.

No Fear Shakespeare

Here is a link to No Fear Shakespeare – It’s worth using as an independent study aid:

http://nfs.sparknotes.com/hamlet/

Practice Critical Essay Questions

Drama

Choose from a play a scene which significantly changes your view of a character.

Explain how the scene prompts this reappraisal and discuss how important it is to your understanding of the character in the play as a whole.

Prose

Choose a novel which deals with betrayal.

Discuss the writer’s exploration of the theme and show to what extent it conveys a powerful message about the nature of love.

 Poetry

Choose a poem which explore the theme of war.

Discuss how this theme is explored and how effective the poet is in conveying the central concerns of the text.

 

Quotation Carousel

Prior to class on Monday, post 5 quotations onto Glow, for each of the texts you plan to write about in your prelim.

 

Critical Essay Practice – Introductions

Prior to class tomorrow, write an introduction to all 3 of these questions. Post your answers onto Glow.

Drama

Choose from a play a scene in which manipulation, temptation or humiliation is an
important feature.
Explain what happens in the scene and go on to show how the outcome of the
manipulation, temptation or humiliation adds to your appreciation of the play as a
whole.

Prose

Choose a novel in which the writer explores feelings of rejection or
isolation or alienation.
Explain how the writer makes you aware of these feelings and go on to show how this
exploration enhances your appreciation of the text as a whole.

Poetry

Choose a poem which seems to you to be critical of a person or a point of view.
Discuss how effectively this criticism is presented by the poet.

 

Critical Essay – Writing a Conclusion

The conclusion of your critical essay restates your position and summarises how your evidence supports your point of view. Try to include a quotation and try to focus on the key points you are trying to make.

To Be or Not To Be

Compose 3 further evaluations (a total of 4, plus your introduction,) for the following question. Post these onto Glow in advance of class on Monday.

Choose a play in which a character’s greatest difficulty is with himself.

Show how the dramatist makes you aware of this and discuss how it influences your appreciation of character and the theme of the play as a whole.

Critical Essay Marking

Prior to class on Monday, please click on the SQA link, below, print off the essay, and mark it, according to your understanding of Critical Essay guidelines. Make at least 3 robust comments.

Critical Essay Development

Prior to school tomorrow, compile one further evaluation and a conclusion to your critical essay. Make sure that you post these onto Glow. I will then review them over the weekend and will provide you with written feedback.

Prior to close of school tomorrow, a small homework task will be posted for you to complete over the weekend.

Higher Critical Essay Homework

Post another 2 evaluations onto Glow, prior to class tomorrow. Bear in mind the necessity to check work for ‘sense,’ and good expression.