I will sign off the annotation tomorrow:
HAMLET SOLILOQUY ANALYSIS
Tomorrow we will take a closer look at the soliloquies of Hamlet, using the central one—“To be, or not to be”—as our starting point.
With this speech, Hamlet reveals for the third time his inner torments, questions, impressions, resolutions. Each soliloquy marks a stage in the progression of Hamlet’s thought, as forces within and without him impel him toward his destiny.
• “Oh that this too too sullied [solid] flesh would melt / thaw, and resolve itself.."
• “O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!”
• “To be, or not to be, that is the question…”
• “How all occasions do inform against me:” (wait on this one)
Hamlet has more to say (“the readiness is all,” for example), but we are asking you to stop now and examine his latest speech in the light of his previous two. All are in blank verse form: unrhymed iambic pentameter. Each features its own distinct pace, tone (or progression of tones), imagery & figures of speech. Each reflects the moment that Hamlet is in and mood that occupies him—although that mood may not remain static. Be aware of beats, or tone shifts, that are liable to occur. Moreover, Hamlet’s subject and the way he addresses it change with his circumstances.
For this assignment, you are asked to go through “To be, or not to be…” and the two preceding soliloquies thoroughly and mine them for all the meaning you can find. Take into account every feature mentioned above. As you work, highlight and annotate.
When you have finished looking at each, compare them with each other and write an informal analytical reflection of two pages (double-spaced, 12 times new roman, of course).
This is a pass/no pass assignment. The annotated soliloquies are worth 10 points and the analysis 20.
HAMLET SOLILOQUY ANALYSIS
Tomorrow we will take a closer look at the soliloquies of Hamlet, using the central one—“To be, or not to be”—as our starting point.
With this speech, Hamlet reveals for the third time his inner torments, questions, impressions, resolutions. Each soliloquy marks a stage in the progression of Hamlet’s thought, as forces within and without him impel him toward his destiny.
• “Oh that this too too sullied [solid] flesh would melt / thaw, and resolve itself.."
• “O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!”
• “To be, or not to be, that is the question…”
• “How all occasions do inform against me:” (wait on this one)
Hamlet has more to say (“the readiness is all,” for example), but we are asking you to stop now and examine his latest speech in the light of his previous two. All are in blank verse form: unrhymed iambic pentameter. Each features its own distinct pace, tone (or progression of tones), imagery & figures of speech. Each reflects the moment that Hamlet is in and mood that occupies him—although that mood may not remain static. Be aware of beats, or tone shifts, that are liable to occur. Moreover, Hamlet’s subject and the way he addresses it change with his circumstances.
For this assignment, you are asked to go through “To be, or not to be…” and the two preceding soliloquies thoroughly and mine them for all the meaning you can find. Take into account every feature mentioned above. As you work, highlight and annotate.
When you have finished looking at each, compare them with each other and write an informal analytical reflection of two pages (double-spaced, 12 times new roman, of course).
This is a pass/no pass assignment. The annotated soliloquies are worth 10 points and the analysis 20.
