There are different ways of analysing and thinking about theatre. Below, you will find four types of assignments. You will choose one type for Hamlet, and another for Othello.
Assignment A: be the CRITIC
➜ Watch and compare three interpretations of the soliloquy (links below).
➜ While watching, take notes on...
➜ Use your notes to write an article (250-300 words). Tips for writing an article can be found on this page.
➜ Upload your article to Seesaw and copy the link to your Literary History File in Egodact.
➜ Write a descriptive essay (250-300 words) about your findings. Tips for writing an essay can be found on this page.
➜ Upload your article to Seesaw and copy the link to your Literary History File in Egodact.
Assignment D: be the PSYCHIATRIST
➜ FOR HAMLET: Study the monologue, underline the phrases that Hamlet uses to talk about his feelings. Do you think Hamlet is depressed? Or suicidal? Find out what critics have said about Hamlet's mental health. Which do you think is the most credible analysis and why?
➜ FOR OTHELLO: Study the monologue, underline the phrases that Iago uses to talk about his own manipulative scheme. What does this say about Iago's character? Do some additional research into Iago's character using the sources below. Can you think of a convincing backstory for someone to become like Iago?
➜ Write a descriptive essay (250-300 words) about your findings. Tips for writing an essay can be found on this page.
➜ Upload your article to Seesaw and copy the link to your Literary History File in Egodact.
Interpretations
Hamlet, Act 3 Scene 1:
Othello, Act 2 Scene 3:
Unfortunately, there aren't as many famous renditions of Othello as there are of Hamlet... so there's one below from famous Shakespearean actor Kenneth Brannagh, one from a live production in Shakespeare's The Globe Theatre and then a few from lesser known actors and even random YouTubers for you to compare the professionals to...
Analyses