Analyzing Character in Hamlet Through Epitaphs

  Classroom Resource Information  

Title:

 Analyzing Character in Hamlet Through Epitaphs

URL:

 http://readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/analyzing-character-hamlet-through-956.html

Content Source:

 ReadWriteThink
Type: Lesson/Unit Plan

Overview:

Students compose epitaphs for deceased characters in the play Hamlet, paying particular attention to how their words appeal to the senses, create imagery, suggest mood, and set tone. Using a three-paneled poster board, students design gravestones to display their epitaphs. Students must capture the essence of their characters in their epitaphs, and their poster boards must reflect the themes that support their character's personality and station in life. The resulting projects make compelling hallway displays and provide students with an audience for their writing.

This activity can be easily adapted to another tragedy by changing the characters students write epitaphs about. For instance, students can write epitaphs for Romeo, Juliet, Mercutio, and Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet or write epitaphs for Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Duncan, and Banquo in Macbeth.

Content Standard(s):
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 11
R2. Read and comprehend a variety of literary texts to develop a literal and figurative understanding as appropriate to the type of text, purpose, and situation.

Examples: short and long prose texts, poetry, dramas
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 11
R3. Utilize active listening skills in formal and informal conversations, following predetermined norms.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 11
R4. Use digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 11
R5. Utilize a writing process which includes planning, revising, editing/peer-editing, and rewriting to create a focused, organized, and coherent piece of writing for a specific purpose and audience.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 11
4. Analyze how an author uses characterization, figurative language, literary elements, and point of view to create and convey meaning.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 11
11. Compose and edit both short and extended products in which the development and organization are relevant and suitable to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language.

Examples: paragraphs, constructed responses, essays

a. Incorporate narrative techniques in other modes of writing as appropriate.

Examples: flashback, anecdote, foreshadowing, story-telling, sensory details, character development

b. Write explanations and expositions that examine and convey complex ideas or processes effectively, develop the topic utilizing and citing credible sources of information or data when relevant, use intentional transitions, choose precise vocabulary, and maintain an organized structure.

c. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning supported by relevant and sufficient evidence, making rhetorical choices that convey a specific tone or style, including intentional transitions, and providing a logical conclusion that captures the larger implications of the topic or text.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 11
17. Use images, sound, animation, and other modes of expression to create or enhance individual or collaborative digital and multimodal texts that are suitable in purpose and tone for their intended audience and occasion.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 11
23. Deliver a speech suitable for an authentic audience for a specific purpose, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Examples: student-led conference, public meeting, community-based group
Tags: characters, Drama Map, epitaphs, Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare
License Type: Custom Permission Type
See Terms: http://www.readwritethink.org/util/legal.html
For full descriptions of license types and a guide to usage, visit :
https://creativecommons.org/licenses
Accessibility
Comments

ReadWriteThink is a free resource with links to additional videos, interactives, and instructional materials.

  This resource provided by:  
Author: Cassie Raulston