Hamlet Essay Some reminders

Overview  My expectations  Writing reminders  M.L.A.  Noodlebib  Easybib  Due dates and extra credit

My Expectations  Well developed essay  Take risks – make this interesting to read.  Thesis  Support from Hamlet.  Grammatically and mechanically clean  1 point off per error – maximum 20 points  Literary criticism.

Writing reminders  Take steps  Brainstorm  Outline  First drafts  Revisions

Writing Tips  Write about what’s in the play, not what a director has chosen.  Kenneth Branagh chose to show Hamlet in front of a mirror – this is not in the play.  Efficient writing  Strong verbs  Avoid repeating titles  Opheila’s father, Polonius.  Avoid retelling the story – remind the reader

Modern Language Association (MLA)  Essay in MLA format.  Heading  Header  Double-spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman  Works cited  Play title is italicized.  Parenthetical citations

MLA continued  Parenthetical citations  Arabic numbers for Act, Scene, and line numbers.  Example ( )  Technically, it is (Ham )  Less than four lines – separate line breaks with /.  More than four – use block quotation.

MLA continued  Hamlet says, “To be, or not to be: that is the question / whether ‘tis nobler in mind to suffer” ( ).  OR  Hamlet says, To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, ( ) Hamlet is contemplating suicide, yada, yada, yada.

MLA Continued  Look up how to create works cited page  Noodlebib  Easybib

Due dates and extra credit  Essay Due next Monday, March 8.  Writing lab extra credit.  Again, I am not awarding points for outline and drafts, but I will look over or, better yet, sit down with you to help your writing.

Last thing  A plumber wouldn’t try to fix a clogged toilet without a wrench, gloves, and a plunger, so…