Hamlet Argumentative Essay Topics

Introduction

“The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” or what we commonly refer to as “The Hamlet” is a literal piece of work by the very famous poet, actor and playwright Shakespeare. Considered as one of the best English authors of all times, its believed that he authored The Hamlet sometime between 1599 and 1602. It is a story that reflects on society, love, betrayal, revenge, death, false accusations and humanity. It is set in Denmark, where King Hamlet is killed by his brother Claudius. What follows is a series of events that end tragically, a bloodbath of the entire family. His son, Prince Hamlet, will go on a revenge mission at the instruction of the ghost of the dead king. He feels betrayed by his mother’s action, Queen Gertrude who weds Claudius shortly after the Kings’ death.

The whole plot is a series of tragic events that will see Prince Hamlet be considered as being mad, but he eventually achieves his sought-after justice – the death of Claudius and Queen Gertrude for the murder of his father. Ultimately, the kingdom will be taken over by Prince Fortinbras, a Norwegian. Among his first acts as king of Denmark, he orders Prince Hamlet to be given a sendoff befitting a fallen soldier and hero. Prince Hamlet was seeking truth, justice, and revenge, and therefore considered a hero. Despite the path he took, he achieved his intentions.

William Shakespeare’s written works reflect on the issues that affect society such as:

Power

Love

Justice

Humanity

Loyalty

Friendship

War

Death

Revenge

Wealth

The Hamlet is no different. All the above issues have been highlighted throughout the book.

Understanding Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays are a form of writing that requires research on a topic, collection of evidence, analysis and finally establishing a position on that subject. Good Hamlet Essay topics can be identified by reading the book. However, this article focuses primarily on the Argumentative essay topics on hamlet.

Argumentative Essay Topics on Hamlet

Writing Aspects

Tragedy and revenge are aspects that stand out in the Hamlet. Is it a tragedy of revenge?

How does the imagery in the play contribute to the overall mood of the play? Discuss.

Consistency, conflict and probability are crucial elements in drama. Discuss the following;

Does Shakespeare utilize the notion of creating the characters?

Discuss how Hamlet’s character presents conflict? Highlight both the internal and external show of Prince Hamlet’s conflict.

Love

What is Prince Hamlet’s perception of the love concept? Why is he so pessimistic about the critical role it plays in the family? Explain with evidence from the pay.

Is there love between Ophelia and Hamlet? What is Hamlet’s stand on their relationship? Discuss this relationship giving the relevant examples.

Does Hamlet’s revenge mission have any impact on his relationship with Ophelia?

Throughout the entire play, it’s uncertain whether Hamlets love for Ophelia is genuine, whether it was there to the very end. How does his obsession with revenge affect this love if it is there? Why does her death weigh heavily on him?

Revenge

Is Hamlet a play primarily centered on revenge and the consequences that come with it?

What does Hamlets delay to exact revenge reveal about his personality? Is he brilliant, calculative or just plain cowardly? Give your answer and justify with reasons.

Family Bond

What are Hamlet’s feelings towards her mother? What does Hamlets consider to betrayal to the bond she shares with him and with his father, the dead king?

Gertrude and Claudius’s marriage doesn’t sit well with Hamlet. How does it contribute to Hamlets conflict and revenge plot?

Characters

Prince Hamlet and Laertes

Hamlet and Laertes, although enemies, have a lot in common. Discuss their differences and similarities.

Claudius and Laertes

Claudius and Laertes have a partnership that is founded on their shared hate for Hamlet. Compare and contrast the two characters. How much similarity or differences do they have?

What motivates Laertes’s revenge mission? Is he justified?

Hamlet’s Portrayal

He takes his time to exert his revenge. What does it reveal about his personality?

Hamlet went mad with his obsession for revenge. How true is this? Explain giving evidence from the play.

Was Hamlet truly mad? Or was it a ploy to his realize his revenge?

“His madness is poor Hamlet’s enemy.”

Is there truth in that statement?

What drives Hamlet to speak those words?

Women and Their Role in Society

How are women portrayed in the play? Discuss their positive and negative roles in the play.

How does Shakespeare present the female character? How do the male characters influence the action of the females?

Morality

Using today’s society as a point of reference, is it justifiable to consider females as being deceptive or is it chauvinistic thinking? Consider Hamlet’s negative comments on the relationship between Claudius and Queen Gertrude, his mother.

Conclusion

Good Hamlet Essay topics are not difficult to write as long as one has a thorough understanding of essay writing. Argumentative essay topics on hamlet are many and across different topics. You can focus on the literal aspects, characters, the plot, and theme of the play. Tragedy, love, revenge, betrayal, friendship, and loyalty are among the issues that stand out. Hamlet essay topics are broad, and some controversial because of the different perspectives we take.

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