Lesson Plan: AP Style Essay - Literary Analysis of Hamlet
Subject: Literature
Grade Level: 11
Duration: 45 minutes
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will:
- Understand the theme of revenge in Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
- Develop an outline for an AP-style literary analysis essay.
- Use textual evidence to support their analysis.
- Practice writing a thesis statement and topic sentences.
Materials Needed
- Copies of "Hamlet" (relevant excerpts)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with AP Essay rubric
- Notebooks and pens
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Begin with a brief discussion about the themes in "Hamlet."
- Ask students if they can identify the major themes of the play (e.g., revenge, madness, mortality).
- Introduce the concept of writing an AP literary analysis essay focusing on the theme of revenge.
Lecture: The Theme of Revenge in "Hamlet" (10 minutes)
- Present a short lecture explaining how revenge drives the plot of "Hamlet."
- Discuss key moments in the play that illustrate the theme, such as Hamlet’s internal conflict, the ghost’s demands, and Ophelia’s plight.
- Highlight relevant quotes that can be used in their analysis.
Group Activity: Analyzing the Theme (10 minutes)
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific act or scene of "Hamlet" to analyze.
- Instruct them to identify examples of revenge and discuss how these examples affect character development and plot progression.
- After 5 minutes, have each group share their findings with the class.
Writing Activity: Structuring an AP-style Essay (15 minutes)
-
Thesis Statement: Guide students on how to write a strong thesis statement. Emphasize that it must clearly state their argument regarding the theme of revenge in "Hamlet."
- Example: "In 'Hamlet,' Shakespeare explores the destructive nature of revenge through Hamlet's internal struggle and the tragic consequences faced by those seeking vengeance."
-
Outline Development
- Provide students with a template for writing an outline, including sections for the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- In the body paragraphs, instruct students to include specific evidence from the text, analysis, and commentary.
-
Practice Writing Topic Sentences:
- Have students draft topic sentences for each body paragraph based on the points they want to make about the theme of revenge.
- Encourage them to refer back to their group discussions for support.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Recap the importance of a strong thesis statement and analytical structure in an AP essay.
- Remind students to annotate their texts as they prepare for writing their essays.
- Assign students to write a complete draft of their essay at home, due next class.
Assessment
Students will be evaluated based on their participation in group discussions, the strength of their thesis statements, the structure of their outlines, and the quality of their topic sentences. The final essays will be assessed according to the AP Essay rubric provided.
Homework
- Complete a first draft of the literary analysis essay, focusing on the theme of revenge in "Hamlet."
- Bring a printed copy of the draft to the next class for peer review.
Additional Resources
- "Hamlet" – A copy of the play (digital or physical)
- AP English Literature and Composition textbook/guide
- Online literary analysis sources (e.g., SparkNotes, CliffsNotes)
This lesson aims to foster critical thinking and analytical writing skills in preparation for AP Literature exams, while deepening the understanding of Shakespeare's work in the context of its themes.