Posted: June 15th, 2015

The Renaissance: The Rise of the Individual

The Renaissance: The Rise of the Individual

1. What makes The Tragedy of Hamlet a Renaissance work of literature? (You will need to consider (research) the characteristics of Renaissance literature; social and historical values reflective of the English Renaissance Period; the themes, motifs, conflicts and character types in Hamlet, Prince Hamlet’s character—his thoughts/actions/reactions as seen in his soliloquies; William Shakespeare; and
Renaissance English politics.
2. Compare two of Shakespeare’s sonnets (Sonnets 29, 30, 71, 116, 130) based on careful observation of the works’ details: organization and format, figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Justify the two sonnets as examples of Renaissance literature as they reflect social and historical values. Finally, explain which sonnet Hamlet would prefer (identify with) and why.