For this essay you will generate your own thesis related to the issue of REVENGE in Hamlet. You can
start by considering the following question?
• What is revenge? What does it do to the avenger? To the villain? To the victim?
• What is the relationship between revenge and justice?
• In which ways does Hamlet fit, and/or stray from, the conventions of revenge tragedy?
• Is the play supportive or critical of revenge, or both?
• How does the act of or desire for revenge affect issues such as: gender, self identity or
mental state, family or romantic relationships, and national identity?
Remember that a strong thesis needs to be clear, supportable, insightful, and specific. Be thoughtful
when choosing your topic. Choose something that is interesting to you. Choose something that you
think other readers will find compelling. Choose something that you can support using only the text
of the play.
Sample Solution