Critique and analyze at least three of the following performances of Hamlet's "To be or not to be" soliloquy.
Make sure that you use plenty of specific detail in your analysis and that you clearly identify your favorite performance of the three you choose.
Which one best expresses your idea of how it should be performed?
What qualities, attitudes, and concerns that Shakespeare wanted the audience to see in Hamlet are highlighted by the performance you like best?
What makes the other performances less successful in your view?
Branagh's Hamlet
Olivier's Hamlet
Gibson's Hamlet
Hawke's Hamlet
Jacobi's Hamlet
Tennant's Hamlet
Category Grading
Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Topic Sentence
. The essay has a specific and precise topic sentence that clearly identifies which is the preferred performance and why
Development
. The body of the essay clearly explains what makes the chosen performance superior to the other two, based on clearly stated standards of judgment.
Detail.
The essay discusses the scenes in detail, clearly describing each scene's unique qualities
Mechanics and Style
The student demonstrates an excellent command of written Standard English, employing correct grammar, mechanics, and punctuation.)