Title: Forum - "Have at you now!"
Course: BC - English Studies 12 - 1.2 > Section: Unit 6: Hamlet

"Have at you now!" Forum

Hamlet is a play that has caused quite a bit of confrontation between literary scholars over the years. Several issues have been particularly contentious, and the purpose of this forum assignment is to delve into some of those discussions. Please remain respectful as you “have at” your fellow students in this discussion.

Complete a 200-250 word forum post. Your post should address one of the following questions:

1. Was Hamlet actually “mad” or merely pretending? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your position.

1. What was the nature of Hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship? Did Hamlet actually love her or not? Had they been intimate or not? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your belief.

1. How old is Hamlet in the play? Is he 16 or 30? If he is 16, how do you explain the conversation with the gravedigger? If he is 30, why was he not made king when his father died? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your belief.

1. Would Hamlet have been a good king? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your belief.

1. Was Gertrude guilty of anything at all, or is Hamlet’s rage at her misguided? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your belief.

1. Did Ophelia commit suicide, or was her death a tragic accident? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your belief.

1. Who is the most honourable character in Hamlet and why? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your belief.

After you have created your own post, find two other students to respond to with two separate 75-100 word responses. In your response, don’t just say, “I agree! Great job!” Ask a question, disagree charitably, add other evidence that you saw from the text, or counter with a different interpretation. Try to add something meaningful and insightful to the conversation so that everyone’s understanding of the play can be increased.

Forum Post Rubric

 | Not Completed | Emerging | Developing | Proficient | Extending
 | 0 | 4              5              6             7              8             9             10
Initial Post | Not complete | My initial post demonstrates an inadequate awareness of the topic. My comments may be off topic or irrelevant and show confused thinking. I do not make reference to the lesson material. | My initial post demonstrates an adequate awareness of the topic. I provide some relevant comments and somewhat organized thinking. I make passing reference the lesson material to support my reasoning. | My initial post demonstrates thoughtful consideration of the topic. Provides relevant comments. My thinking is clear and organized, and I references the lesson material to support my reasoning. | My initial post demonstrates insightful consideration of the topic and provides relevant and comprehensive comments. I have shown exceptional logic and organization. I clearly reference lesson material to support my reasoning.
Response Posts | Not complete. | My responses demonstrate a lack of comprehension of the original post or may be disrespectful. | My responses are respectful but do not add much to the conversation. | My responses are purposeful and respectful, adding to the conversation. | My responses are discerning and respectful, adding meaning and depth to the conversation.
Total          /10 (averaged between posts)