I've been asked to write an Essay for english class on Hamlet. It sais to :

Select one speech from Act IV of Hamlet and write a cause and effect essay for how it targets its audience. You may choose a target audience of any context or production of the play - the original Elizabethan, or a later dramatic version.

I chose the Zefferelli (1990) version.. But I'm not sure of what I'm being asked to do.. Can someone please explain or give me an example? I'm not asking anyone to write it for me, just clarify, please :)

Thanks in advance!

First of all, here's the best website I've found to help students read Shakespeare's plays:

http://nfs.sparknotes.com/
Click on the title of the play you want (in this case Hamlet), then click on the act and scene. You'll find original Shakespearean language on the left and a modern-day "translation" on the right.

Here are several other really good websites about Shakespeare and his works and his times. Be sure to add ALL THESE to your favorites so you can find them again.

http://shakespeare.palomar.edu/

http://www.shakespeare-online.com/

http://www.bardweb.net/

http://www.enotes.com/william-shakespeare/

http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/

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Now -- here are several websites that will help you learn to write "cause and effect":
http://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+write+cause+and+effect+essay&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rlz=1R1GGGL_en___US321&client=firefox-a

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1. Choose the speech from Act IV you want to use. Read it thoroughly so you understand it, backwards and forwards.

2. What was the cause of this? That is, what brought the speaker to the point of saying all this? What does the character say, in detail? What are the results of this speech?

Dive in!

Certainly! In this essay prompt, you are being asked to choose a speech from Act IV of Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" and analyze how it effectively targets its intended audience. The prompt allows you to select any specific context or production of the play, so you have chosen the Zefferelli (1990) version.

To write this cause and effect essay, you need to break down the elements of the chosen speech and explain how these elements cause a specific effect on the audience. You may consider the following points while analyzing:

1. Context: Start by providing some background information about the chosen context or production of the play. Briefly describe the setting, time period, and any specific factors that may have influenced the director's interpretation.

2. Speech Selection: Identify the particular speech from Act IV that you have chosen to analyze. Include the Act and scene number, as well as any relevant details about the speech, such as the character delivering it and the situation leading up to it.

3. Audience: Define the target audience you have chosen for your analysis. You can consider factors such as age, cultural background, and knowledge of the play's plot and themes. Explain why you believe this audience is the intended target for the chosen speech.

4. Rhetorical Devices: Examine the various rhetorical devices used in the speech, such as metaphors, similes, imagery, repetition, or other figurative language. Explain how these devices enhance the speech and contribute to its impact on the audience.

5. Tone and Emotion: Analyze the overall tone and emotional effect of the speech. Is it persuasive, emotional, or confrontational? How does the delivery style of the actor contribute to the intended effect on the audience?

6. Effect on Audience: Finally, discuss the specific effect the speech has on the chosen audience. Consider how the rhetorical devices, tone, and emotional impact work together to engage the audience, evoke certain emotions, or convey certain messages.

Here's an example thesis statement to help you get started:

"In Zefferelli's (1990) version of 'Hamlet,' the speech delivered by Hamlet in Act IV, Scene 4 effectively targets the Elizabethan audience by employing powerful rhetorical devices, an emotionally charged tone, and a contextual understanding of the play's themes, thus heightening the audience's engagement, evoking pity, and highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by the characters."

Remember, this is just an example, and you should tailor it to fit your chosen context and specific speech. Good luck with your essay!

Of course! In this essay prompt, you are being asked to analyze a speech from Act IV of Hamlet and examine how it targets its audience. The term "target audience" refers to the specific group of people for whom the speech is intended. It's important to understand that the target audience can vary depending on the context or production of the play you've chosen.

To begin, you should select a speech from Act IV of Hamlet, specifically from the Zefferelli (1990) version. Read the speech carefully to understand its content and purpose. Consider the language used, the tone, the emotions conveyed, and the overall message.

Next, think about who the target audience could be for this particular speech. Ask yourself questions like: Who is the intended group of people that the speaker wants to influence or impact? Is it the entire audience, a specific character in the play, or a particular group of people within the story? Take into account the Elizabethan context or the specific dynamics of the Zefferelli (1990) production to help you identify the target audience.

Once you have identified your target audience, you can begin writing your cause and effect essay. Start by providing an introduction where you describe the chosen speech, the target audience, and briefly explain the historical or production context. In subsequent paragraphs, analyze the speech's cause and effect on the identified target audience.

For example, you could discuss how the language and emotions of the speech evoke a specific reaction from the audience. Explain how it influences the thoughts, feelings, or actions of the targeted individuals. You can also discuss the potential consequences or effects of the speech on the audience, such as a change in their beliefs, motivations, or decisions.

Remember to support your analysis with evidence from the speech itself, referring to specific lines, phrases, or literary techniques used by the speaker. Use quotes to strengthen your argument and provide insights into the impact of the speech on the target audience.

In the conclusion, summarize your main points, restate the significance of the targeting of the audience, and consider the broader implications of the speech within the context of the play.

I hope this explanation helps! Good luck with your essay!