Hopefully from reading the "Task" section, you'll know that you're going to need two products: an essay and a video. They're both going to making the same points, but the essay will be in a standary essay format and the video will be...well...UP TO YOU!
To begin your essay, you're going to need to start with a thesis statement. The thesis of an essay is the backbone around which an essay is built. Therefore, before you can begin writing an essay, you need to come up with an idea about what is going on. But how do we do this?
Try considering these points:
1. Here are some highlights of the play that you can focus on. All of these are fine examples of evidence for your thesis.
-The ghost's first appearance -Hamlet's introduction as a rational man -The ghost's second appearance and manifesto -Hamlet's plan to avenge his father -Ophelia's abusive father Polonius and his command that she not love Hamlet -The play that Hamlet devises and Claudius' guilt-proving reaction -The ghost's second encounter and Gertrude's inability to see him -The hasty murder of Polonius and Hamlet's odd reaction -Hamlet's exile -Claudius' plot to kill Hamlet -Ophelia's drowning death -Hamlet's conversation with Yorick's skull -The duel between Laertes and Hamlet -The deadly finale in which almost everyone dies
I've got a handful resources to help you in your process of submitting your project to the New York Times. Let's go through them! Resource one: -This link is absolutely massive, and will no doubt be the basis of most of your interpretations. Every question you could ever ask about Hamlet is discussed here, from his actions and motivations to his psyche. Remember, this site is simply another interpretation, but it's filled with useful points, so the teacher recommends you use this one above all others. Resource two: -This site is one person's interpretation on Hamlet's mental case. Even though the author makes it clear what their opinion is on the matter (spoiler: the author thinks that Hamlet is sane) there's good arguments for both sides here. This site even gives a unique perspective that allows for both viewpoints at once. How is that possible? LOOK AND FIND OUT! Resource three: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2939352?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents -Despite the old-timey language, this site is a good one to look at because it presents multiple viewpoints and doesn't leave the reader with a definitive answer regarding Hamlet's mental state. It's definitely a good site for those who are still looking for more information, even if you don't completely understand what this source is saying. Resource four: -And just in case that wasn't enough, here's the full text of Hamlet. You're welcome.
Please use only the resources provided. The teacher doesn't mind if you form your own conclusions, but if you try and find other websites, you're bound to find sites that aren't nearly as reliable. These ones are the cream of the crop. And who doesn't like cream!
2. Your essay will follow the five-paragraph format. Although most essays aren't required to follow this particular format, it fits well with the video you will be creating. So here are some notes on the five paragraphs you should write:
-Introduction: The introduction's purpose is to set up the essay. Your introduction should contain -Hook: An interesting and engaging first few sentences that draw the reader in with a fascinating idea or unique approach. -Setup: Several sentences that set up the readers and prepare them for your main idea. -Thesis: The backbone of your essay and the main point you are trying to get across. -Body Paragraphs: Your body paragraphs are the main point of your essay. Any and all interpretations, facts, opinions, and other "big ideas" should be in this section. Each body paragraph is best suited with the following format: -Step 1: Introduce paragraph – What is the purpose of the paragraph? What is the main point? -Step 2: Give evidence – What happens in the text that will prove your point? -Step 3: Interpret evidence – How does the text prove your point? (Tie this interpretation into your thesis) -Step 4: Repeat step 2 and 3 until you have said everything you need to say. -Step 5: Conclusion - Definitively tie the paragraph into your thesis and set up the next paragraph. -Conclusion: Your conclusion is meant to tie your main points together, as well as informing the reader what they can take away from the essay. Conclusions should NOT simply restate the main points of the article.
3. Next, you need to make your video.
Below is a sample of what this project may look like. Here, this person decided to take a music video approach to his video. Of course, this video is tailored to his own likings, because he's both a fan of music and a guitarist. This person decided to incorporate a visual aspect with the colored videos, a musical aspect with the song, a verbal aspect with the lyrics, an intrapersonal performance that's just him playing and singing, a logical progression of ideas, and even an interpersonal approach if you want to sing along to the lyrics. To put this sample simply, it's one way of approaching a project with nearly infinite possibilities. Check it out (but don't copy it!)
Credits listed in video description.
"The video's points should literally be identical to your essay's point. In that sense, your essay is your video. However, your video should be tailored to your interests. Just as the person above allowed for the video to be tailored to his interests, you should keep in mind your own interests for the video. The New York Times are looking for videos that you're genuinely interested in. In case you're still unsure about what to do, here's the instructions for your video in the context of the essay.
-Introduction: The introduction's purpose is to set up the essay. Your introduction should contain -Hook: An interesting and engaging beginning section that draws the viewer in with a fascinating idea or unique approach. -Setup: Several sentences that set up the viewers and prepare them for your main idea. -Thesis: The backbone of your video and the main point you are trying to get across. -Body Paragraphs: Your "body paragraphs" (sections of your video) are the main point of your project. Any and all interpretations, facts, opinions, and other "big ideas" should be in this section. Each "body paragraph" is best suited with the following format: -Step 1: Introduce "paragraph" – What is the purpose of the "paragraph"? What is the main point? -Step 2: Give evidence – What happens in the text that will prove your point? -Step 3: Interpret evidence – How does the text prove your point? (Tie this interpretation into your thesis) -Step 4: Repeat step 2 and 3 until you have said everything you need to say. -Step 5: Conclusion - Definitively tie the "paragraph" into your thesis and set up the next paragraph. -Conclusion: Your conclusion is meant to tie your main points together, as well as informing the viewer what they can take away from the video. Conclusions should NOT simply restate the main points of the article.
4. After you've gotten your essay and video, you will need to present your main points. On the day of your presentation, you will turn your essay into the New York Times for evaluation and will present the video you have made. You must prepare a reflection and explanation for your video to give the viewers some context into why you did what you did. Once you have finished showing the New York Times judges your video, you will share your reflection/explanation. For an example, see the sample above and check out the text of the reflection that goes alongside it:
-"Here, I decided to take a music video approach to my video. Of course, this video is tailored to my own likings, because I'm both a fan of music and a guitarist. I decided to incorporate a visual aspect with the colored videos, a musical aspect with the song, a verbal aspect with the lyrics, an intrapersonal performance that's just him playing and singing, a logical progression of ideas, and even an interpersonal approach if you want to sing along to the lyrics. To put this sample simply, it's one way of approaching a project with nearly infinite possibilities."
Once you have given your reflective statement, you will have a period where the judges will ask questions. If you know your essay and video well enough, you should be able to answer these questions competently and confidently. Remember to do these three things:
-Speak clearly, confidently, and proudly. YOU MADE THIS. OWN IT! -If you "mess up" or skip a part, don't let it slow you down. Just keep presenting and say what you need to say. -Don't panic.
And once you've completed these steps, guess what? YOU'RE DONE! Check out the "Evaluation" section to see the rubrics that you will be graded on. So...yeah!