Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs are valuable aspects of any literary work, and they add richness to stories. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to analyze without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our supplementary article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In the classroom, students can track the rich symbolism Shakespeare uses throughout the play. In the example storyboard above, the creator has focused on the motif of death. For Hamlet, death is the unknown, and he contemplates his actions in accordance with what he believes will be the consequences after death. In the storyboard above, the theme of death is explored.
Themes, Motifs, and Symbols to Discuss
Nothing is Certain
Throughout the play, Hamlet searches for the truth. He wants to know what will happen after death, he wants the truth about his father’s death, and he wants to know what actions are right. He cannot find answers to these questions though.
The Complex Nature of Taking Action
Unlike other Shakespearean protagonists, Hamlet doesn't take action. He is so concerned with finding out the truth, that he weighs or delays every action. Unlike Macbeth, who acts without thinking, Hamlet might wait too long, which also has consequences.
Death
“To be or not to be, that is the question.” Hamlet’s obsession with understanding death is brought on by the tremendous grief he feels after his father dies. In his famous speech, he ponders why we suffer through life. In the end, he assumes that we endure life for fear of death.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Hamlet. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Hamlet you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/11-12/1] Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/11-12/2] Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/11-12/9] Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme(s), Symbol(s), and/or Motif(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. Symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. Motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Most themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. | Most themes are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most motifs are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No themes, symbols, or motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motifs that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s), and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance to the story. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are accurate to the story and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are mostly accurate to the story. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the story. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the story and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the story. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
How To Analyze Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Hamlet
Read and Examine
To comprehend the story and characters, carefully read "Hamlet". Recognize reoccurring themes such as vengeance, insanity, and corruption. Ask the students to keep track of the passages when these ideas are prevalent.
Identify the Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
Concentrate on a few scenarios for each theme. Analyze the theme-related conversations, deeds, and choices made by the characters. Encourage the students to think about how themes affect characters and move the story along.
Specify and Research
Recognize motifs (repeating patterns) and symbols (items, actions). Examine their meanings in different circumstances. Also, consider their impact on the topics and characters. Students can also perform some research on the historical context of these themes and symbols.
Connect and Consider
Identify the relationships among themes, symbols, and motifs. Consider how they enrich the play's themes and the experiences of the characters. Think about the cultural and historical backgrounds. Students can also provide their own analysis of these themes so the class can get different perspectives.
Put together and Present
Include an introduction, body paragraphs for themes, symbols, and motifs, and a conclusion in your analysis. Include pertinent quotes in your argument. Share with classmates or teachers for input, then edit for coherence and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Hamlet
How does the play employ the motif of acting and performance?
The concept of appearance versus reality is further supported by the motif of acting and performance. Masks are frequently worn by characters, both physically and figuratively, to show the dishonesty of their deeds and motives. All of these abstract and implied concepts and ideas can be understood very well through Hamlet.
How well-resonant are the ideas and symbols in "Hamlet" with contemporary audiences?
Retaliation, insanity, and duplicity are three classic and globally understandable themes that are still relevant to modern audiences. Wanting revenge and being selfish are not just themes of the old time but are part of basic human nature and will forever resonate with readers. Skull and ghost images express existential concerns about life, death, and human nature.
Are there multiple ways to interpret the themes and symbols in "Hamlet"?
Absolutely, scholars and critics give a variety of interpretations, adding to our comprehension of the play by providing new perspectives on its themes, symbolism, and motifs. Students can use different acts and structures in literature to understand the play from different perspectives.
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