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.
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.
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.
“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.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Hamlet. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.