2000 – 2500 word (approx. 8 – 10 pages) essay on Hamlet. Successful essays will have a clear, focused thesis supported by a well-organized argument. That argument will be based on specific evidence from the text of the play; your essay will cite that evidence and carefully explain how it supports your thesis. You will also incorporate at least two works of literary criticism relevant to your argument. You can assume that your reader has read but not memorized the play; thus, you don’t need to remind him or her of basic plot developments.