Hamlet - Soliloquies: Social Issues Theme
English
GCSE
10 questions
~20 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A worksheet exploring Hamlet's soliloquies with a focus on social issues, combining analysis and creative writing tasks.
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Hamlet - Soliloquies: Social Issues Theme
Subject: EnglishGrade: GCSE
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade GCSE
A
Introduction to Hamlet's Soliloquies
To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them. To die—to sleep,
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to: ’tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish’d. To die, to sleep;
To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there’s the rub:
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause—there’s the respect
That makes calamity of so long life.
B
Questions on the Extract
Answer the following questions based on the extract.
1.
What is the central dilemma Hamlet presents in this soliloquy?
[2 marks]2.
Identify one metaphor used in this extract and explain its significance.
[3 marks]3.
What social issue can be associated with Hamlet’s contemplation of death in this soliloquy?
[3 marks]4.
Explain the significance of the phrase 'to die, to sleep' in the context of Hamlet’s dilemma.
[3 marks]C
Analysis of Techniques
Identify and analyse the following techniques used by Shakespeare in Hamlet's soliloquy.
1.
Find and explain the use of caesura in the extract.
[3 marks]2.
Identify the volta in the speech and discuss its impact.
[3 marks]3.
Select a metaphor in the extract and analyse how it reflects Hamlet’s social concerns.
[4 marks]D
Creative Writing Task: Social Issues in Soliloquies
Write a monologue from Hamlet’s perspective, reflecting on a contemporary social issue such as mental health, injustice, or societal pressure. You should focus on employing poetic techniques and expressive language.
1.
Compose a 20-line monologue addressing the social issue of your choice. Your monologue should imitate Hamlet’s style and tone.
[10 marks]2.
Include at least two poetic devices (e.g., metaphor, volta, caesura) in your writing.
[4 marks]3.
Ensure your monologue reflects Hamlet’s introspective tone. Explain your approach.
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Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet