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Choose a character from a play you have studied - Junior Cycle English - Question 1 - 2013
Question 1
Choose a character from a play you have studied. (a) What was your first impression of your chosen character? Support your answer with reference to the play. (b) To... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Choose a character from a play you have studied - Junior Cycle English - Question 1 - 2013
Step 1
(a) What was your first impression of your chosen character? Support your answer with reference to the play.
Answer
My chosen character is Hamlet from Shakespeare's play Hamlet. My first impression of Hamlet is that he is a deeply conflicted individual, burdened by existential questions and moral ambiguities. From the very beginning of the play, his soliloquies reveal a highly intellectual yet melancholic nature, highlighting his inner turmoil over his father's death and mother's hasty remarriage.
Specifically, in his soliloquy 'O, that this too too solid flesh would melt,' Hamlet expresses a profound sense of despair and contemplation of life and death. This sets the tone for his character as someone who not only grapples with grief but also with the moral complexities of revenge and justice. His indecisiveness and brooding nature make him appear both relatable and tragic, evoking sympathy from the audience.
Step 2
(b) To what extent does your impression of your chosen character change as the play progresses? Explain your answer with reference to your chosen play.
Answer
As the play progresses, my impression of Hamlet evolves significantly. Initially, I see him as a passive character, overwhelmed by his thoughts and emotions. However, as the story unfolds, particularly after the encounter with the Ghost of his father, I recognize a shift toward a more decisive and action-oriented persona. He becomes increasingly determined to avenge his father's murder, showcasing a range of emotions from anger to frustration.
Later in the play, particularly in the Act 3 scene 'To be, or not to be,' I observe a change in Hamlet's perspective on action versus inaction. He becomes aware of the consequences of his choices, and this duality complicates my view of him. Although he becomes more resolute, his tragic flaws—his introspection and inability to act swiftly—lead to disastrous outcomes. Ultimately, Hamlet transforms from a contemplative thinker into a tragic hero whose inaction leads to his and others' demise. This complex evolution reflects the depth and intricacies of his character, solidifying my admiration for him while simultaneously highlighting his tragic fate.