Ending the first quarter, AP Literature students have been tasked to reenact Hamlet Act 4 with a group on the auditorium stage, where they can choose how to deliver lines, interpret stage direction, and depict their character.

Each student in a group was required to study their character, analyzing their appearance, movements, emotions, and all relevant characteristics that would be helpful to portray them. This assignment is both funny yet creative, as groups have used themes ranging from business to vintage high school. More than being a fun way to end the Shakespeare unit, it is actually very thought-provoking. The connection from late medieval settings to modern ones requires students to first develop a theme and then apply it to the real world. 

The decision to wear clean, professional clothing, or intentionally messy clothing, is a representation of the character. Since a lot is up for interpretation, students are required to extend their analysis beyond what is written and directed in the text. It raises the question of What would the character do if immersed in this setting? 

In many ways, this assignment represents why Shakespeare’s works are so powerful. Centuries later, they still hold relevant value. Ending with the famous scene of Laertes and King Claudius plotting against Hamlet, themes of revenge and manipulation were represented in unique ways. 

If asked, To be or not to be for next year’s unit, I would surely say To be. Filled with laughs, passion, and meaningful analysis, this assignment was a great way to tie up this powerful play.