English 12: Hamlet Essay

Here are some famous quotes from Camus and Sartre:

Jean-Paul Sartre

1. “Man is condemned to be free.”
2. “Existence precedes essence.”
3. “Hell is—other people!”
4. “It is up to you to give life a meaning.”

Albert Camus

5. “The absurd is born of this confrontation between the human need and the unreasonable silence of the world.”
6. “The meaning of life is the most urgent of questions.”
7. “One must imagine Sisyphus happy.”
8. “There is no sun without shadow.”

These quotes can be used to support your position in the synthesis.

Topic 1 — Freedom and Choice

Jean-Paul Sartre states, “Man is condemned to be free.”

Using this quotation as a central piece of evidence, analyze how Hamlet struggles with freedom, responsibility, and decision-making throughout the play.

• directly quote and analyze Sartre,
• incorporate evidence from Hamlet,
• explain how Hamlet’s choices shape his tragedy.

Topic 2 — The Search for Meaning

Albert Camus argues that “The meaning of life is the most urgent of questions.”

To what extent does Hamlet explore humanity’s search for meaning in a world filled with suffering, corruption, and death?

• directly quote and analyze Camus,
• use evidence from multiple scenes in Hamlet,
• explain whether Hamlet ultimately discovers meaning or remains uncertain.

Topic 3 — Identity and Self-Creation

Sartre claims that “Existence precedes essence.”

How does Hamlet struggle to define his identity throughout the play?

• directly engage with Sartre’s quotation,
• analyze Hamlet’s changing roles and behavior,
• argue whether Hamlet creates his own identity or becomes trapped by expectations placed upon him.