Other examples of basic errors in analysis

This is an extract from an essay on Hamlet:

'Hamlet must be feeling frustrated, for he is trying to be cruel to be kind, and Ophelia is not backing down as easily as he hoped she would. Hamlet then says, "Get thee to a nunnery ..." (l.121). This reference could be construed as a sexual allusion, and is repeated four more times (lines 129, 136, 138 and 147), to emphasise the point. The point being that it is clearly an insult, with its connotation of chastity. Ernest Jones suggested that the words had a more sinister meaning, and this was that "nunnery" was an Elizabethan term for a brothel. (In Hoy, ed. 1963, p.222). I agree with this inference ...'

Shortly after this, the student writes:

'Hamlet’s advice to get to a nunnery is not out of hatred or misguided sexual frustrations, but as sound advice from a man who loves her, and does not want to see her get taken advantage of by other men.'

Q. How could this be improved?

TUTOR'S REPLY

The essayist initially interprets Hamlet’s 'Get thee to a nunnery' as a sign of his disgust with Ophelia ('nunnery' meaning brothel). Later in the essay, Hamlet’s outburst is claimed to be evidence of his protectiveness towards Ophelia ('nunnery' meaning convent) – but how can this be the case if 'nunnery' does mean 'brothel', as was stated earlier? There is clearly an inconsistency of interpretation here.

To improve this work, the student would need to re-read the essay and make it clearer as to which interpretation of Hamlet’s actions seems the stronger one. It is good to acknowledge that there are two conflicting interpretations – an awareness of the different readings which are possible can be very productive (part of your essay’s 'critical sophistication'). However, in constructing your essay’s argument you cannot subscribe to both of those interpretations at the same time!

Essay question: 'The introduction of the players and the discussion of the theatre reflect a major thematic concern of Hamlet.' Discuss.

This is an extract from the student essay, answering the above question:

'In Hamlet, the powerful characters were all men. Claudius, Fortinbras, Laertes were strong characters. The females were weak and manipulated. The character of Ophelia, for example, was a weak, typically feminine character. It is interesting to note at this point, that had Hamlet been written in the nineteenth century, then Ophelia would probably have been the main character, as ultimately she was the victim.'
Q. How could this be improved?

TUTOR'S REPLY

As it stands, this observation about nineteenth century drama is of no relevance to the subject being discussed. It does not serve to advance the essay’s argument, and is merely a digression. The essay would be improved if the student enlarged on this idea in some way so that it did relate to the main issues being discussed in the essay - or if they left it out altogether.

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