A* A-Level English Literature Essay. Explore how Shakespeare presents uncertainty in Hamlet.

This essay explores the theme of uncertainty in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Question: Explore how Shakespeare presents uncertainty in Hamlet. You must relate your discussion to relevant contextual factors and ideas from your critical reading.

Word Count: 2134

This essay explores both the initial uncertainty that plagues Hamlet while he seeks proof of his uncle’s crime as well as Hamlet’s uncertainty of self. Indeed, Hamlet’s ‘need to know’ proves ironic as, even when the uncertainty surrounding the guilt of Claudius is removed, Hamlet’s fatal flaw of procrastination endures.

All quotations used from this play, as well as all critical quotations, are footnoted in the essay for ease of reference. (Page references refer to the Wordsworth Classics edition).

This essay will be useful for any student studying Hamlet as part of their KS5 curriculum.