These questions should all be answered with a short, well organized paragraph. Specific answers that are supported by direct references to the texts are the best.
1. Is Hamlet truly mad? Why or why not? Be as specific as possible.
2. Which text (film, novel, poem, play, etc.) had the greatest impact on you and why? Be as specific as possible.
3. What do you think Lauren Olamina would explain to Elie Wiesel about about what he was going through and how to deal with it? Be as specific as possible.
4. Think about Simon (“The one who cut the rope”) from Touching the Void. Compare and contrast his “character” and actions to that of Hamlet. Be as specific as possible.
5. Of the following characters is the least sympathetic to you and why? Who is the most sympathetic to you and why? And yes, you must pick one for each. No “cop out” answers will count for credit. Be as specific as possible.
Hamlet
Lauren Olamina
Gregor Samsa
Joe Simpson
Elie Wiesel
Jean Dominique
Willy Loman
6. Define your own philosophical paradigm of one's “world” ending. Which of the texts best reflects your own ideas? Which seems furthest from your own ideas? Be as specific as possible.
