step1:Find a topic in the play Hamlet, and refine it into a large question to ask of the literary work or works you are interpreting, ideally a question that does not have an obvious answer. Your general answer to that question is your thesis.

Step 2: Gather evidence from the story with which to develop and support your claims. Use MLA format for citations.

Step 3: Be sure not to ignore evidence which seems to undercut your claims. You must deal with that evidence to make a complete and compelling argument.

Step 4: Be sure to consider the significance of the ending and the story’s overall structure.

Format: The finished paper should be double-spaced, 10-15 pages in length, and citing at least 3 secondary sources in addition to your primary source(s). Naturally, you can have as many sources as you like above and beyond the three required. Articles found online which have previously been published in hardcopy count as printed sources.
Documentation: MLA style is the standard for documenting literary research. For more information on MLA style, please download a copy of The English Department Guide to Style.
Research: I strongly recommend using the Hayden Library Catalog as a starting point. Find at least one book that gives you a general introduction to your subject matter. However, since your paper is relatively short you will need to get to the point quickly, and you will need sources that deal with your topic specifically. For that purpose, scholarly articles are ideal.

Useful Databases:
● All scholarly databases available through Hayden Library
● Humanities databases
● Literature databases