Hamlet Diary Entries

Each student will prepare a diary from the point of view of a fictitious character – a maid, servant, guard etc. – who
is aware of everything that occurs in the play regardless of where the action takes place. Because no one character
is present for all the action of the play your fictitious character will have to present a logical reason for them to
know all the “news”. Inanimate objects, fantasy creatures and poltergeists are not acceptable diary characters.

Throughout the diary entries you (the author) must portray a vibrant persona with an active home and social life
intertwined within your recounting of the plot. Your character must relate the events from the homework reading
(retell everything that happens within the context of your entry) including: who was in the scene, what happened,
where and when the action occurred and how the action impacts the plot/other characters. Do not feel obligated to
relate the story in the order of the reading!

Diary entries must be labeled with the Act and scene numbers, for example, the first night’s diary entry is labeled
Hamlet Diary I.2 not Hamlet Diary #1. Diaries are due at the beginning of each class period. I will provide a
sample diary entry for the first reading assignment. *a series of letters to one person is also acceptable*

Each entry is worth 15 points and will be graded on the following –

relation to the text – did your character recount what occurred in the reading?
characterization – how well have you created/presented a character?
relationship – did you explain how your character knows what happened? (were you hiding behind a curtain or
dusting the room and overheard or did another person tell you?)
your character must know what is happening in the play regardless of which characters are present in the scene
– create a way for your character to know what is really going on in Elsinore
Establish a believable persona with a name, personality, family and friends etc.
include all events from the reading
entries may include, but not limited to, quotes from the reading, personal reflections from the viewpoints of
the characters, analysis of the play and the characters, and creative additions that pertain to the reading and life in
the castle
be creative – get involved with the characters in the play, form relationships – just remember to recount the
reading!
volume counts – this is your reading log so do not skimp on the writing!
Above and Beyond credit will be awarded for deserving entries.
Students may complete up to two additional diary entries for bonus points (bonus diaries = 5 points each).
Bonus diaries must be turned in on their respective due date to be eligible for credit. Label entry as bonus.

Hamlet Diary Guide

CRITERIA OUTSTANDING ACCEPTABLE LACKING

*eloquently discusses entire
Plot reading
*entire action is recounted
without a list-like summary of
events
*characterization details are
Character interwoven into entry
Development
*animated persona creates a
world full of vibrant details
*discusses entire reading
*majority of action is
presented in the entry
*entry contains
characterization details
*persona is moderately
believable with some
details
*does not discuss entire
reading
*majority of action is not
presented OR action is
merely listed
*entry lacks any
characterization details
*persona lacks animation
*persona does not fit into
setting
 *accounts of information are *plausible accounts of *unrealistic accounts of
Relevance/ seamlessly interwoven information information
believability