Sample+introductions

=**Here is the prompt:**= = **The great mythologist Edith Hamilton once wrote: "The spirit of inquiry meets the spirit of poetry, and tragedy is born." Explore what Hamilton is suggesting by this statement. Focus on Shakespeare's tragic vision in __Hamlet__ and how his use of elevated language is crucial to the depth and power of his ideas.** =

Sample 1:
== In Shakespeare's __Hamlet__, the tragic hero Hamlet's mind is full of dilemmas. His constant over-thinking and internal questioning makes it difficult for him to avenge the murder of his father by killing the king. At the same time, Hamlet tries to explore the meaning of death for those around him and himself. Shakespeare fuses both poetic and literary elements to take advantage of every possible opportunity for the audience to absorb the tragedy. (Paulina M.)==

Sample 2:
== Edith Hamilton suggests in her statement, "The spirit of inquiry meets the spirit of poetry, and tragedy is born," that tragedy, a form of drama that speaks to emotional, universal messages, is created by the fusion of beautiful poetry and deep, unconventional questioning. Shakespeare is famous for the tragedies he has created, but __Hamlet__ in particular carries a heavy meaning that is only elevated by poetic language. (Michael D.)==

Sample 3:
== "The spirit of inquiry meets the spirit of poetry, and tragedy is born." This quote by Edith Hamilton explains how curiosity combined wtih the beauty of language can yield tragic truths. William Shakespeare proves this to be true in his tragedy, __Hamlet__. With his use of soliloquies and elements of poetic language, sinister truths about death, forgiveness, and power are revealed often as tragic. (Anusha K.)==

Sample 4:
== In William Shakespeare's __Hamlet__, poetic elements and his poetic style of writing work together to enhance the elements of tragedy. Shakespeare's masterful ability in combining the "spirit of inquiry" and the "spirit of poetry," as according to mythologist Edith Hamilton, resonates on the pages of the story of a distraught prince with a firm goal to avenge his father's death. From his use of soliloquies, figurative language, and irony, Shakespeare's elevated language provides the backbone to a tragic masterpiece. (Steve C.)==

Sample 5:
== Although the word tragic has many definitions, for a work of literature to be considered a tragedy it must meet certain criteria. The main character must be aware of his situation and also must have some flaw that contributes at least partly to his final downfall. Edith Hamilton's quote explains that a tragedy must have an inquisitive character who is curious about the major questions such as, what is the purpose of life? She also suggests that a tragedy must explore these ideas through the use of poetic language, such as similes, metaphors, alliteration and metonymy. __Hamlet__ by William Shakespeare is an excellent example of such a tragedy. (Nicky D.)==