Hamlet

by William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Hamlet by William ShakespeareMost famous of Shakespeares 36 playsWritten 1599 1601Plot borrowed from at least two other source storiesRevenge Tragedy:hero met by a ghost asking for revengescenes of madnessa play within a playa graveyard scenephysical violence and death

Cast of Characters Hamlets familyHAMLET, Prince of Denmark, a student at Wittenburg UniversityCLAUDIUS, King of Denmark, Hamlets uncle and brother to the dead King HamletGERTRUDE, Hamlets mother, now married to Claudius, following her husbands deathGHOST of OLD HAMLET, the former King

Cast of CharactersAt CourtPOLONIUS, chief adviser to CLAUDIUSLAERTES, son of Polonius and a similar age to HamletOPHELIA, daughter of Polonius and Hamlets love interest

Cast of CharactersOther Young MenHORATIO, also a scholar at Wittenburg University and Hamlets closest friendROZENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN, Hamlets schoolfriends OSRIC, a courtierFORTINBRAS, Prince of Norway and son of Old Fortinbras

Themes and ImagesRevengeMadnessDeceptionFamily/Sexuality

Our Focus:

Corruption and Decay

HamletScene Summaries

Act 1 Scene 1A gun platform on the battlements of Elsinore CastleBarnardo and Marcellus take over the guard from Francisco.Barnardo and Marcellus tell Horatio about the Ghost that has been seen.The Ghost appears. It resembles the late King Hamlet, in full armour.Horatio questions the Ghost but it doesnt speak.The men decide to tell Prince Hamlet what they have seen.

Act 1 Scene 2The Great Hall of Elsinore CastleClaudius, the new king, addresses the court.Hamlet is disgusted by the new king (his uncle) and Queen Gertrude (his mother).The watchmen tell Hamlet about seeing the Ghost, and they plan to watch again at midnight.

Act 1 Scene 3Elsinore, a private roomLaertes warns Ophelia about Hamlet and her sexuality.Polonius gives his departing son advice on how to conduct himself.Polonius orders Ophelia to reject Hamlet unless he offers more than he has already.

Act 1 Scenes 4 and 5The gun platform on the battlements of Elsinore

(These two scenes are continuous.) Hamlet joins the watch with Horatio and Marcellus.The Ghost appears and signals to Hamlet to follow him.The Ghost tells Hamlet that he is the spirit of his father, and orders revenge on his murderer, Claudius. He also orders him to spare his mother, who will be judged by God.Hamlet accepts his instruction and vows his friends to secrecy. He plans to act mad (put an antic disposition on) in order to achieve his goal.

KEY TURNING POINT

Act 2 Scene 1A state room in the castleThis scene takes place some weeks after the events of Act 1.Polonius sends Reynaldo to France to spy on his son, Laertes.Ophelia reports Hamlets strange appearance and behaviour to Polonius.

Act 2 Scene 2The Great Hall of Elsinore CastleRosencrantz and Guildenstern arrive to spy on Hamlet.The king allows Fortinbras to march his forces across Denmark.Following Poloniuss advice, the king plans to spy on a meeting between Hamlet and Ophelia.Hamlet taunts Polonius.Hamlet forces Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to confess they were sent for by the king.The first player delivers the Hecuba speech.In his third soliloquy, Hamlet berates himself and plans to use the play to confirm Claudiuss guilt.

Act 3 Scene 1(The Nunnery Scene)The Great Hall of Elsinore CastleThis scene takes place the next day.Hamlets madness is discussed. Claudius reveals his guilt to the audience.Claudius and Polonius eavesdrop on Ophelia and Hamlets conversation which breaks up in bitterness.Ophelia expresses her despair.Claudius resolves to deal with Hamlet by sending him to England.Polonius volunteers to spy on Hamlet during another meeting he will set up, this time with Gertrude.

Act 3 Scene 2(The play-within-a-play)The Great Hall of Elsinore CastleThis scene happens some hours later.Hamlet makes preparations for the play, with which he will test the truth of the Ghosts story.The play is performed. Hamlet and Horatio observe the kings guilty reaction to it.Hamlet is summoned to the queens room.

Act 3 Scene 3(The Prayer Scene)The kings private chapelClaudius tries to pray for forgiveness.Hamlet has Claudius at his mercy but does not kill him because his soul would go straight to heaven.

KEY SCENE HAMLETS CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Act 3 Scene 4(The Closet Scene)Gertrudes private room (closet)Polonius prepares to eavesdrop on Hamlet and Gertrudes conversation.Hamlet kills Polonius, believing him to be the king.Hamlet chastises his mother.The Ghost reappears to sharpen Hamlets almost blunted purpose.Gertrude promises not to reveal Hamlets secret.

Act 4 Scene 1Gertrudes private roomGertrude informs Claudius of Poloniuss murder.Claudius decides that Hamlet should be sent away to England.

Act 4 Scene 2A corridor in the castleHamlet has hidden Poloniuss body and will not tell Rosencrantz and Guildenstern where.

Act 4 Scene 3A state roomClaudius confronts Hamlet about Polonius.He tells Hamlet he is sending him to England for his own safety.Once alone, Claudius reveals his plans to have Hamlet killed in England.

Act 4 Scene 4The sea coast near ElsinoreHamlet meets Fortinbrass army.Hamlet delivers his final soliloquy: How all occasions do inform against me

Act 4 Scene 5The Great Hall of Elsinore CastleOphelia has been driven mad.Laertes returns to avenge the death of his father.

Act 4 Scene 6A room in the castleHamlet has escaped from the ship that was taking him to England.Horatio receives a letter from him, asking Horatio to join him.

Act 4 Scene 7A state room in the castleIn a letter, Hamlet informs Claudius of his return to Denmark.Claudius and Laertes plot Hamlets death.Gertrude describes Ophelias death by drowning.

Act 5 Scene 1A graveyard near the castleTwo gravediggers discuss Ophelias drowning.Hamlet and Horatio contemplate the mutability of all things.Ophelias cortege arrives; Laertes display of grief for Ophelia enrages Hamlet and the two men fight by her grave.

Act 5 Scene 2Whilst at sea, Hamlet arranged for the deaths of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.The king arranges a fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes.During the bout, Laertes scratches Hamlet with the poisoned sword and is in turn fatally wounded by it; Gertrude drinks from the poisoned cup prepared by Claudius for Hamlet.The dying queen and Laertes accuse Claudius; Hamlet, knowing he is dying, takes his revenge and kills the king.Hamlet nominates Fortinbras as his successor and begs Horatio to tell his story aright.Young Fortinbras orders a soldiers funeral for Hamlet and assumes power in Denmark.

Drama Critical Essay QuestionsAnswers to questions on drama should address relevantly the central concern(s)/ theme(s) of the text and be supported by reference to appropriate dramatic techniques such as: conflict, characterisation, key scene(s), dialogue, climax, exposition, denouement, structure, plot, setting, aspects of staging (such as lighting, music, stage set, stage directions, props [properties]), soliloquy, monologue

Choose a play in which a central character experiences not only inner conflict but also conflict with one (or more than one) character Choose a play in which a central character is heroic yet vulnerable. Show how the dramatist makes you aware of both qualities Choose a play which has a theme of revenge, or betrayal or sacrifice Choose a play which has a definite turning point or decisive moment. Explain briefly what happens at that point or moment and go on to explain why you think it is so important to the rest of the play. Choose a play in which the conclusion leaves you with mixed emotions but clearly conveys the dramatists message Choose a play in which the dramatist creates a sense of mystery at or near the beginning of the play Choose a play in which there is a scene involving intense emotion Choose a play in which a character keeps something hidden or pretends to be something he or she is not. Explain the reason(s)

The Character of HamletIs Hamlets journey a descent into madness or the journey to manhood?Is Hamlet a hero or a villain?Is he a character we can sympathise with?What causes his delay in avenging his fathers death?Is his death at the end of the play an inevitability or a fitting end because of his crimes?

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 1:2 Claudius addresses the court post his brothers death and his claim to the crown and queen.

A little more than kin, and less than kind.Tis not alone my inky cloak good mother, . . . . . That can denote me truly.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 1:2 Claudius addresses the court post his brothers death and his claim to the crown and queen.

tis unmanly grief.Act 1:2 Hamlets first soliloquy O that this too solid flesh would melt,Thaw and resolve itself into a dew,Or that the Everlasting had not fixedHis canon gainst self slaughter.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 1:2 Hamlets first soliloquy

Tis an unweeded gardenThat grows to seed; things rank and gross in naturePossess it merely.

Hyperion to a satyr.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 1:2 Hamlets first soliloquy

Why, she would hang on himAs if increase of appetite had grownBy what it fed on, and yet, within a month Let me not think ont; frailty, thy name is woman She married. O most wicked speed, to postWith such dexterity to incestuous sheets!

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 1:2 Hamlets first soliloquy

But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue.Act 1:2 Hamlet alone once Horatio has informed him of the ghost. My fathers spirit, in arms! All is not well;I doubt some foul play.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 1:4 The ghost visits HamletAngels and ministers of grace defend us!Be thou a spirit of health or goblin damned, . . . . .Be they intents wicked or charitable,Act 1:5 The ghost speaks to HamletI am they fathers spirit,Doomed for a certain term to walk the night, . . . . . .Till the foul crimes done in my days of natureAre burnt and purged away.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 1:5 The ghost speaks to HamletIf thou didst ever they dear father love - Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.

The serpent that did sting they fathers lifeNow wears his crown.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 1:5 The ghost speaks to HamletThus was I, sleeping, by a brothers handOf life, of crown, of queen at once dispatched.

If thou hast nature in thee, bear it not,Let not the royal bed of Denmark beA couch for luxury and damned incest.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 1:5 The ghost speaks to HamletAgainst thy mother aught leave her to heaven.

Act 1:5 Hamlets 2nd soliloquy Adieu, adieu, Hamlet. Remember me.

So, uncle, there you are. Now to my word:It is Adieu, adieu, remember me.I have swornt.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 1:5 Hamlet swears Horatio and the guards to secrecyTo put an antic disposition on -

O cursed spite,That ever I was born to set it right!

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 2:2 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern arrive at the request of the King and Queen. Those around him notice the changes in HamletMy too much changed son.

Into the madness wherein he now raves,And we all wail for.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 2:2 Hamlets 3rd Soliloquy (post the arrival of the players)O what a rogue and peasant slave am I!

But I am pigeon-livered and lack gall.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 2:2 Hamlets 3rd Soliloquy (post the arrival of the players)That I, the son of a dear father murdered,Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell.

The spirit that I have seen May be the devil, and the devil hath powerTassume a pleasing shape; yea, and perhaps Out of my weakness and my melancholy.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 2:2 Hamlets 3rd Soliloquy (post the arrival of the players)The plays the thingWherein Ill catch the conscience of the King.Act 3:1 Hamlets 4th SoliloquyTo be, or not to be that is the question. Whether tis nobler in the mind to sufferThe slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,Or to take arms against a sea of trouble,And by opposing end them?

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 3:1 Hamlets 4th SoliloquyThus conscience does make cowards of us allAnd enterprises of great pith and momentWith this regard their currents turn awayAnd lose the name of action.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 3:1 Hamlets interaction with OpheliaGet thee to a nunnery.God has given you one face, and you make yourselves another.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 3:2 Hamlets 5th Soliloquy (post the play and his believed admission of guilt by Claudius) Now could I drink hot blood,And do such bitter business as the day.I will speak daggers to her, but use none.My tongue and soul in this be hypocrites -

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 3:3 Hamlet has the opportunity to kill Claudius and enact revenge (6th Soliloquy)Now might I do it pat, now he is praying.And now Ill dot. . . .A villain kills my father; and for thatI, his sole son, do this same villain sendTo heavenUp, sword, and know thou a more horrid hint. . . . .Then trip him that his heels may kick as heaven,And that his soul may be as damned and blackAs hell, whereto it goes.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 3:4 Hamlet speaks to Gertrude as Polonius spies on them.A bloody deed almost as bad, good mother,As kill a king and marry with his brother.Act 3:4 The ghost visits Hamlet in Gertrudes chambers.Do you not come your tardy son to chide,That, lapsed in time and passion, lets go byThimportant acting of your dread command? O, say!

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 3:4 The ghost visits Hamlet in Gertrudes chambers.Is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose.Act 3:4 Hamlet to Gertrude post Polonius death.I must be cruel only to be kind.

That I essentially am not in madness,But mad in craft.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 4:3 Hamlet to Claudius post Polonius death.ButIndeed, if you find him not within this month, you shallnose him as you go up the stairs into the lobby.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 4:4 Hamlets 7th soliloquy. England bound.How all occasions do inform against me,And spur my dull revenge. What is a man,If his chief good and market of his timeBe but to sleep and feed? A beast, no more.How stand I, then,That have a father killed, a mother stained,Excitements of my reason and my blood,And let all sleep; while to my shame I seeThe imminent death of twenty thousand men . . . . O, from this time forth,My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 5:1 Hamlet discovers the funeral he observes is Ophelias and him and Laertes fight.I loved Ophelia; forty thousand brothersCould not with all their quantity of love Make up my sum.Act 5:2 Hamlet explains his discovery (that Claudius meant to have him killed) to Horatio.He that hath killed my king and whored my mother.this canker of our nature comeIn further nature.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 5:2 Osric informs Hamlet of the proposed dual between him and Laertes... I will gain nothing but my shame and the odd hits.Act 5:2 Hamlet and Laertes begin the dual and Hamlet asks for forgiveness.Give me your pardon, sir, Ive done you wrong . . .I here proclaim was madness.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 5:2 Hamlet kills Claudius after the death of his mother (poisoned cup)... thou incestuous, murderous, damned Dane,Drink off this potion.Act 5:2 Hamlets final words to Horatio.If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart, . . . To tell my story.

On Fontinbras. He has my dying voice.. . The rest is silence.

ContextQuoteAnalysisAct 5:2 Fortinbras declaration at the end of the playBear Hamlet like a soldier to the stage . . .