“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” · Exposition: establishment of character,...
Transcript of “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” · Exposition: establishment of character,...
Exposition: establishment of character, situation, conflict…
The watch on the battlements Horatio and the Ghost
Horatio is introduced: he is educated, rational, dutiful
Scene establishes that something is wrong in Denmark: ◦ Nervousness of the watch ◦ Tension in the opening lines “Who's there?” ◦ Appearance of the ghost of Old Hamlet ◦ Preparations for war ◦ Problems with young Fortinbras These factors introduce us to a troubled Denmark
Act I, scene I
Discussion
With your seat partner, answer the discussion questions below.
**Use textual evidence to support your answers.**
Finally….
1. Find evidence that Horatio connects unnatural happenings to the ghost’s appearance. Use
textual evidence to support answers.
2. Why do you think King Hamlet’s ghost
appears at the beginning of the play? What
might the allusion to Julius Caesar suggest?
The Court, Claudius, Gertrude, Hamlet, Laertes,
Polonius
Contrasts with scene one in that this scene
gives illusion of normality
◦Claudius: a competent administrator
◦Hamlet: still mourning the loss of his
father; sets him apart from others: “ a
cloud still hangs over him” –
depressed, unsettled
Central Theme introduced: “Seems, Madame” Speech (Appearance vs. Reality)
• Claudius and Gertrude deal with Hamlet’s grief – irony in their concern over “natural” death by “unnatural causes”
• Hamlet’s First Soliloquy – our real first glimpse of Hamlet
• Horatio’s Friendship
Act I, Scene ii:
Discussion
– One’s: examine the King’s opening lines and
write down in your notes key words describing
his character—what outward appearance or
façade is revealed in this speech?
– Two’s: analyze the King’s advice to Hamlet
about dealing with his father’s death—what is
his advice? Do you agree?
– Three’s: examine Hamlet’s first soliloquy.
How would you describe Hamlet? Why is his
speech so pessimistic?
“Mommy Dearest”
Finally….
– What kind of relationship does Hamlet
have with his uncle and his mother?
Explain.
Act I, Scene iii:
What’s the
Point????
Subplot: Laertes, Ophelia, Polonius
1. Laertes and Ophelia
2. Polonius and Laertes
3. Polonius and Ophelia
Act I, Scene iii:
Discussion
Reread Polonius’s advice to Laertes. With your
seat partner, translate his advice into Modern
English. Then answer the following
questions:
1. Do you agree with his advice? Explain.
2. What is Polonius’ concern for his daughter?
How is his advice similar to Laertes’ advice?
3. Do you agree with their concerns? Explain.
Hamlet, Horatio and the Watch meet
the Ghost
◦ The question of the Ghost:
“Spirit of Health or Goblin Damned”?
What do you think so far? Why?
Hamlet and the Ghost
1. The meeting
2. The instructions: Punish Claudie, Leave
Gertie alone
3. Feigned or real: insanity? An “antic
disposition”? Why? (Revisit the text)
4. Hamlet’s reaction…
REVENGE
What are the side effects of revenge? What happens to someone as a result of revenge? What about the people around them? Is it self destructive? Why? Who
gets hurt?
Claudius
Gertrude
Hamlet
Polonius
Laertes
Ophelia
Look at how the members of the family react and respond to the respective heads of the family, Claudius and Polonius. Can
you sense any genuine love or concern in either family?
Unlike some of Shakespeare’s other female characters (Juliet), Ophelia is not a developed character. She gives into the demands from the men in her life.
Hamlet knows Ophelia will tell her father what
she has seen .
Feminist critics comment that Ophelia
seems to have no scope for following her own
wishes. Others, contrasting her with
Juliet, accuse her of a complete lack of spirit.
Key Info
Deception is widespread
Humor in Hamlet’s Madness
Players have an important role
Hamlet curses his lack of
action
Real Madness Vs Fake Madness
Hamlet’s most unique soliloquy
The dramatic purpose of this episode is to establish Hamlet as a characteristically detached, reflective, analytic, thinking and moral. Abstract reflection.
Read through the scene and work through the following steps:
1. What are the key messages of this
soliloquy? 2. Why is there no mention of the
ghost/Claudius/Gertrude? 3. What do you notice about the tone and
tempo? 4. What does this show you about
Hamlet’s state of mind?
EXPLORE
Hamlet’s reaction to Ophelia before she speaks. - How he refers to her - Language used Hamlet’s rage once Ophelia
starts talking. - How does he refer to her
now? - Language he uses
‘Ophelia should be viewed as a completely innocent
victim’
Argue for AND against this statement
for against
What is the purpose
behind Hamlet’s confrontation?
Confirms Claudius’
Guilt
Make Gertrude
repent
Repair their relationship