Where do we see elements of corruption on a private and public
level in Denmark? Hamlets first soliloquy Fie ont, ah fie, tis an
unweeded garden That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature
Possess it merely. (1.2.135-138)
Slide 7
Where do we see elements of corruption in these two scenes?
Ghost: I am... Doomd for a certain time to walk the night... Till
the foul crimes done in my days of nature / Are burnt and purgd
away (1.5.9-13)
Slide 8
Marcellus: Something is rotten in the state of Denmark
(1.4.90)
Slide 9
POISON used by Claudius The murder is both a REGICIDE and a
FRATRICIDE.
Slide 10
The Ghosts use of vivid, angry diction and repetition
underscores the urgent need to clean up the mess in Denmark, to
remove the corruption (a PUBLIC revenge?) Ghost: foul used 3x,
unnatural used 2x, strange used once (p. 30)
Slide 11
Three roles: VICTIM, VILLAIN, AVENGER Crime has already been
committed prior to the start of the play No recourse to a higher
authority Avenger must overcome obstacles Avenger must seek an
appropriate revenge Concludes with a successful carrying out of
mission Most popular genre of Shakespeares time (and perhaps,
today?) Derives from Greeks/Romans (Aeschylus, Seneca) The Spanish
Tragedy, The Revengers Tragedy
Slide 12
Would Hamlets revenge be a PUBLIC or a PRIVATE one? What
motivates his fathers demandor Hamlets desire for revenge?
Slide 13
What, in your opinion, is the exact cause of the rotten-ness in
Denmark? Cite one or two words as textual support.
