HAMLET. William Shakespeare. An A level English Student Guide by Steven Croft. ~ Wessex Publications ~

Transcription

1 HAMLET by William Shakespeare An A level English Student Guide by Steven Croft ~ Wessex Publications ~

2 CONTENTS page Using the Workbook... 1 Scene by Scene Analysis... 2 Characterisation Themes and Issues Prose and Verse Close Textual Study Questions Essay Questions

3 Hamlet Using the Workbook USING THE WORKBOOK The workbook examines various aspects of Hamlet and you will be asked to complete tasks on each of these areas as you progress through the different sections. All the tasks are designed to help you look carefully at the play and to come to an appreciation of its meaning and significance as a piece of drama/literature. In addition to work in the Workbook itself it is advisable to keep your own, fuller notes, in a notebook or ring binder. These will be an important revision aid if you are going to answer on this text in an examination. Some of the tasks require quite short answers and where this is the case a box is provided in the workbook where you can write down your responses if you wish. Consult with your English tutor on this as she/he may prefer you to answer in a separate notebook or file. The boxes will, however, give you an idea of how much to write. Where you see this notebook symbol though, a fuller response is required and it would be best if you wrote your comments or answers in your own notebook or file. At the end of the Workbook you will find: a number of specimen examination essay questions some questions requiring close textual study ( Context Questions ) of the kind that you might find set for A level English Literature (or an examination of similar standard). These titles and questions would also be suitable for coursework assignments on this text. If you are going to answer on this text in an examination it would be very useful to you to practise writing answers to several of these and have some idea of how you would tackle any of them. Good luck and happy studying

4 Hamlet Scene by Scene Analysis Act One Scene One SCENE BY SCENE ANALYSIS - ACT ONE SCENE ONE The play opens at the castle of Elsinore on a bitterly cold night. It is midnight and the guard is being changed as Barnardo relieves Francisco and then is joined by Marcellus and Horatio. TASK 1 What kind of atmosphere is created in these opening lines of the play and how does Shakespeare create this atmosphere? TASK 2 The others look to Horatio to speak to the ghost. Why do you think they feel he should be the one to speak to it?

5 Hamlet Scene by Scene Analysis Act One Scene One Horatio speaks to the Ghost but it turns and stalks away leaving Horatio shaken by what he has seen. He agrees with the others that the Ghost is the image of the dead King dressed in the armour that he wore when he fought the King of Norway. Horatio is unsure what the appearance of the Ghost means but is sure that it "... bodes some strange eruption to our state." TASK 3 It seems that the country is already on a state of alert and Marcellus asks Horatio about the current situation. What information does Horatio give him? (lines ) Barnardo feels that the appearance of the Ghost may have something to do with the threat of war. Horatio agrees and goes on to explain that strange things occurred as omens before the murder of Julius Caesar in ancient Rome. The Ghost appears again and once more Horatio tries to speak to it and find out why it has appeared. However, at the sound of the cock crow the Ghost disappears despite the attempts of the others to prevent it. Horatio explains that as day approaches spirits have to return to where ever they came from. TASK 4 Now look at the closing of the scene (lines ). Do you notice a change of atmosphere here?

6 Hamlet Act One Scene Two SCENE TWO TASK 5 The scene opens at the court of Claudius, King of Denmark. Claudius enters with Gertrude, his queen and Hamlet's mother. Look at the first part of Claudius's opening speech (lines 1-16). What does he have to say here? TASK 6 What information do you gather from the second part of the speech? (lines 17-38). The business dealt with he then turns his attention to Laertes, the son of the respected chief councillor, Polonius. Laertes had returned home from France to attend Claudio's coronation but would now like to return to France. Claudius gives him permission to leave and now turns his attention on Hamlet

7 Hamlet Act One Scene Two TASK 7 Hamlet's first words are spoken as an aside - "A little more than Kin, and less than Kind." What do you think Hamlet means by this? TASK 8 What kind of attitude do Claudius and Gertrude take towards Hamlet? TASK 9 Hamlet responds by saying that his grief is real and heart-felt not something put on for show. Claudius then launches into a long speech addressed directly to Hamlet (lines ). What does he have to say here?

8 Hamlet Act One Scene Two TASK 10 The upshot of this is that Claudius does not want Hamlet to return to his studies in Wittenberg. Gertrude joins Claudius in asking Hamlet to stay at court and he agrees to obey her. Claudius welcomes this decision and plans to celebrate the news. Look over the opening part of the scene and make a note of the dramatic uses of this section. TASK 11 Left alone Hamlet shows the true state of mind he is in. Read Hamlet's soliloquy (lines ) carefully. What kind of mood is he in here? Now make notes on the following aspects of the soliloquy: what you learn from it in terms of advancing the plot. the information it provides you with concerning past events. what you learn about character - that of the speaker and others

9 Hamlet Act One Scene Two the ideas that it explores. any details of the language used that you find striking. Having revealed his true state of mind, though, Hamlet realises that he must hold his peace, there is nothing he can do about the situation. Horatio, Marcellus and Barnardo enter at this point. He is pleased to see his old friend and fellow scholar, Horatio, and he makes his feelings about his father's death and his mother s marriage very clear. His reference to his father leads Horatio to explain why they are there and he goes on to describe to Hamlet what they have seen. TASK 12 How does Hamlet respond to this information? TASK 13 Left alone at the end of the scene what idea does Hamlet express?

10 Hamlet Act One Scene Three SCENE THREE TASK 14 Laertes, who is about to leave for France, says goodbye to his sister, Ophelia. Laertes raises the issue of Hamlet and the affection he has been showing towards Ophelia. What is Laertes's opinion of Hamlet's feelings for Ophelia? TASK 15 What does Laertes warn Ophelia of? TASK 16 Polonius enters and is surprised to find that Laertes hasn't left yet. Polonius, too, takes this opportunity to deliver a lecture, first of all to Laertes. What advice does Polonius have to give his son? When he has finished Laertes takes his leave of his father once more. Before leaving, though, Laertes reminds Ophelia to remember what he has said to her. When he has gone her father wants to know what her brother has had to say to her. Polonius has heard of Hamlet's attentions and endorses his son's advice. It is clear that Ophelia believes that

11 Hamlet Act One Scene Three Hamlet's expressions of love are genuine but Polonius is scathing about this. He insists that although Hamlet's words may genuinely express his present feelings of love these are merely fleeting emotions fired by youthful passion rather than true depth of feeling. In the end Polonius tells his daughter that she must not speak to Hamlet again and, being a dutiful daughter, Ophelia must promise to obey her father. Make notes on Polonius's attitude towards his son and daughter and to relationships

12 Hamlet Act One Scene Four SCENE FOUR TASK 17 Hamlet, Horatio and Marcellus are on the castle battlements at Elsinore. It is bitingly cold and just after midnight. The three are waiting to see if the ghost appears once more. As they wait they hear the sounds of trumpets and cannon fire from within the castle. Hamlet explains that the King is holding celebrations and every time a toast is drunk the trumpets sound and the cannon fires. What is Hamlet's attitude towards this custom? (lines 14-38) At this point the ghost appears and Hamlet speaks to it immediately. He is still in some doubt as to whether it is a good or evil spirit but he appeals to it using his father's names and asks it why it has left its tomb to return to the earth. The Ghost does not speak and beckons Hamlet to follow it but his friends warn him not to go. TASK 18 What is Horatio worried about here? Hamlet shrugs off these warnings, though and leaving the others follows the ghost

13 Hamlet Act One Scene Five SCENE FIVE Hamlet asks the Ghost to speak, saying that he will follow him no further. The Ghost thenspeaks to Hamlet, telling him that when he hears what he has to say he will feel bound to take revenge. He confirms that he is the spirit of Hamlet's father and tells him that he is in Purgatory where he is. "Doom'd for a certain term to walk the night, And, for the day, confin'd to waste in fires Till the foul crimes done in my days of nature Are burnt and purg'd away." (lines 10-13) He cannot reveal the secrets of Purgatory to Hamlet but it is clear he undergoes terrible torment there and all because he was unable to confess his sins and thus receive absolution before he died. TASK 19 Look carefully at lines What does the Ghost have to tell Hamlet here? Make a list of the key points

14 Hamlet Act One Scene Five TASK 20 The Ghost then disappears and Hamlet is left alone. Look carefully at the soliloquy that he gives at this point. (lines ). What is Hamlet's state of mind here and how is it conveyed to the audience? TASK 21 Horatio and the others re-appear and are worried about him but he will not reveal to them what has happened. He does, however, make them swear not to reveal what they do know. The Ghost's voice repeats the word "swear". What does Hamlet warn Horatio and Marcellus to be alert to from this point on?

15 Hamlet Act Two Scene One SCENE BY SCENE ANALYSIS - ACT TWO SCENE ONE TASK 22 Polonius is giving his servant, Reynaldo, money and letters which he wants delivered to Laertes in France. What else does Polonius want Reynaldo to do? TASK 23 What further do you learn about Polonius's character from his behaviour here? TASK 24 Reynaldo leaves and Ophelia enters. She is very upset and agitated. What has upset her so much?

16 Hamlet Act Two Scene One Polonius immediately puts this down to the effects of unrequited love and concludes that he was wrong and that Hamlet's love for his daughter was genuine after all. He determines to go to the King and tell him the cause of Hamlet's strange behaviour. He believes that the effect of Ophelia returning his love letters and refusing to see him, as her father commanded, has driven him mad

17 Hamlet Act Two Scene Two SCENE TWO Claudius and Gertrude welcome the arrival of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern who have been sent for. They have known Hamlet since childhood and Claudius hopes that they will be able to find out why he is acting no strangely. The Queen supports him in this. They leave to find Hamlet and Polonius enters and announces the return of the ambassadors who had been sent to Norway. Polonius also maintains that he believes that he has found the cause of Hamlet's madness. TASK 25 First of all, though, the political business is dealt with. What is the outcome of Cornelius and Valtemand's mission to Norway? The political business concluded Polonius then begins a long-winded account of what he thinks he has discovered. He reads one of Hamlet's love letters to Ophelia and when he has finished Claudius asks how she responded to these declarations of love. Polonius then explains how, when he commanded Ophelia not to see or speak to Hamlet, he descended into his present state of madness. TASK 26 How does Polonius propose to test this theory?

18 Hamlet Act Two Scene Two TASK 27 What is your impression of the conversation that now takes place between Polonius and Hamlet? Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enter and they and Hamlet greet each other. Hamlet talks to the pair but he gives nothing away about how he is really feeling. In fact, he seems to be playing with them here and is clearly aware that they have been sent for and he goes on to tell them why. TASK 28 Look carefully at lines What does Hamlet reveal about his state of mind here? Rosencrantz and Guildenstern then tell him that a company of actors is on its way to Elsinore. After some discussion about the theatre Polonius returns and Hamlet mocks him once more. Polonius talks of the theatre in his usual long-winded manner but Hamlet's talk immediately returns to "daughters". The troupe of travelling players then arrive. Hamlet knows them and greets them like old friends. Hamlet remembers a speech that he once heard performed and begins to deliver it. Note that its subject is the revenge killing for the death of

19 Hamlet Act Two Scene Two a father. The First Player then takes over the reciting of the speech. As the Player really begins to get into the mood of the piece he becomes so moved that his colour changes and tears come into his eyes. Polonius leads the players away but Hamlet has a quiet word alone with the First Player and asks for a particular play, The Murder of Gonzago, to be performed for the King and the court. He also asks the Player if he could learn an extra dozen or sixteen lines that he wants to insert into the play. Left alone Hamlet begins his third soliloquy. TASK 29 Look carefully at this soliloquy (lines ). What is Hamlet's mood during this speech and what does he accuse himself of? Do you detect a change in mood at the end? Make detailed notes on this soliloquy and think about the dramatic effects it has on the play at this point

20 Hamlet Act Three Scene One SCENE BY SCENE ANALYSIS - ACT THREE SCENE ONE Claudius questions Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about what they have found out about Hamlet's madness. Rosencrantz tells him that although Hamlet admits to feeling distracted he will not reveal the cause. Guildenstern goes on to say that he will not confide in them but with "... a crafty madness, keeps aloof." They also tell Claudius and the Queen that he was pleased to hear of the arrival of the Players and the King tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to encourage his interest in them. Claudius asks Gertrude to leave as he and Polonius intend to arrange a 'chance' meeting between Hamlet and Ophelia in order to spy on them. TASK 30 What do the King's words in his aside beginning "O 'tis too true" (lines 48-54) reveal about him? TASK 31 Claudius and Polonius conceal themselves and Hamlet enters. Examine carefully his fourth soliloquy beginning "To be, or not to be" (lines 56-89). Make notes on what Hamlet has to say in this soliloquy. continue over

21 Hamlet Act Three Scene One At this point he becomes aware of Ophelia's presence. She has come to return Hamlet's gifts, which he denies sending her. TASK 32 Now examine their conversation. How do you account for Hamlet's behaviour towards Ophelia? When Hamlet leaves, Ophelia's grief at what he has become is plain to see. Claudius and Polonius enter and it is obvious that the King does not believe that love is the cause of Hamlet's state. Nor does he believe he is mad. Rather, he feels that - "... There's something in his soul O'er which his melancholy sits on brood; And I do doubt the hatch and the disclose Will be some danger:" (lines ) His assessment of the situation here is exactly right, and he immediately decides to send Hamlet to England out of harm's way

22 Hamlet Act Three Scene One Polonius, though, persists with his notion that love for Ophelia and rejection by her is at the bottom of his condition. In a final attempt to prove he is right he intends to eavesdrop on a private interview between Hamlet and his mother which he will set up after the play. Claudius agrees but he obviously senses danger from Hamlet and the scene ends with his ominous comment - "Madness in great ones must not unwatche'd go."

23 Hamlet Act Three Scene Two SCENE TWO TASK 33 Hamlet instructs the actors in the speech that he wants inserting into the play that they are to perform. Polonius enters with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and assures him that both the King and Queen will be present to watch the play. Horatio then enters. What does Hamlet ask him to do? The King, Queen, Polonius, Ophelia and the rest of the court enter and prepare for the entertainment. TASK 34 How does Hamlet behave before the entertainment begins? TASK 35 What is the purpose of the dumb-show which precedes The Murder of Gonzago?

24 Hamlet Act Three Scene Two TASK 36 How does Hamlet respond to the King's behaviour here? TASK 37 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enter and Guildenstern tells them that the King is angry at what had happened and feels out of sorts. At first Hamlet pretends to think that Claudius is drunk but Guildenstern tells him this is not so. He goes on to say that they have been sent by Gertrude and Rosencrantz tells Hamlet that his mother wants to speak to him before going to bed. He then accuses Hamlet of not being open with them, his friends. How does Hamlet respond to this? Polonius enters and tells Hamlet that his mother wishes to see him. Hamlet pokes fun at him and tells him he will come to her shortly. Left alone Hamlet allows the audience a glimpse of his thoughts in his fifth soliloquy (lines ). TASK 38 Look carefully at this soliloquy. What state of mind is Hamlet in here and how is this communicated through the language? continue over

25 Hamlet Act Three Scene Two

26 Hamlet Act Three Scene Three SCENE THREE Claudius tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that he does not like the way that Hamlet is behaving and he sees him as a real danger. He therefore wants the two of them to escort Hamlet to England immediately. Rosencrantz comments on how important the well-being of the King is to the well-being of the state. Polonius then arrives to tell them that Hamlet is on his way to his mother's room and that he will go there and hide himself so that he can eavesdrop on their conversation. TASK 39 Claudius is left alone at this point. Look carefully at his soliloquy which begins "O, my offence is rank," (lines 36-72). What does this soliloquy reveal to you about Claudius and does it change your view of him in any way? Why do his attempts to pray for forgiveness fail? TASK 40 While Claudius is apparently at prayer Hamlet has what appears to be a perfect opportunity to take his revenge. Why does he not kill Claudius at this point? How is this situation ironic? continue over

27 Hamlet Act Three Scene Three

28 Hamlet Act Three Scene Four SCENE FOUR Polonius is with Gertrude who is awaiting the arrival of Hamlet. He tells her to be severe with him and then he gets ready to hide as he hears Hamlet approach. He conceals himself behind the arras as Hamlet enters. The Queen begins by rebuking her son for offending his 'father' (Claudius). However, Hamlet does not accept this and tells her that she has offended his father (meaning his true father, the dead King) and goes on to tell her that in his view her marriage to Claudius is an illicit one. He makes her sit down and won't let her move until he has shown her her true self. She becomes frightened by his behaviour and calls out for help fearing for her safety. Polonius hears her calls and takes up the call for help himself. Hamlet, hearing the voice behind the arras draws his sword and stabs through the curtain thinking that it is the King hiding there. However, when he lifts the arras he sees that it is Polonius that he has killed. Hamlet does not hesitate to kill whoever is hiding behind the arras. What are the differences between this situation and the one in scene iii. where he fails to take the opportunity to kill Claudius? Hamlet now turns his attention on his mother and tells her in blunt language of what she has done as he sees it. To make his point more strongly he invites her to compare two portraits, one of Claudius and one of Hamlet's father. Look at the section where Hamlet compares the two (lines 54-82) and make notes on the points of comparison that he makes. In the end Hamlet's words hit home and Gertrude's own conscience begins to prick her and she begs him to stop - "Oh Hamlet speak no more, Thou turn'st mine eyes into my very soul, And there I see such black and grained spots As will not leave their tinct." (lines 89-92) Hamlet continues, though, and his language becomes even cruder. Note the bestial and gross sexual imagery here - "... live in the rank sweat of an enseamed bed," "... making love over the nasty sty" and so forth. TASK 41 Hamlet shows no sign of stopping but at this point the ghost intervenes. Why does the Ghost re-appear at this point and what effect does the appearance create?

29 Hamlet Act Three Scene Four He goes on to beg her to change her ways and to stay apart from Claudius for one night. If she can do this then it will become easier to abstain from his company on subsequent occasions. TASK 42 What does Hamlet go on to reveal to her? This final dialogue suggests some kind of order being established after the disorder of the earlier parts of the scene. It also consolidates Hamlet's re-found trust in his mother. At the end of this Act we are left anticipating what will happen when the plot and counter-plot of Claudius and Hamlet meet. Make notes on the dramatic effects created through the play within the play and the 'closet scene'

30 Hamlet Act Four Scene One SCENE BY SCENE ANALYSIS - ACT FOUR SCENE ONE The Queen asks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to leave so that she can speak to the King privately. She goes on to tell Claudius about the death of Polonius. TASK 43 How does Claudius respond to this news? Gertrude speaks of Hamlet's remorse while Claudius makes arrangements to get him out of the country straightaway. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern return and the King tells them to find Hamlet and the body of Polonius and bring it to the chapel. TASK 44 What is the King's main concern at the end of the scene?

31 Hamlet Act Four Scene Two SCENE TWO Hamlet has temporarily hidden the body of Polonius and he hears Rosencrantz and Guildenstern calling for him. They enter and ask him where the body is. TASK 45 Look carefully at Hamlet s response to them. What do you make of what he has to say? The three of them go to the King

32 Hamlet Act Four Scene Three SCENE THREE The King with his attendants thinks about the danger that Hamlet poses and yet he must be careful how he handles the situation because Hamlet is so popular with the people. Hamlet comes in, now under guard and accompanied by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. TASK 46 What is the purpose of Hamlet's wordplay concerning maggots and worms, Kings and beggars? TASK 47 How does Claudius respond to Hamlet's insults here? TASK 48 Look at Claudius's soliloquy at the end of the scene. What does he reveal here?

33 Hamlet Act Four Scene Four SCENE FOUR TASK 49 On his way to embark on the ship to England, Hamlet encounters Fortinbras leading his army across Denmark to attack the Poles. Hamlet asks one of the Norwegian army captains what is going on. What does the captain tell Hamlet? TASK 50 Left alone Hamlet ponders his position in his seventh and final soliloquy. Examine this soliloquy and note down the key points of what Hamlet says here

34 Hamlet Act Four Scene Five SCENE FIVE Ophelia has asked to see the Queen and it seems that Gertrude has refused. A gentleman describes the distressed state that she is in and Horatio tells the Queen it would be best to see her or dangerous suspicions may grow in their minds of those who might wish to make trouble. In the end the Queen agrees to see her. TASK 51 What is your impression of Ophelia when she appears and what is the significance of the snatches of songs that she sings? TASK 52 How does Claudius respond to Ophelia's madness?

35 Hamlet Act Four Scene Five At this point a noise is heard and a messenger enters and tells the King that Laertes has arrived at the head of a mob who are calling for Laertes to be King. The doors are broken open and Laertes with armed followers enter. TASK 53 Now examine the confrontation between Laertes and the King beginning with "O thou vile King" to the point where Ophelia enters (lines ). How does Claudius handle this situation? TASK 54 At this point Ophelia re-enters. Think about Laertes's response here and use the box for your answer. What does it reveal to you?

36 Hamlet Act Four Scene Six SCENE SIX Some sailors come to Horatio with letters from Hamlet. Horatio reads one of the letters and it tells him that the ship on which Hamlet was bound for England had been attacked by pirates. The pirates grappled his ship and Hamlet boarded the ship, presumably leading the defenders of his ship. Just as he boarded it, though, the two ships broke apart again and he became the prisoner of the pirates. It was clear to them that Hamlet was an important person and they would be wellrewarded for returning him and so did a deal with them. He asks that Horatio sends the other letters to the King and tells him that he has much more to tell him including news about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The sailors tell Horatio where he can find Hamlet. TASK 55 What kind of picture does this letter paint of Hamlet and does it contrast with the picture you have of him so far?

37 Hamlet Act Four Scene Seven SCENE SEVEN TASK 56 The King and Laertes enter. Laertes asks Claudius why, as Hamlet may have tried to kill Claudius, action had not been taken against him earlier. What reasons does Claudius give in answer to this? Laertes contents himself with the thought that he will take revenge himself. A messenger brings letters for the King and Gertrude from Hamlet and they learn that he has returned to Denmark. In response to this letter Claudius now sets in motion the second scheme against Hamlet's life and he makes full use of Laertes's desire for revenge. Notice here how the King cleverly manipulates Laertes so that by this stage Laertes, far from blaming him for Polonius's death has become his eager accomplice and the means by which Claudius will kill Hamlet. TASK 57 Make a note of the key points of Claudius's plot. At this point their plotting is interrupted by the entrance of the Queen with the news that Ophelia is drowned. Read the Queen's description of Ophelia's death. What is your response to this description? Think carefully about how language and imagery is used here. What do you think worries Claudius after the news of Ophelia's death?

38 Hamlet Act Four Scene Seven Make notes on the key elements of Act IV. These should include the following - Hamlet's soliloquy beginning "How all occasions do inform against me". (Act IV Scene iv) Ophelia's madness and death The plot against Hamlet devised by Claudius and Laertes

39 Hamlet Act Five Scene One SCENE BY SCENE ANALYSIS - ACT FIVE SCENE ONE TASK 58 The gravedigger and his assistant discuss the uncertainty surrounding the death of Ophelia. What does this uncertainty consist of? TASK 59 The two go on to banter about grave-digging as Hamlet and Horatio enter. As the gravedigger continues to dig he throws up a skull which Hamlet looks at. What thoughts does this skull provoke in Hamlet? The gravedigger throws up another skull and Hamlet ponders further the disparity between what the owner of the skull might have been in life and what he has now become. Hamlet asks the gravedigger whose grave is being dug. He does not get a straight answer, though, and the pair engage in some wordplay. The gravedigger clearly does not recognise Hamlet because he mentions that Hamlet has gone mad and has been sent to England. Hamlet, still thinking about the idea of death, asks the gravedigger how long a body might lie in the earth before it decomposes. The gravedigger replies with grain humour that nowadays there are "many pocky corpses" infected with "the pox" or syphilis that will barely last

40 Hamlet Act Five Scene One until burial but those aside "he will last you some eight year, or nine year." A tanner will last longer because his skin is so tanned with his trade that it will keep out water longer. He picks a skull up from the earth that has lain there twenty-three years. It turns out that it is the skull of the old King, Hamlet's father's jester, Yorick. TASK 60 Look at Hamlet's speech as he ponders the skull, "Alas poor Yorick!" (lines ). What does Hamlet have to say here and what is its dramatic effect? TASK 61 Horatio and Hamlet move back. What does he notice about the funeral? Grief stricken Laertes leaps into the grave and at this point Hamlet steps forward and leaps into the grave too. The two grapple with each other until physically parted

41 Hamlet Act Five Scene One TASK 62 What is the effect of this incident? Hamlet leaves and the scene ends with Claudius reminding Laertes of their recent talk and he urges him to be patient

42 Hamlet Act Five Scene Two SCENE TWO Hamlet tells Horatio about what happened on board the ship. Note down the key points of what happened and what became of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Hamlet clearly spares little thought for the fate of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and he replies to Horatio's implied criticism of his actions - "Why, man, they did make love to this employment; They are not near my conscience; their defeat Does by their own insinuation grow." (lines 57-59) TASK 63 Why do you think Hamlet feels like this? Does this alter your view of him? TASK 64 What does he go on to say about Laertes? The atmosphere is lightened by the entry of Osric, the foppish courtier. Osric, in a long-winded and affected manner tells Hamlet how his uncle has backed Hamlet to win a duel with Laertes. He has wagered six Barbary horses against six French rapiers with all their accoutrements that in twelve bouts Laertes will not score more that three hits more than Hamlet. He agrees that he will try to win for the King and Osric leaves to convey this message to him. Hamlet and

43 Hamlet Act Five Scene Two TASK 65 Horatio make fun of the pretentious courtier and another courtier comes to enquire if Hamlet accepts the duel and to announce that the King and Queen and the court are coming. What specific message does the Queen send here? TASK 66 After the Lord has left, however, Horatio warns Hamlet that he will lose the wager and Hamlet himself clearly feels some foreboding about the whole business. He offers to help Hamlet withdraw from the contest. How does Hamlet respond to Horatio's warning? TASK 67 The King and Queen enter together with Laertes and members of the court look at the public reconciliation between Hamlet and Laertes (lines ). How do they compare for sincerity and what dramatic effect does this apparent reconciliation have? continue over

44 Hamlet Act Five Scene Two TASK 68 What effect does Laertes 'confession' have? TASK 69 Horatio, seeing his friend and prince dying initially wants to die with him and looks to drink what remains of the poison. How does Hamlet persuade his friend not to follow him in death?

45 Hamlet Act Five Scene Two As he is dying Hamlet nominates Fortinbras, who is approaching with his army, as the next King of Denmark. Hamlet dies and Fortinbras enters together with the English ambassadors who bring news of the execution of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The play ends with Horatio saying that he has much to tell and Fortinbras takes control of the situation ordering Hamlet's body to be carried out with full honours. What is your response to Fortinbras's closing words about Hamlet? Make notes on how satisfactory you find this closing scene as a conclusion to the play

46 Hamlet Characterisation - Hamlet CHARACTERISATION HAMLET Over the years much debate has centred on the character of Hamlet and the part that certain features of his character played in his ultimate tragedy. Various critics have adopted various stances. Here are some of the different ways in which his character has been viewed: A character who normally would have been equal to the task of exacting revenge but who in this instance experienced a profound melancholy which made it difficult for him to take direct action. A character who is great and noble in spirit but whose actions are not controlled by his nobility but by accidental circumstances that are beyond his control. A character who combines many qualities but who cannot carry out that which he resolves to do. A character who is by nature philosophical and reflective and prone to question all things. He is therefore more aware than most of the implications of the actions that he takes. Hamlet's introspection and self-questioning hides his underlying lack of resolve. He doesn't believe in anything, including himself and so does nothing. Hamlet is a scholar and a man of sensitivity who finds it difficult to commit the violent and crude acts demanded of him. He is a character who wants to take revenge but has few opportunities to do so. When presented with the opportunity he takes positive action. Choose TWO of these readings of the character of Hamlet and make notes on what it is in the play that enables these interpretations to be made. Now let's have a closer look at some aspects of Hamlet's character. Turn to Act 1 Scene ii and look at Hamlet's first appearance in the play. Notice that his first words are spoken as an aside - his reply to Claudius - "A little more than Kin, and less than kind." How does Hamlet appear to you at this point?

47 Hamlet Characterisation - Hamlet Now look at his soliloquy (line ) beginning - "O that this too too solid flesh would melt," Make detailed notes on what he is saying here. Does this confirm the picture you developed of him in the first part of the scene? From now on Hamlet experiences a series of crisis points or critical moments in the play. A good deal can be revealed about his character by how he reacts at these moments. Draw up a chart of these scenes and briefly describe what happens and what they reveal about Hamlet's character. For example we have already noted in Act 1 Scene ii his bitterness and hostility towards Claudius and in his soliloquy his deep despair and disillusionment. Use the following as prompts - What Hamlet says or does and why What happens as a result or what prompts his actions What this tells us about his character Does he change in any way as a result?

48 Hamlet Characterisation Hamlet and Ophelia HAMLET AND OPHELIA The question often arises about the way that Hamlet treats Ophelia. He seems particularly hard on her in Act III Scene i and in the 'play within the play' scene, Act III Scene ii. She has encountered his behaviour earlier too which she reports to her father in Act II Scene i. TASK 70 Why do you think that Hamlet is so hard on her?

49 Hamlet Characterisation Hamlet s inaction HAMLET'S 'INACTION' TASK 71 One of the criticisms often made about the character of Hamlet is that he spends too much time thinking and philosophising and not enough actually carrying out his act of revenge against Claudius. This view seems to be borne out by Hamlet himself. Look at his soliloquy in Act IV Scene iv, lines What is he saying here? It is worth thinking about the question of whether or not this criticism of 'inaction' is justified though. It is easy to see why Hamlet should be the first to accuse himself. He has the responsibility of revenging his father s murder and so he feels keenly the fact that Claudius still lives. Under the circumstances it should be no surprise that he is hard on himself. TASK 72 Think about the action of the play and make a note of the occasions when Hamlet has a clear-cut opportunity to kill Claudius. TASK 73 Look carefully at Hamlet's reasons for not taking the opportunity to kill Claudius (lines 73-96) when he is praying in the chapel in Act III Scene iii. Do you find the reasons valid?

50 Hamlet Characterisation Hamlet s inaction When Hamlet visits his mother in her room he thinks that Claudius is hiding behind the arras and acts decisively. He is not to know that it is, in fact, Polonius behind the arras. TASK 74 From this point on Hamlet is watched continually and Claudius is clearly aware of the threat he poses. His despatch to England is quickly arranged and there are no more clear opportunities for him to take. In fact from this point on Hamlet's actions are really responses to circumstances that are beyond his control. Make a list of the things that happen over which Hamlet has no control. In the end he does take his revenge but it is a revenge that is not planned and controlled by him but is a response to the actions of others

51 Hamlet Characterisation Claudius CLAUDIUS Although Claudius is clearly a wicked character he is rather more complex than simply the stage villain. In many ways he can be seen as a character with many contradictions. Think about the different ways in which the following characters view him and make a note of how each one sees him. Include some key quotations to illustrate your points. Hamlet Gertrude Polonius Ophelia Laertes Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Wholly evil or redeeming qualities? This is a question that is often asked in relation to the character of Claudius and the answer depends very much on your reading of his character. TASK 75 How do you see his character?

52 Hamlet Characterisation Claudius It is possible to see Claudius as a man who is tempted by both a desire for power and by his desire for the Queen. His succumbing to temptation, though, leaves him tormented by his guilty conscience. TASK 76 What evidence would you use to support this interpretation of his character? TASK 77 Think about the different views of Claudius, all of which are equally valid depending on what is emphasised and what ignored in the interpretation of him. What effect do you think each interpretation has on the overall effect of the play?

53 Hamlet Characterisation Claudius The reading that takes account of the contradictions of Claudius's character is less neat but it does raise more questions such as What makes a good King? How can Claudius claim the 'divinity' that 'hedges' a King? In the end you must weigh the evidence and formulate your own view of the character. Make notes on your own responses to the character of Claudius

54 Hamlet Characterisation Ophelia OPHELIA TASK 78 Think about the character of Ophelia and make a list of words that you might apply to her and the situation she finds herself in during the course of the play. TASK 78 However, it is possible to see in Ophelia more than a rather weak young woman who simply obeys the wishes of her father and brother and then accepts the harangues of Hamlet without question. She must obey the wishes of her father, but can you think of any parts of the play where Ophelia could be seen to show spirit? TASK 79 What other purpose do you think that Ophelia serves in the play?

55 Hamlet Characterisation Ophelia TASK 80 In the end, in her madness, Ophelia reveals her subconscious preoccupations. What do you think these are? Now make notes on the following characters: Gertrude, Laertes, Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Horatio, Fortinbras

56 Hamlet Themes and Issues THEMES AND ISSUES In identifying some central themes of the play it is important to remember that these, like the characters, are open to interpretation. Shakespeare didn t write his plays with a neat list of topics that he was going to discuss and draw attention to. You may find that different critical books focus on different thematic areas and one book may stress certain areas while others attaches more importance to another. Having said that, though, it is possible to see emerging from the play certain key ideas or issues that are returned to again and again as the play develops. Here are some themes and issues that it is possible to identify in the play. REVENGE ORDER AND DISORDER APPEARANCE AND REALITY WOMEN AND SEXUALITY DEATH BETRAYAL Let's have a closer look at these ideas and the importance that they play in the play. REVENGE TASK 81 Think carefully about the idea of REVENGE. Which characters in the play seek some kind of revenge and why?

57 Hamlet Themes and Issues TASK 82 What effect, dramatically, do you think Laertes and Fortinbras serve in their role of revengers? Hamlet compares himself to Fortinbras in Act IV Scene iv. Look at his soliloquy (lines 32-66) which begins "How all occasions do inform against me,. What is the point of him comparing himself to Fortinbras here? Now make notes on the theme of REVENGE as you see it developed through the plot and characters of the play. ORDER AND DISORDER The whole issue of order and disorder throughout the play is linked to the idea of revenge. Claudius has interrupted the established order of events by killing the rightful King and thus prompting the need for Hamlet's revenge. Laertes is driven by his desire for revenge to flout the established order in order to achieve his ends. When he arrives in search of vengeance he will "dare damnation" and a little later when Claudius wants to know just how far he will go to achieve his vengeance he says of Hamlet that he would "... cut his throat : i' th' church." (IV vii line 127). Make a list of the different ways that the established order is disrupted in the play and note how the ensuing disorder escalates to the final tragedy. APPEARANCE AND REALITY Throughout the play there are many discrepancies between how things appear to be and how they actually are. Make notes on these discrepancies as found in the following aspects of the play: At the court as seen in Act I Scene ii

58 Hamlet Themes and Issues The image Claudius projects as opposed to the reality behind this image How different characters see a) Gertrude and b) Ophelia The presentation of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Where Hamlet is 'seeming' or acting a part and where he presents a genuine face. WOMEN AND SEXUALITY Various attitudes to women and sexuality are expressed throughout the play. TASK 83 Think carefully about the element of the play and make a list of the key areas where you think ideas on this theme are expressed: DEATH In many ways one of the key themes that over-arches this play is that of 'DEATH'. 'Death' is obviously a real presence in the play right from the outset - Hamlet's father is dead, and then various other deaths follow. TASK 84 More than this, though, the theme of 'death' is pursued in a variety of ways. Think about the theme of 'death' in relation to the workings of Hamlet's mind. It is possible to see the play in terms of him working through his own attitude towards death. Plot these stages for yourself. Make notes on the key themes of the play as you see them and discuss how they are developed throughout the play

59 Hamlet Prose and Verse PROSE AND VERSE It is often said that in Shakespearean drama the main or 'noble' or 'high' characters speak in verse, which is appropriate to their status and positions, while the lower orders, the comic or plebeian characters speak in prose. However, even a cursory look at the language of the play reveals the complete inadequacy of this explanation. For example, Hamlet himself uses both verse and prose, Ophelia speaks in verse but in her madness prose, while Francisco and Barnado, very minor characters and simple, ordinary soldiers begin the play in verse. In the play scene all the audience speak in prose to distinguish that dialogue from the play within the play which is written in rhyming couplets. Whether a character speaks in verse or prose, therefore, is really to do with the particular circumstances of the scene, the characters involved and the dramatic effect that Shakespeare wants to achieve. When Shakespeare shifts from verse to prose or prose to verse there will always be a dramatic reason why he has decided to make that change. Find three places in the play where Shakespeare moves between verse and prose and explain why you think he makes the change

60 Hamlet Close Textual Study Questions CLOSE TEXTUAL STUDY QUESTIONS Remind yourself of this extract from the play. It is taken from Act I Scene ii. Write a detailed commentary on the extract paying particular attention to: Hamlet s state of mind his use of language the effect this extract has on the audience and its importance to the rest of the play. HAMLET O that this too too solid flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew! Or that the Everlasting had not fix'd His canon 'gainst self-slaughter! O God! God! How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable 5 Seem to me all the uses of this world! Fie on 't! ah fie! 'tis an unweeded garden That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature Possess it merely. That it should come to this! 10 But two months dead! nay not so much, not two: So excellent a king, that was, to this Hyperion to a satyr; so loving to my mother, That he might not beteem the winds of heaven 15 Visit her face too roughly. Heaven and earth! Must I remember? why, she would hang on him, As if increase of appetite had grown By what it fed on: and yet within a month, - Let me not think on't - frailty, thy name is 20 woman! A little month or ere those shoes were old With which she follow'd my poor father's body, Like Niobe, all tears; why she, even she - O God! a beast that wants discourse of reason, 25 Would have mourn'd longer, - married with my uncle, My father's brother, but no more like my father Than I to Hercules: within a month; Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears 30 Had left the flushing in her galled eyes, She married. O, most wicked speed, to post With such dexterity to incestuous sheets! It is not, nor it cannot come to good: But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue

61 Hamlet Close Textual Study Questions Remind yourself of this extract from the play. It is taken from Act I Scene iii. Write a detailed commentary on the extract paying particular attention to: the interplay between Ophelia and Laertes; the effect of this scene on your thoughts and feelings; the effect this extract has on the audience and its importance to the rest of the play. Enter LAERTES and OPHELIA his sister LAERTES My necessaries are embark'd: Farewell: And, sister, as the winds give benefit, And convoy is assistant, do not sleep, But let me hear from you. OPHELIA Do you doubt that? 5 LAERTES OPHELIA LAERTES For Hamlet, and the trifling of his favour, Hold it a fashion, and a toy in blood; A violet in the youth of primy nature, Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting, The perfume and suppliance of a minute; 10 No more. No more but so? Think it no more: For nature, crescent, does not grow alone In thews and bulk, but as this temple waxes, 15 The inward service of the mind and soul Grows wide withal. Perhaps he loves you now, And now no soil nor cautel doth besmirch The virtue of his will: but you must fear, His greatness weighed, his will is not his own; 20 For he himself is subject to his birth: He may not, as unvalued persons do, Carve for himself, for on his choice depends The safety and health of this whole state; And therefore must his choice be circumscribed 25 Unto the voice and yielding of that body Whereof he is the head. Then if he says he loves you, It fits your wisdom so far to believe it As he in his particular act and place 30 May give his saying deed; which is no further Than the main voice of Denmark goes withal. Then weigh what loss your honour may sustain,

62 Hamlet Close Textual Study Questions If with too credent ear you list his songs, 35 Or lose your heart, or your chaste treasure open To his unmastered importunity. Fear it, Ophelia, fear it, my dear sister, And keep you in the rear of your affection, Out of the shot and danger of desire. 40 The chariest maid is prodigal enough If she unmask her beauty to the moon: Virtue itself 'scapes not calumnious strokes; The canker galls the infants of the spring Too oft before their buttons be disclosed, 45 And in the morn and liquid dew of youth Contagious blastments are most imminent. Be wary then; best safety lies in fear: Youth to itself rebels, though none else near. OPHELIA I shall the effect of this good lesson keep, 50 As watchman to my heart. But, good my brother, Do not, as some ungracious pastors do, Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven, Whiles like a puffed and reckless libertine, Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads, 55 And recks not his own rede. LAERTES father comes. O, fear me not. I stay too long: but here my