1. North Senior Academy William Shakespeare’s Hamlet

2. Popularity of Hamlet and young Hamlet Over twenty film versions of Hamlet have been produced just since World War II More has been written about Hamlet than about any other literary character Most intelligent character in literature?

3. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet A“Problem” Play Sense of mystery, introspection, questions Why does it take Hamlet so long to try and avenge King Hamlet’s murder? Why does Hamlet stage a play within his own play? Why does Hamlet decide to act insane? Does Hamlet really go insane?

4. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet Motifs and Themes Deception / Appearance and Reality Passion and Reason Decay and Corruption Melancholy Madness and Sanity Revenge Misogyny

5. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet Literary term: foil A foil is “any person that enhances or underscores the distinctive characteristics of another” The primary foils to Hamlet in the play are Laertres and Fortinbras, the Norwegian crown prince. Both Hamlet and Fortinbras have lost a father. The Danish prince deliberates, ponders and plans - the Norwegian prince is impulsive and determined to avenge his father’s death

6. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet Passages to Examine Act 1. Scene I - BERNARDO: Who's there? Act 1. Scene II - CLAUDIUS: Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother's death Act 1. Scene II - HAMLET: O, that this too too solid flesh would melt Act 1. Scene III - POLONIUS: And these few precepts Act 1. Scene V - GHOST: I am thy father's spirit

7. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet