1. The tragedy’s fool

2. Remember the characteristics of Shakespeare’s fool?  A fool (s) exists in most Shakespearean plays—not only in his comedies. These characters elicit humor, but often do so un- intentionally (intentionally by Shakespeare, unintentionally by the character) The Shakespearean Fool Archetype:  Undereducated  Fickle  Easily confused  Sporadically quick-witted (occasionally he is sharp; often he’s too dumb to understand what he is saying)  Often egotistical

3. Listen to this short podcast about the character of Polonius (listen to only the last 5 minutes)short podcast  Does it add anything to our previous analysis of Polonius?  What characteristics of “the fool” does Polonius exhibit?  In your R.J.:  List the characteristics he demonstrates  For each characteristic, find an example (FROM THE TEXT) to prove it  Share with a partner what you discovered

4. Polonius is killed in Act III, Scene IV  His death is the first in the play  Why would Shakespeare choose to make Polonius the first victim?  How does his death impact the other characters?  Hamlet  Gertrude  Claudius  Ophelia  Laertes  Consider Shakespeare’s structure. Act III is the climax of the plot; how does Polonius’ death contribute to the climactic nature of this act?

5. a videovideo

6.  If you have not already, answer the multiple choice questions in your packet that correspond to Act III, Scene IV (questions 36-40)  For Tuesday, be sure you have read all of Act IV and answered the R.J. questions  For Wednesday, be 100% sure you have finished ALL multiple choice questions for Act III (Note: there are no questions for Act IV)