Hamlet

Basic Background Information first performed Central place in world literature Most staged and filmed play ever Written about more than any other work Greatest challenge for actor Many familiar expressions 4 ½ hours in full production – not often done

Sources of the Play Revenge plays Norse legends Loosely based on Danish history Origins in Histoires Tragiques, written by Belle-Forest in 1570 Difference? HAMLET WINS.

Revenge Tragedy Immensely popular among English Elizabethan dramatists. Tyranny Revenge Extreme violence

Tragedy & Tragic Hero Plot arises largely out of a situation for which the hero is not responsible. The hero may have a tragic flaw that contributes to his downfall. He is usually undone by circumstances over which he has no control (fate/destiny)

The hero is of a high degree in society, noble, excellent. But, like us – we see ourselves in him. Torn by inward struggle and conflict comes within the hero’s soul. We can relate to the struggle His downfall affects the welfare of everyone. (national)

A closer look (cont.)… Accordingly in Hamlet, the crime that calls for vengeance has already been committed before the play begins. –The real cause of the tragedy is the evil and intolerable situation surrounding Claudius' murder of Hamlet's father, the King. As Hamlet tries to find a way to avenge his father's death, murder, madness, and ghosts are all brought to the front of the stage, creating interest and tension in the audience.

Basic Plot Structure Simple Linear/ Chronological Wrong -- hero seeks revenge to make it right. In the process, everyone is destroyed. Shakespeare develops the plot of his "revenge" tragedy in classical form.

Act I = expository in nature, introducing the main characters and the conflict. Acts II = complication and development of the conflict and tension Act III = tension rises & conflict increases Act III, Scene 2 = Climax Act IV = falling action, reaction to events from Act III Act V = Conclusion/Catastrophe

Dramatic Structure Overview

Motifs Decay & Rotting Vengeance Appearance vs. Reality Some things to consider: –Is Hamlet Crazy? –Why does Hamlet Hesitate? –Is life worth living? –What is love? –What is Hamlet’s tragic flaw?

Literary Critical Approaches Hamlet as the Victim of External Difficulties Romantic Interpretation Psychoanalytical Approach Historical Approach

Hamlet as the Victim Simplest approach With his father dead and his mother remarried to his enemy Hamlet has no one to turn to for help; therefore, he is totally a victim of circumstance. The critics further argue that the external situation prevents him from taking swift action.

The Romantic Interpretation Greatest artistic creations ever. Hamlet as an individual torn apart by doubt and fearful of taking action. As an idealist, Hamlet was unable to deal with the harsh realities of life He paid a tragic penalty.

Psychoanalytical / Psychological Approach Neurotic tendencies, Mentally Unstable Oedipus Complex. Sexual repression, desire to possess opposite sex parent – comes from detachment from same sex parent Hamlet's possessiveness towards his mother proves his Oedipal Complex

The Historical Approach only those theories prevalent in Shakespeare's time should be utilized to interpret his texts. Philosophy of the Humours – personality types Melancholic disposition the "melancholy Dane.” Primary characteristics: sadness, fear, distrust, doubt, despair, and diffidence. Negative feelings are interrupted by a false laughter or sardonic humor.

Works Referenced Pinkmonkey Notes Hamlet02.asp Hamlet02.asp Phelps, Katherine. Having a Climax, the single climax dramatic structure ingle8.htm ingle8.htm Images: – t-gill1.jpghttp://library.wustl.edu/units/spec/exhibits/enchant/images/hamle t-gill1.jpg – gill2.jpg/ /hamlet-gill2.jpghttp://celebrating-humanity.wikispaces.com/file/view/hamlet- gill2.jpg/ /hamlet-gill2.jpg –