Hamlet… By William Shakespeare… “translation” of the Board of Studies HSC Advanced English Syllabus by L. Krieger

Hamlet – according to the “rules” of Module B This module requires students to explore and evaluate a specific text and its reception (how people respond to it) in a range of contexts (historical, social, cultural)…. or… in other words… How does an audience respond to Hamlet in different social – cultural – and historical (time AND place) perspectives / interpretations / and values/opinions

This is you! These are what you need to wear when you “explore” (not just read) a text in English. HAMLET

Module B lenses (from English syllabus – Critical Study of Text)) Time and place (history) lens Culture lens Social lens

When you ïnvestigate a text, looking through your Module B lens, you will focus on finding all the clues – phrases – words – structures – images and language style that shows the culture, society and historical time and place of the text – and (usually) of the composer too!!

Cultural “context”… Shown by: Language style Gender roles Food Clothing Music Art Architecture Religion Family structure Laws

Social “context” Shown by ideas and images of: – rich : poor – Educated :un-educated – Profession : unemployed – Hobbies – interests – – “demographic” (NOT age- group) – Language style – Leisure activities – Class division – Gender roles

Historical (time AND place) “context” Shown by images and ideas of: – Language style – Fashion – Technology – Laws – Family structure – Women’s roles – Men’s roles – Education institutions – “religious” expectations

Students explore the ideas expressed in the text through analysing its construction content and language. or… in other words You must search through the play and “discover” what ideas… values… opinions… bias etc… are created by the language techniques – dramatic techniques - and - structure - used by the composer Module B: Critical Study of Texts

develops students’ understanding of questions of textual integrity (whether or not the text – characters – settings are consistent and believable… within the context of the text and the responder). or… in other words… Are the characters, events, values, ideas and opinions in the text “believable” and consistent …in the time and place of the particular production of Hamlet? Module B: Critical Study of Texts

They research others’ perspectives of the text and test these against their own understanding and interpretations of the text. or… in other words You must show that you have considerd other people’s perspectives of the text… and see if those perspectives work with your opinion of the characters, ideas, events, values and beliefs. (Rhetorical questions would be a good way to show your “test” results). Module B: Critical Study of Texts

Students discuss and evaluate the ways in which the set work has been read, received and valued in historical and other contexts. or… in other words… You have to figure out how Hamlet has been interpreted and how important Hamlet has been in different societies… cultures… and… times & places. Module B: Critical Study of Texts

They extrapolate (infer, estimate value, predict) from this study of a particular text to explore questions of textual integrity and significance. or… in other words You must predict how much Hamlet will be enjoyed… understood… believed… and “appreciated” by different audiences. Module B: Critical Study of Texts

Section II — Module B: Critical Study of Texts 20 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 3–9 Allow about 40 minutes for this section Answer the question in a SEPARATE writing booklet. Extra writing booklets are available. In your answer you will be assessed on how well you: __________________________________________ demonstrate an informed understanding of the ideas expressed in the text evaluate the text’s language, content and construction organise, develop and express ideas using language appropriate to audience, purpose and form __________________________________________

Shakespeare’s, Hamlet Through its portrayal of human experience, Shakespeare’s Hamlet reinforces the significance of loyalty. To what extent does your interpretation of Hamlet support this view? In your response, make detailed reference to the play.

Re-write the “thesis quote” and the question in the simplest “words” you can – but - make sure you don’t change the meaning of the question Through its portrayal of human experience, Shakespeare’s Hamlet reinforces the significance of loyalty. “In it’s interpretation (opinions / values / beliefs) of “life” (in particular – relationships among people)… the play Hamlet highlights (supports / believes-in / emphasises) the great importance of loyalty (trustworthiness, faithfulness, devotion, fidelity, dependability and reliability)” To what extent does your interpretation of Hamlet support this view? How have the language and dramatic techniques, in different productions of Hamlet, influenced (changed / prejudiced / affected / controlled) you… to agree – or disagree – with the idea - that Hamlet assumes that loyalty is an important part of the success of relationships among people.