1. Read each of the 4 scenarios and answer the questions for each.
Aim: How can we prepare for the plot and themes that will arise in the play Hamlet?
Read each of the 4 scenarios and answer the questions for each.
GROUP GENERATOR!- Get into your groups and discuss your assigned scenario. After the allotted time, your group will share out with the class for a full class discussion.
Complete the closing questions INDEPENDENTLY!
Obviously, you are experiencing a wide range of emotions. Can you trust your thoughts and judgments at this point in time? Why? Why not? What problems could arise? Be specific. Write your response individually on a piece of paper (To be Collected).

2. Shakespeare’s Language
Aim: How can we find meaning in Shakespeare's language?
Do Now: Think back to when you read Macbeth (or Romeo and Juliet). What was difficult about reading the play? Video Clip: Shakespearean Fairy Tale Discuss

3. HOMEWORK
Crossword puzzle for Vocab words.

4. Aim: What choices does Shakespeare make about how to begin the play
Aim: What choices does Shakespeare make about how to begin the play? How do these choices contribute to meaning and aesthetic impact?
Pre- reading
What information do you gather from the full title of the play:
What information do you gather from the first six lines (four names) on the Dramatis Personae or Character List?
Tragedy = death
Hamlet is a Prince of Denmark
-Gertrude remarried her
husband’s brother.
-Hamlet’s father is dead

5. Act 1 Scene 1 questions for analysis
Please annotate as you read:
3. Describe Barnardo and Francisco’s tone in the first 5 lines (What emotion or attitude do they seem to have?). What words demonstrate their tone?
4. How many times have Barnardo and Marcellus seen the Ghost?
B and F’s tone seems to be nervous/ scared.
Evidenced
They have seen the ghost 2 times

6. 6. How does each of the men react to the appearance of the Ghost?
5. According to Marcellus (in lines 28-30), what does Horatio think of the Ghost?
6. How does each of the men react to the appearance of the Ghost?
Horatio does not believe the ghost is real. He thinks it is a figment of B and F’s imagination.
Marcellus
Horatio
Barnado

7. 7. Whom does the Ghost look like?
8. What mood does Shakespeare create through Barnardo’s story and the men’s reactions to the Ghost? What tells you so (textual evidence)?
The ghost looks like the dead King Hamlet. Dressed in armor and his an angry/upset expression.
Mysterious and suspenseful. The audience wants to know why the ghost is appearing and what it might have to tell.

8. Film
9. How does the film create Shakespeare’s intended mood of the play (dark mood, scary, creepy)?
Horatio speaks with Hamlet

9. Quick Write
What choices does Shakespeare make about how to begin the play? How do these choices contribute to meaning and aesthetic impact? (In other words, why does Shakespeare choose this way to begin his play?)
Aesthetic - 1
:  of, relating to, or dealing with aesthetics or the beautiful <aesthetic theories>

11. What is Laertes’ advice to his sister Ophelia?
2. How does Ophelia respond to this advice about chastity?
Hamlet is only using you. If he does in fact love you, it won’t last. He is the Prince of Denmark and cannot make decisions based on what he wants. His decisions must be made based on what is best for Denmark. Ophelia should protect her chastity or she will end up ruined.
Ophelia promises to think about what he has said, but also warns him against giving advice that he himself does not take. She knows about his relationships with women.

12. Hamlet Decisions affect all of Denmark.
3. How are Hamlet’s choices different from the choices of “unvalued persons” (line 22)? Whom do Hamlet’s choices affect?  
4. What will happen to Ophelia if she does not heed her brother’s advice?
5. How does Shakespeare develop the characters of Laertes and Ophelia in relation to one another?
Hamlet Decisions affect all of Denmark.
“Unvalued persons” Can do as they please.
Ophelia will lose her chastity and have a ruined reputation no one will want her.
Laertes is worried for his sister and is trying to protect her. He is understanding and caring.
Ophelia respects her brother and obeys him, but also tells him when he is wrong.

13. 6. What is Polonius’ advice to his son Laertes?
7. What is Polonius’ advice to his daughter Ophelia?
(See annotations for the 9 pieces of advice Polonius gives to his son).
Polonius tells Ophelia to stop seeing Hamlet. Stay away from him He does not want Ophelia to make a fool out of him.
(Polonius is more worried about how her behavior will reflect on him, rather than her own reputation).

14. see/speak with the ghost drinking and carousing (“partying”)
It is __________________________ o’clock at night and Hamlet is with the __________________________, Horatio and Marcellus. They are hoping to ________________________________________. The men hear __________________________ signaling King Claudius is ______________________________________ as is custom. Hamlet thinks they look __________________________ to other nations and makes Denmark look weak. The King’s revelry (partying) shadows the good achievements of the Danes.
twelve (12)
guards
see/speak with the ghost
trumpets and guns
drinking and carousing (“partying”)
foolish

15. This does not bode well for Denmark
The __________________________ enters. Hamlet is amazed and wonders if the ghost is a(n) __________________________ or a __________________________, if its intentions are __________________________ or __________________________. The ghost __________________________ Hamlet to follow but the other men are worried. Hamlet declares he does not care because he does not care about his own life anymore and the ghost can do nothing to harm his soul. Horatio warns the ghost may try to draw Hamlet into __________________________; the ghost may be an evil force taking the shape of his father. Hamlet follows the ghost and the men follow at a distance. Marcellus says, “something is rotten in the state of Denmark” meaning _________________________________________________________________ and they follow to keep an eye on Hamlet.
ghost
angel
devil
good
bad
beckons
madness
This does not bode well for Denmark