1. Prince of Denmark

2. Reasons to study Shakespeare Learn about history Universal themes So often alluded to Rich in literary devices Interesting stories Challenging – makes you think Master writer Expand vocabulary Complex characters Inspiring

3. Reasons not to study Dated Hard to understand – confusing Hard to relate to Not relevant Boring Play – not meant to be read Morbid

4. All that historical Shakespeare stuff that makes you smarter people  Shakespearean Tragedy – based on Aristotle’s The Poetics  Tragic hero – Protagonist -who must die in the end  Tragic Hero - of high standing – nobility, royalty, military ranking  Tragic Flaw – tragedy does not happen to the character, but because of the character – an action issuing from the character – an obsessiveness of thought or action

5.  Story begins with balance (equilibrium) before the events unfold – life had previous happiness and glory  Protagonist attempts to find an identity: how does he fit in the world?  Isolated, pitted against all forces  The end – reconciliation, resolution, then death  Return to balance

6. Elements of Drama SSetting time and place MMain Characters – Protagonist (tragic hero) and antagonist (opponent) SSecondary Characters – Foil (compared and contrasted with protagonist) and other characters that advance plot MMinor Characters – no bearing on plot

7. More Elements  Plot – development of the conflict 1.Exposition 2.Point of Attack (conflict is revealed) 3.Rising Action 4.Climax 5.Conclusion

8. Even More Elements  Aside – character utters his thought to audience or to another character that the remaining characters don’t overhear  Soliloquy – character utters thoughts aloud for only audience to hear  Dramatic Irony – audience knows facts characters unaware

9. Hamlet  Shakespeare's first major tragedy – 1608  Long play – Hamlet most lines  Famous Hamlet quotations 1.To be or not to be: that is the question 2.Give thy thoughts no tongue 3.Something is rotten in the state of Denmark 4.Neither a borrower or lender be 5.This above all: To thine own self be true 6.There is method in my madness

10. How would you feel if...  You returned home from university to find you father dead ?  Your mother was already remarried ?  The man your mother married was a power crazed lowlife who took over your father’s affairs and successes?  Someone gave you reason to think that your new stepfather murdered your father?  You found out your close friend was spying on you?

11. What would you do...  To discover the truth?  To get your stepfather to confess?  To make the world in order again?

12. Setting the stage  Takes place in Denmark  Ghosts – haunted imagination of audiences at the time  Cold winter night  Changing of the guards  Air of uncertainty and anxiety  Threat from Fortinbras of Norway

13. Act 1, sc 1

14. Act 1, scene 1  Changing the guards  Ghost appears– “dreaded” sight  Horatio – educated, rational man – not a believer of ghosts – if he believes, skeptical audience will believe  Ghost appears 3 times to convince Horatio  Ghost looks like the dead king  Ghost will only speak to Hamlet

15. Act 1, scene 2

16. King Claudius - man of action  New marriage will lead to stronger Denmark  Suppress nephew of the King of Norway, Fortinbras  Allow Laertes to return to France  Requests that Hamlet stay in Denmark

17. Queen Speaks for Hamlet Asks Hamlet to change out of black “cast thy nighted colour off.” (1, 2, 68) Recognizes that Hamlet is still mourning King Hamlet died 2 months ago

18. Hamlet – does not like Claudius  l. 65 – “A little more than kin, and less than kind!”  States his grief is real; implies that his mother’s is not  Theme – appearance vs reality  Disapproves of his mother’s hasty marriage  Strong loyalty to his father  Troubled mind – thoughts of suicide – crime against heaven

19. The Four Humours Types of personality and temperaments Hippocrates – (460-370 bce) – first known medical doctor Sanguine – blood Choleric – yellow bile Phlegmatic – phlegm Melancholic – black bile

20. Hamlet - Melancholic “Good Hamlet,cast thy nighted colour off” (1, 2, 68) Continue to record quotations which reveal Hamlet as melancholic.

21.  Hamlet and Horatio are trusted friends  Horatio is not a man who “seems” - everything with him is the way it is  Horatio tells Hamlet about ghost  Hamlet – suspicious - “All is not well./ I doubt some foul play.” (1, 2, 255)

22. Act 1, scene 3

23. We'll have to wait for the ghost scene Introduced to sub-plot – Laertes, Ophelia and their father, Polonius Hamlet is courting Ophelia Scene of Advice: From Laertes to Ophelia about Hamlet From Polonius to Laertes as he returns to school From Polonius to Ophelia Youth don't want to listen to advice Put the advice speeches in modern English

24. How do you feel about Ophelia's situation?

25. Act 1, sc 4

26. Wait to meet ghost Tragic flaw – Shakespeare speaks through Hamlet – one weakness will destroy a person's character What is your greatest flaw, which one day might destroy you? Ghost appears – beckons Hamlet “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” (1, 4, 90)

27. Act 1, sc 5 Ghost – long -winded Reveals his murderer - “The serpent that did sting thy father's life/Now wears the crown” (1,5,39-40) Does not blame wife - “seeming-virtuous queen” (1, 5, 46) - “Leave her to heaven” (1, 5, 86) Asks Hamlet to avenge - “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder. “ (1, 5, 25) and “Let not the bed of Denmark be/A couch for luxury and damned incest” (1,5, 82-83)

28. Hamlet tries to hold on to reason Can he believe the ghost? “It is an honest ghost” (1, 5, 144). All swear not to talk about the ghost “Never speak of this that you have seen” (1, 5, 162)

29. Hamlet is going to act mad - “...put an antic disposition on” (1, 5, 180) Hamlet will figure out what is right - “The time is out of joint. O cursed spite,/That ever I was born to set it right” (1, 5, 196- 197)

30. Act 2, scene 1

31. Act 2, sc 1 Sub plot mimics main plot in some ways Polonius sends spy to France to check up on Laertes - “to make inquire/of his behaviour” (2, 1, 5) Ophelia reveals Hamlet's strange behaviour – 'as if he had been loosed out of hell” (2, 5, 83) Dramatic irony – we know he is feigning madness

32. Act 2, sc 2 They don't know why Hamlet is “mad” Is it love? Is it mourning? “Hamlet's transformation” (2, 2, 5)- concern for Claudius Claudius has Rosencrantz and Guildenstern spy on Hamlet Polonius thinks Hamlet's mad in love Queen thinks he's mourning

33. Hamlet plays on words – trying to mislead everyone – playing different roles Hamlet's soliloquy – frustrated with himself “Am I a coward?” (2, 2, 566) Why, what an ass am I! This is most brave/ That I, the son of a dear father murdered/ Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell/ Must like a whore unpack my heart with words) (2, 2, 578-582)

34. Play within a play - Hamlet will use a play to trap the king “The play's the thing/ Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King.” (2, 2, 600-601)

35. Act 3, sc 1

36. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern report to Claudius Hamlet let them know he’s distracted but gave no details “He does confess he feels himself distracted,/ But from what cause ‘a will by no means speak.” (3, 1, 5-6) Claudius wants them to keep trying – he’s suspicious of Hamlet

37. Most Famous Soliloquy Hamlet contemplates suicide No longer feigning madness Should he give up now or keep fighting No peace even in sleep Acknowledges sufferings of life He is unable to act! Ophelia interrupts his thoughts

38. Progression of Hamlet’s thoughts 1.First soliloquy – upset about father’s death and angry at mother’s marriage 2.Second soliloquy – Frustrated by his cowardice and inability to act – he’s immobilized 3.Third soliloquy – questions whether death is the only way to end the suffering

39. The Many Layers of Hamlet A Study of Psychology Mournful Angry Resentful Jealous Lost in love Confused depressed

40. Hamlet and Ophelia Passion is there! Is there love? They argue. He thinks she has betrayed him. Dramatic Irony - She is innocence and unknowing. He takes out his anger on her – is he feigning madness or is he really mad? He knows Polonius and Claudius are spying. She is disturbed by his madness. Audience empathizes with Ophelia.

41. Claudius and Polonius overhear Hamlet’s madness. Claudius thinks his madness is now a threat. Claudius begins to scheme – a man of action “...he shall with speed to England...” (3, 1, 171) “Madness in great ones must not unwatch’d go.” (3, 1, 190)

42. The Treatment of Ophelia Bullied by her brother – bosses her– not good enough for Hamlet Bullied by father – bosses her – tells her not to date Hamlet Bullied by King and father – sets her up for abuse Verbally abused and sexually harassed by Hamlet Betrayed and lied to

43. Whom can Ophelia trust? What should she do?

44. Act 3, sc 2

45. Horatio is only person Hamlet can trust Horatio is balanced in his humours - “whose blood and judgment are so well commeddled” (3, 2, 69) – no tragic flaw Horatio – good judge of character – can help determine if king is guilty

46. Act 3, sc 2 Hamlet speaks in sexual innuendos against innocent Ophelia Play mimics King Hamlet's death - “This one is Lucianus, nephew to the king” (3, 2, 239) Hamlet observes Claudius for a guilty conscience “The King rises” (3, 2, 259) – He reveals guilt Horatio confirms guilt “I did very well note him.” (3, 2, 284)

47. Is Claudius' reaction sufficient proof for Hamlet? Is it time for him to avenge? Will avenging his father's death solve Hamlet's problems?

48. Act 3, sc 2 Soliloquy “Now could I drink hot blood” (3, 2, 381) – Ready to avenge father's death Doesn't approve of his mother's behaviour, but will not harm her - “I will speak daggers to her, but use none.” (3, 2, 387)

49. Act 3, sc 3 Plot Advancement Claudius fearful of Hamlet – R and G will take Hamlet to England to “protect” Denmark – will be their downfall Polonius will eavesdrop on Hamlet yet again – will be his downfall

50. King's Soliloquy His conscience thickens “My offence is rank” (3, 3, 36) – another references to “rotten” Needs to confess sins – but doesn't want to lose what he has gained – wife and throne Kneels before the altar

51. Hamlet approaches unguarded Claudius Now it is the right time to kill him! Or is it? King Hamlet is stuck in purgatory Praying Claudius will go to heaven Hamlet can't act Does he have just cause not to act

52. Dramatic Irony Claudius can't repent his sins “The words fly up, my thoughts remain below./ Words without thoughts never to heaven go.” (3, 4, 97-98) Would have been a perfect time to kill Claudius!

53. Act 3, sc 4 Plot Advancement Polonius spies Hamlet unloads his anguish on his mother She cries out Polonius cries out from hiding place Hamlet stabs Polonius, thinking it's Claudius

54. Act 3, sc 4 - Characters Passionate scene between Hamlet and Gertrude What's between Hamlet and his mother? Oedipus Rex – Is there a sexual relationship?

55. Discussion What is your opinion of Hamlet at this point in the play? What is your opinion of Ophelia? Describe the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia. Describe the relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude.

56. Hamlet Invention Hamlet needs help your help! Design/create an original invention to assist Hamlet get himself out of his problems.

57. Act 4, sc 1 Gertrude lets Claudius know Hamlet killed Polonius. “Whips out his rapier, cries 'A rat, a rat'/ And in this brainish apprehension kills/ The unseen good old man.” (10-12) Third time Claudius has said he is sending Hamlet to England - Is he really a man of action?

58. Act 4, sc 2 and 3 Hamlet, using wit, does not disclose where he has hidden Polonius' body. Claudius will send a letter with Hamlet that sentences him to death.

59. Act 4, sc 4 Contrast to Hamlet, we meet Fortinbras who is a man of action. Hamlet back in melancholy, depressed state - “How all occasions do inform against me/ And spur my dull revenge.” ( 32) He thought he was finally moving forward in his revenge. Now he's back at the beginning. He recognizes now that nothing can stop him - “O, from this time forth/ My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth.” (65-66)

60. Act 4, sc 5 Ophelia is now mad. “She is importunte,Indeed distract. Her mood will needs be pitied.” (2) Grief for dead father Rejected by Hamlet Seen as “nothing” - sexual – reducing her Ophelia's songs – sacrificed daughters, dead fathers, lovers, sexually explicit

61. Hamlet without Ophelia Ophelia is only in 5/20 scenes Would Hamlet's story “work” without Ophelia? Would Ophelia's story “work” without Hamlet? Ophelia is a much studied character. Why do you think she would be so popular among scholars?

62. Act 4, sc 5 – cont'd Claudius must regain his kingdom – the state of Denmark reflects his own morality – lines 75-96 Polonius dead Ophelia mad Laertes' secret return Hamlet's exile Public suspicious

63. Act 4, sc 5 – cont'd Laertes is Hamlet's foil. Laertes' anger Father's death Sister's madness Who is guilty? Claudius? Hamlet? Polonius? Laertes the avenger – contrast to Hamlet

64. Act 4, sc 5 Claudius tempts his own fate: “And where th'offence is, let the great axe fall.” If the truth comes out, Claudius' guilt will be revealed.

65. Act 4, sc 6 Hamlet corresponds with Horatio: he got on a pirate ship, escaped R&G, needs help to get back to Denmark.

66. Act 4, sc 7 Claudius claims his innocence to Laertes. Claudius reveals it was Hamlet who killed Polonius. Laertes gets to the “truth” very quickly. Immediate action without contemplation usually leads to damnation. Balance needed between thoughts and action.

67. Claudius and Laertes Plot to kill Hamlet “Revenge should have no bounds.” (127) Plan to poison a sword, “gall” (graze)

68. Act 5, sc 1 Grave-digger – comic relief – meaning of life All equal in death - “...a king may go a/progress through the gets of a begger” (4, 3, 30-31) End result is dirt/ashes “...to have his fine pate full of/fine dirt?” (106) Wrestle in a grave – foreshadow

69. Ophelia's funeral procession - Hamlet reveals deep love for Ophelia “Forty thousand brothers/Could not with all their quantity of love/Make up my sum.” (264-266)

70. Act 5, sc 2 Laertes challenges Hamlet Hamlet accepts, telling Horatio that fate will decide things Catharsis - Hamlet admits he has done Laertes wrong Claudius secretly poisons wine Hamlet refuses drink, but Gertrude accepts She dies

71. Hamlet is cut with Laertes poisoned sword Hamlet cuts Laertes with same sword Laertes reveals that Claudius is behind the whole scheme Hamlet kills Claudius Again Laertes and Hamlet admit wrong doings and forgive each other Laertes dies

72. Hamlet speaks to Horatio for the last time, imploring him to tell his story Hamlet dies Horatio reveals story to Fortinbras The End