1. Hamlet “the dark prince” Why can’t he do what he has to do?

2. The most controversial and discussed play ever written Long and intricate – can run 3 hours+ Scholarly – intellectual “food” for many academic disciplines, esp. psychology, politics, art, and sociology Mysterious – What happens? Drama and suspense – 2 or 3 famously exciting scenes Hamlet’s delay or inability to act is the heart of the controversy. Why does he delay?

3. Background Written 1599-1601 Hamlet, the avenging son, comes from Danish legend of the 1100’s A “revenge tragedy” – murder, madness, revenge, and (of course) supernatural intervention Perhaps Shakespeare’s favorite play Written during a period of profound disillusionment

4. Hamlet presents Shakespeare’s thoughts on a variety of topics Fathers and children Sex Drunkeness Suicide Loyalty Acting Glory and honor Handwriting Fate Man and the universe Which of these is raised in Act I? Identify by scene and line and be ready to read and discuss in class

5. Theme Shakespeare always in his tragedies tries to show how the breaking of moral law leads inevitably to destruction.