Hamlet

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read Act I, Scenes iii-iv of Hamlet while following the study guide questions.

Objective: To begin to formulate character sketches of the major characters.

Activities:

• A. Take attendance.

• B. Collect research notes (Round 2). If some students have Round 1 notes, please ask them to turn them in separately. Place all of these in the top drawer of the four-drawer filing cabinet by the door in the rear of the room.

• C. Show the video tape of Hamlet. Play it up to the point where the soldier says “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” [Disclaimer: During the scene between Polonius and Ophelia there are two brief scenes where we see Hamlet and Ophelia in bed. It is obvious that they are unclothed, but the scene does not present full body nudity. In fact, many commercials show more than these two brief shots reveal. However, please advise students in case anyone objects.]

• D. If time permits after the viewing, use the following questions (and answers) to facilitate a discussion of Act I, Scenes iii and iv of Hamlet.

  Act I, Scene iii

  • 1. What is Laertes’ advice to his sister? What does his advice reveal about him? What is Ophelia’s response? What does her response reveal about her?

    He advises her to be careful - even to discount - any notion of loving Hamlet whom he insists may love her but may never be willing or able to marry her [13-48].

    That he believes the worst of Hamlet indicates that he is at best skeptical and at worst a cynic.

    Ophelia essentially tells Laertes not to give her advice that he does not follow himself [50-55].

    Ophelia is independent, self-confident, and apparently virtuous.

  • 2. What is Polonius’s advice to Laertes? What does his advice reveal about him?

    Polonius essentially advises Laertes to keep up appearances, remain cautious, and maintain his own self-interest [60-87].

    Polonius is suspicious of others by nature and does not easily give trust.

  • 3. What is Polonius’s advice to Ophelia? What does his advice reveal about him? What does Ophelia’s response reveal about her?

    Polonius advises Ophelia to beware of Hamlet who may do whatever he wishes with a young girl and her heart. In fact, he virtually orders her to stay away from him [140-144].

    Polonius mistrusts even the prince, believing him to be false.

    Ophelia is obedient to her father [145].

  Act I, Scene iv

  • 1. What about Claudius does Hamlet criticize? What does the criticism reveal about him?

    Hamlet asserts that Claudius drinks too much [19-41].

    Hamlet himself holds to the moral high ground.

  • 2. To what generalization about humanity does his complaint against Claudius lead? What may be Hamlet’s particular fault?

    One immoral weakness (fault) begets others more serious [33-39].

    This is an OPEN QUESTION.

  • 3. What does line 73 reveal about Hamlet’s character? How may you link it to 1.2.133-164?

    Hamlet is contemptuous of even his own life, and therefore reckless.

    Line 65 bears out the earlier lines.

  • 4. With what dilemma does the appearance of the ghost present Hamlet?

    Hamlet must now ponder whether the ghost is sent from Heaven or Hell [43-49].

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Act I, Scene v of Hamlet. Do the corresponding study questions.