Hamlet

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read 5.1 of Hamlet while following the study guide questions.

Activities:

• A. Use the following questions (and answers) to facilitate a discussion of 5.1 of Hamlet.

  Act V, Scene i

  • 1. The first portion of this scene is a classic example of comic relief. What if anything do you - as a modern reader - find humorous about it?

    This is an OPEN QUESTION. The students should comment on wordplay (puns, mispronunciations, circuitous reasoning). Make sure they cite specific examples. They should note that the word play extends not only to the conversation between the grave diggers but also to Hamlet in his conversation with the Clown.

  • 2. How old is Hamlet? Explain by interpreting the lines.

    Hamlet is 30 years old -- if the Clown speaks honestly in lines 144 - 164.

  • 3. Does Hamlet refer to Gertrude or to Ophelia in lines 199 - 202?

    This is an OPEN QUESTION. It is probable that Hamlet refers to neither woman, but to women in general because they use cosmetics to improve their beauty. However, an argument could be made that since he is referring to corruption, he may have his own mother in mind.

  • 4. What is the tone of the priests? What is the tone of Laertes’ response?

    The priests are hesitant to give Ophelia more than the minimum of the Christian burial rite. Their lines may be delivered in a tone of offended righteousness, discomfort, or even superciliousness.

    Laertes’ lines are less ambiguous; he is angry and defiant of the authority of the Church in this matter [240 - 244].

Assignment for next class meeting: Read 5.2 of Hamlet. Do the corresponding study questions.