Script Analysis Philosophy applying the analysis method to Hamlet and Death of a Salesman

Objectives Review script analysis terms with Hamlet Apply the script analysis elements to Death of a Salesman Analyze tragic elements in both Hamlet and Death of a Salesman

Hamlet Character Analysis

Hamlet Polonius Superobjective Will Moral Stance Superobjective Hamlet’s superobjective is to avenge his father’s death. Hamlet states, “I, with wings as swift / as meditation or thoughts of love / may sweep to my revenge.” (1.5.35-37). Will Hamlet, in mind, is determined to avenge his father’s death, but struggles with following through when it comes to acting on it. Each of Hamlet’s soliloquies support this statement. Moral Stance Hamlet struggles with the concept of unjust murder, especially in the first half of the play. Again, each of Hamlet’s soliloquies support this statement. Superobjective Polonius’ superobjective is to be seen as an expert and held in high esteem by all. No direct quotes support this, but it can be seen in how he offers advice to his children and shows off his ‘knowledge’ to all who will listen. Will He is resolute in having all see him as knowledgeable in all areas. He inserts his opinions, suggestions, and past experiences whenever he has a chance. He gives advice to his children, Hamlet, and Claudius. He brags about his acting experience to a court full of people. Moral Stance Polonius’ morals waver, since he has no qualms about making up information if he seems to think it befits his purpose. The same examples for ‘Will’ apply.

You’ll be given one of the following characters, with a partner who has been assigned the same character complete the script analysis for each of the following aspects. Be prepared to share your findings in about 10 minutes. Hamlet Polonius Decorum (A - F) Major Character Traits Dialogue (A-H) Decorum (A - F) Major Character Traits Dialogue (A-H)

Hamlet Theme Analysis

Contrasting Values of the Protagonist and Antagonist Title of the play The title—The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark—tells the reader three things: (1) that the play is tragic, (2) who the protagonist is, and (3) what the protagonist’s station in life is. Philosophic Statement of the Text Each of Hamlet’s soliloquies are key, because they show what is truly going on in Hamlet’s mind. “There is nothing / either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” (2.2)—illustrates how Hamlet’s struggles are within his mind. “The play’s the thing / wherein I’ll catch the conscious of the king” (2.2.578-579)—this is where Hamlet takes his first step toward killing Claudius and the readers are privy to his decision. Claudius states, “When sorrows come, they come not single spies, / But in battalions” (4.5). This is especially insightful as it foreshadows the deaths to come. Etc. Contrasting Values of the Protagonist and Antagonist The protagonist (Hamlet) wants to avenge his father's death by killing King Hamlet’s murderer. The antagonist (Hamlet’s conscience) wants to do what is morally just. These two are directly pitted against each other because, from most angles, murder is not ethical. Polar Attitudes The protagonist’s (Hamlet’s) polar attitude doesn’t waver and is ever present: throughout the play his main focus is on seeking revenge. The antagonist’s (Hamlet’s conscience’s) polar attitude is weak and hesitant. Hamlet knows murder isn’t ethical, ergo he re- peatedly struggles to justify the act.

Regarding the unfolding of the dramatic action There are a few reasons Hamlet finally decides to act: (1) he feels certain that Claudius is the murder; (2) he has lost so much personally because of Claudius’ actions [his father, Ophelia, the purity of his mother’s affections and eventually her life] that he feels he must act now in order to end this downward spiral; and (3) he analyzes the actions of Caesar and Alexander the Great, noting how they had to justify the murder of one/few in order to do what was right for the whole. Hamlet, in part because he has waited so long to act, is killed. Of course, so does Claudius, the Queen, Laertes, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern… Hamlet, upon his death, is most concerned with ensuring that the true story be told of what has happened in Denmark. This is reiterated three times once Hamlet realizes he’s dying. He states to Horatio: “...I am dead. / Thou livest; report me and my cause aright” (5.2.370-371). “If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart /…draw thy breath in pain / to tell my story” (5.2.381-384). Hamlet adds, upon hearing of young Fortinbra’s arrival, “so tell him, with th’ occurrents, more and less, / Which have solicited—” (5.2.394-395). Central Idea Act swiftly; hesitations, however noble, are often detrimental to many.

Death of a Salesman Character & Theme Analysis

Homework! Complete the following for Tuesday (this will be your ticket in the door): Review (and add to it, if needed) the Script Analysis you did over winter break for: Character analysis of Willy Loman Character analysis of another character of your choice Theme analysis Write a thesis that answers this question: How does Miller utilize characterization and setting to establish the central idea of Death of a Salesman?

Death of a Salesman Character & Theme Analysis, Cont.

Homework Check In Put yourself into groups of 3-4 based on the character you chose as your non-Willy character; for instance, if you chose to analyze Linda, put yourself into a group of those who also analyzed Linda. Share your findings— Character analysis of Willy Character analysis of the second character selected Thematic analysis Thesis statement answering this question: How does Miller utilize characterization and setting to establish the central idea of Death of a Salesman? If your thesis is not perfect, feel free to adjust it now. Any questions/clarifications/insights for the whole class?

For tomorrow The final vocabulary for 2nd quarter is DUE. You should be 100% done reading your play for the final exam.