TEST REVIEW: Author Information and Use of Foils Hamlet TEST REVIEW: Author Information and Use of Foils

SHAKESPEARE Born in Stratford-on-Avon on April 23 (?), 1564; died on April 23, 1616 Wrote at least 37 plays and at least 150 sonnets Hamlet is his longest play; it may have been named after his son Hamnet, who died of the plague around the time it was first performed

foils Fortinbras—is bold Claudius—is calm Horatio—is a Stoic, showing little emotion Laertes—skilled fencer; kills against his conscience Claudius—plots against Hamlet secretly Hamlet—hesitates to act Hamlet—is emotional Hamlet—is passionate Hamlet—less skilled fencer; kills to follow his conscience Hamlet—attacks Claudius openly in Act V

More FOILS Horatio—wise Horatio—follow Prince Hamlet of his own free will Gertrude—wife of two kings and mother of Hamlet King Hamlet—handsome man; bold warrior Polonius—biased Rosencrantz & Guildenstern—follow King Claudius’s orders Ophelia—innocent young maiden King Claudius—plain man; calm negotiator