Hamlet Act 1 Scene 4 Notes

1. Mole of Nature Speech Hamlet generalizes One defeat or flaw can ruin a person (Aristotle’s tragic flaw) We are not always all that we seem ( Appearance/reality theme)

Mole of Nature Speech Hamlet has great nobility Truly appalled by the corruption of the world around him Intelligent but wordy

2. Hamlet’s Reaction to the Ghost Reckless with his life, willing to die “set my life at a pin’s fee” Capable of sudden purposeful violence We see his violent struggle against the well-meaning restraint of his friends

Hamlet’s Reaction to the Ghost Is Hamlet truly going mad?

3. Disease Imagery Marcellus reminds us “something is rotten in the state of Denmark”