Hamlet

 exposition = background (basic situation)  complication/rising action = cause/escalation of conflict   climax = leads to the demise of the tragic hero   falling action = things fall apart   resolution = final explanation; order restored

opun = play on words with multiple meanings or similar words with different meanings Example: oSimile= comparison of two or more things using Like and/or as orhetorical question = question stated without needing an answer Example: ometaphor = compares two things without using like or as oparallel structure = sentence structure alike in form and function Example:

oaside = short statement to audience or other characters but not overheard by others on stage osoliloquy = speaks directly to audience; alone of stage; reveals character's thoughts to the audience Example: overbal irony = saying the opposite of what you mean in order to produce an effect odramatic irony = audience or other characters know something that the main character does not otheme = the message of the play

 protagonist = central character in the play  antagonist = works against the protagonist  stock characters = typical characters reused in multiple Shakespearean plays * ghost, cruel tyrant, loyal servant, female confidante  foils = characters contrast other characters in order to emphasize particular Traits

oDefinition: A tragic hero is the central character in a tragedy for whom events end disastrously. oA tragic hero has all of the following characteristics: o o Tragic flaw = a fatal error in judgment that leads to the tragic hero's demise. This flaw is traditionally considered an admirable quality carried to excess. o o Goodness = to arouse pity in the reader

o o Superiority = makes his fall seem that much more tragic, his destruction that much greater (but he does represent the common lot) o o Tragic realization = tragic hero understands what he must endure and how he has helped to bring about own destruction. o o Internal struggle- beyond normal o o Power of expression- equal to power to endure (questions struggle while on the brink of chaos) o o Strength to match the violence pitted against him; can endure everything but the thing that ultimately destroys him

o o Strength serves as an inspiration to the readers and other characters and helps to restore order o o Faces destiny with courage and nobility of spirit o o Falls from happiness to misery (chaos) to death o o Becomes increasingly isolated and left to place his problems alone

Focuses on a tragic hero who goes astray by committing some fatal mistake Focuses on a tragic hero who goes astray by committing some fatal mistake Recounts an important series of events in the life of a person of significance, ending in an unhappy catastrophe Recounts an important series of events in the life of a person of significance, ending in an unhappy catastrophe Must be violence (wicked people, treason, etc.) Must be violence (wicked people, treason, etc.) Presence of the supernatural Presence of the supernatural Deals with an instance of human evil Deals with an instance of human evil Deals with revenge and retribution Deals with revenge and retribution

 Political struggle and disillusionment in society  Poses questions: What is a good leader? What is a good follower?  Followers are fickle  Unlike many of Shakespeare's plays, there's no Christian God for divine support

The End! Thank you! Thank you!