Hamlet Review!

Summary Act 1: Hamlet is upset that his mother married his uncle after his father’s death. Watchmen and Horatio see a ghost, Hamlet goes to see the ghost who says he should avenge his father’s death.

Act II Hamlet starts acting crazy and Polonius thinks its because of Hamlet’s relationship with Ophelia. Laertes, Ophelia’s brother did not approve. Polonius discouraged the relationship to see what would happen. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are told to spy on Hamlet. R&G tell Hamlet there is a theater group. He has them perform the Murder of Gonzago “The Mouse Trap” with some changes he made.

Act III Hamlet does his famous soliloquy while Claudius and Polonius hide behind tapestry. Ophelia comes by and Hamlet rejects her. The play begins. Horatio and Hamlet will be looking for signs of guilt from the king. Hamlet sees Claudius praying, does not kill him so he won’t go to heaven. Goes to Gertrude’s chamber, stabs Polonius who was hiding behind a curtain. Hamlet sees the ghost again and his mom thinks he’s mad (crazy). He must be sent to England.

Act IV Supposed to go to England with R&G. On the way, Fortinbras is going to fight over a small piece of land. Ophelia goes crazy, Laertes fumes back to avenge father’s death. Ophelia drowns herself. Hamlet comes back arranges R&G to be killed.

Act V Hamlet comes back. See grave diggers and discusses death with Horatio. See that they are burying Ophelia. Jumps in grave, argues with Laertes. Laertes and Hamlet duel, the plan is that Laertes has a poisoned sword and the wine is poisoned. Gertrude drinks the poisoned wine, Hamlet and Laertes are hit with the poison sword because they had switched swords. Hamlet learns all of this and stabs Claudius through, makes him finish the poisoned wine. Laertes and Hamlet forgive each other. Hamlet tells Horatio to stay alive to tell his story and that Fortinbras should be next king of Denmark.

Aside: an actor’s speech that is not supposed to be heard by other actors on stage, directed to audience. An aside is usually used to let the audience know what a character is about to do or what he or she is thinking. "A little more than kin, and less than kind!" Denouement- Fortinbras becoming king.

Soliloquy- n act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, esp. by a character in a play. Monologue- long speech by one actor in a play or movie, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program.

Foils- Laertes and Fortinbras Catharsis- process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions, purgation. (the end/swordfight) Tragic flaw- inability to act/ avenge his father.

Themes Revenge is a dish best served cold. Sanity vs. insanity Decay/ corruption Spying

Closing Look at the following quotes and write a response using the prompts below. You should have your name on the paper and the response should be 2-3 sentences. When you turn in your paper, you get a surprise! Prompts: The big idea here is…. I didn’t expect…. This reminds me of….. I can picture…… Quotes: “The play is the thing, wherein I catch the conscience of the king” - Hamlet “The Lady doth protest too much.” -Gertrude “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” -Hamlet “Get thee to a nunnery!” -Hamlet “To be or not to be, that is the question.” -Hamlet