Hamlet uPI

Predictions… What do you think the story is about? What do you think happens? Use the characters and captions to help you devise some sort of storyline. Captions Characters

Hamlet – Shakespeare A Revenge Tragedy Compare with The Revenger’s Tragedy I hour 15 mins paper Closed Text

REVENGE What are the side effects of revenge? What happens to someone as a result of revenge? What about the people around them? Is it self destructive? Why? Who gets hurt?

The Characters Stick each character onto a separate sheet. We will be adding key quotes and characteristics as we go along. Alternatively, on the blog is a link to a document containing all the pics. You can use this too if you prefer.

The Opening Scene – Act 1 S cene 1 What is the mood and atmosphere? What language techniques have been used to create this atmosphere? What is the purpose of this scene and what has it been used to establish? What is the mood and atmosphere? What language techniques have been used to create this atmosphere? What is the purpose of this scene and what has it been used to establish? Look at the purpose of the ghost here. Does the ghost foreshadow anything? What is the ghost’s attire? Also, explore what Horatio brings to the scene?

Act 1 Scene 2 – Claudius Addresses the Court Objective: Understand the difference in the atmosphere between the first two scenes of the play Success Criteria: - Have compared the first two scenes - Completed a comparative analysis

How has Shakespeare shown a contrast in the atmosphere between Act 1 scene 1 and Act 1 scene 2? This is what we should be able to effectively answer by the end of the lesson.

Act 1 Scene 2 Scene 2 is set in the Great Castle of Elsinore. It is bright, colourful and loud. - What are the key points of this scene?

‘By our late dear brother’s death/Our state to be disjoint’ The first scene hints at the widespread concerns that exist in Denmark, but this scene reveals exactly how ‘rotten’ the state is. Claudius’ corruption is a sign that Elsinore is vulnerable.

Claudius – First impressions Add key characteristics to your Claudius page. Include key quotes -Gertrude -Hamlet - Denmark

‘O that this too too sullied flesh would melt’ Shakespeare reveals Hamlet’s thoughtful personality through his analysis of grief and his struggle with the morality of suicide. Hamlet's loss of faith and the question of whether suicide can be justified are major themes throughout the rest of the play.

Hamlet – the solitary thinker How has Shakespeare presented Hamlet? - Appearance - Attitude - What other’s say to him

How has Shakespeare shown a contrast in the atmosphere between Act 1 scene 1 and Act 1 scene 2?

Who are the characters and how are they linked?

What’s really happening in Claudius’ speech?

Act 1 Scenes 3 and 4 – Ophelia’s relationship with Hamlet is a major subplot Objective: Explore the character of Ophelia and her position in the play. Success Criteria: - Have started the character map for Polonius, Laertes and Ophelia - Have written a comparison between the inside and outside of the castle

Compare the two families: Claudius Gertrude Hamlet Polonius Laertes Ophelia Look at how the members of the family react and respond to the respective heads of the family, Claudius and Polonius. Can you sense any genuine love or concern in either family?

Polonius, Laertes and Ophelia Start the character pages for the above three characters. - Polonius's language and wordplay - Laertes language when speaking to Ophelia - Ophelia’s submissiveness

Homework: - Scene 4 - the Danish custom of drinking - Why Hamlet is not afraid to go with the Ghost - Scene 5 How the Ghost compares himself to Gertrude and Claudius What does he say about his murder What does he say about how quickly he was killed

Ophelia and the status of women Unlike some of Shakespeare’s other female characters (Juliet), Ophelia is not a developed character. She gives into the demands from the men in her life. Add to the Ophelia character page, this time including quotes from the men who seem to be demanding her to act or do certain things. Write the name of the character after the quote.

The Ghost appears to Hamlet This mirrors the first scene. There is a contrast between the carefree nature inside the castle and the looming threat outside.

- Suspense before the ghost arrives - The sound of the trumpets - The feeling of both the old king and new king - What is further revealed about the state of Denmark How does Shakespeare show a contrast in this scene between the carefree nature of the court inside and the danger that is looming outside of the castle?’

Hamlet – ‘I do not set my life at a pin’s fee’ For homework, add to your HAMLET character map. This time focus on how Hamlet is in a desperate state – he does not care about his life. Also look at his references to fate and destiny.