Hamlet Review

The Gravedigger Scene  The only humorous scene in the play  Gravedigger clowns use puns and other word play to joke about death while they toss bones in the air.  How does the humor emphasize theme of mortality?  Laertes jumps into Ophelia’s grave out of grief. Why does Hamlet follow?

Theme of Death  Death is part of the rotting imagery used in the play  A ghost is the catalyst for the entire action of the play  Claudius and Gerturde urge Hamlet to come to terms with his father’s death as it is a natural part of existence  Hamlet considers his own suicide  Ophelia commits suicide  Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern all die for no real reason  Catastrophic end for Laertes, Hamlet, Gertrude, and Claudius

Theme of Poison  From the pre-play action of the murder of King Hamlet to the final scene, poison is a major motif of the play.  Denmark has been “poisoned” by Claudius’s crime and is rotting from within.  Gertrude and Claudius are in an incestuous marriage that is unnatural and corrupt.  Many characters show signs of a “poisoned mind” – sin or madness  Relationships are “poisoned” – Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were once friends of Hamlet’s, but end up murdered by him  Only Horatio and Fortinbras seem unaffected by the poisonous nature of Denmark. They indicate that a fresh start is coming for the kingdom.

Tragic Hero  A character who is ADMIRABLE and IMPORTANT with one major character flaw that contributes to his or her end.  Hamlet fits this definition. However, he is unique in that his flaw is his own indecision and melancholy nature.  Even when he makes mistakes, they are understandable under the circumstances. Audiences lament the ruined potential when he falls.

Structure  3 parts Ghost story Ghost story Detective story Detective story Revenge story Revenge story

Structure  Exposition – Ghost tells Hamlet of the murder, Claudius takes control of the state and happily marries Gertrude.  Rising Action – Hamlet reveals his paralyzing grief, relationships of Laertes, Ophelia, and Polonius disclosed, Ophelia used as a trap for Hamlet, play within a play to gather evidence.  Climax – Hamlet DOESN’T kill Claudius when he has the chance.  Falling Action – Hamlet attacks his mother, Hamlet kills Polonius and hides the body, Fortinbras marches through Denmark, Laertes declares revenge, Laertes and Cluadius conspire against Hamlet, Claudius sends Hamlet to his death in England, Hamlet returns.  Resolution – Hamlet, Laertes, Claudius, and Gertrude all killed. Denmark is final cleansed of the original crime.

Essay Topics  Evaluate the character of Polonius. Is he well-meaning or merely a fool? Does he bear any responsibility for the demise of his children? How is he similar to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?  To what degree can Claudius be held responsible for all of the sorrows of the play? Which sorrows are primarily Hamlet’s responsibility?  Explain how Hamlet is a tragedy of the state as well as a tragedy of the individual. Include references to poison, rotting, and death.  Both Macbeth and Hamlet qualify as tragic heroes. Explain how each character applies to this term. In what ways are they faced with a tragic dilemma?