Agenda Journal Act 1, scene iv and v Are we too dumb for Shakespeare? Journal ALWG. Chapters 8-15 due Nov.11 th Complete “Make a Scene” if not done in class. Read “Are we too dumb for Shakespeare?” and respond in a short paragraph. (5-6 sentences.) Summarize the plot of the first three scenes in your own words. What are the most important events so far? Which themes do you already see strongly represented? Homework 11/5/15 Learning Target I can analyze a passage from Hamlet with a partner I can read and respond to an article on modernizing Shakespear e.

Scene 4: “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” While Claudius drinks away the night, Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus are visited by the Ghost. It beckons to Hamlet, its intentions unclear. Hamlet‘s friends, worried the spirit might be a demon from hell, try to stop him from following the Ghost. Hamlet will not be held back and is convinced that this ghost is well-meaning.

Scene 4: “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” What is Hamlet’s mental state at this point in the play? Why do Marcellus and Horatio try to stop him after they brought him to talk to the ghost in the first place?

Scene 4: “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” “He waxes desperate with imagination.” “I do not set my life at a pin’s fee.” “The very place puts toys of desperation, without more motive, into every brain.”

Scene 5: Father-Son Afterlife Bonding Experience The Ghost tells Hamlet a tale of horror and treachery. Hamlet is horrified and vows to remember the tale, swearing his friends to secrecy about what they have seen during this night. Reluctantly, all present agree to keep the secret.

Scene 5: Father-Son Afterlife Bonding Experience Read over the Ghost’s tale with a partner. What does the ghost say happened to Old King Hamlet? Do you think this believable? Why or why not? (Tyler and Shannon) Look back at Hamlet’s first soliloquy and compare it to the ghost’s statements on Claudius and Gertrude. What similarities do you notice? (Andrew and Amanda) Why doesn’t Hamlet share the ghost’s message with his friends? (Ian and Natalie)

Scene 5: The Ghost’s Tale Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast, With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts,-- O wicked wit and gifts, that have the power So to seduce!--won to his shameful lust The will of my most seeming-virtuous queen: O Hamlet, what a falling-off was there! From me, whose love was of that dignity That it went hand in hand even with the vow I made to her in marriage, and to decline Upon a wretch whose natural gifts were poor To those of mine! The leperous distilment; whose effect Holds such an enmity with blood of man That swift as quicksilver it courses through The natural gates and alleys of the body, And with a sudden vigour doth posset And curd, like eager droppings into milk, The thin and wholesome blood: so did it mine; And a most instant tetter bark'd about, Most lazar-like, with vile and loathsome crust, All my smooth body. But virtue, as it never will be moved, Though lewdness court it in a shape of heaven, So lust, though to a radiant angel link'd, Will sate itself in a celestial bed, And prey on garbage. But, soft! methinks I scent the morning air; Brief let me be. Sleeping within my orchard, My custom always of the afternoon, Upon my secure hour thy uncle stole, With juice of cursed hebenon in a vial, And in the porches of my ears did pour Thus was I, sleeping, by a brother's hand Of life, of crown, of queen, at once dispatch'd: Cut off even in the blossoms of my sin, Unhousel'd, disappointed, unanel'd, No reckoning made, but sent to my account With all my imperfections on my head: O, horrible! O, horrible! most horrible! If thou hast nature in thee, bear it not; Let not the royal bed of Denmark be A couch for luxury and damned incest.

The Ghost: From Heaven, Hell, or a Harried Mind?

Are we too Dumb for Shakespere? Read the article on the modern versions of Shakespeare currently being created and one author’s reaction them. As you read: Underline the thesis of the author’s argument. Circle or highlight the supporting points that the author uses to assert the importance of their thesis. Write your reactions to the article in the margins. Draw a box around the conclusion that the author comes to near the end of the article. When you complete the article, answer the questions below: 1.) Do you agree with Marcus’ assertion? Why or why not? Provide at least two reasons you feel this way. 2.) Present at least one way Shakespeare could be ‘modernized’ without losing the original language. Explain how this version of the play could be presented.