1. Polonius
The tragedy’s fool

2. A review Remember the characteristics of Shakespeare’s fool?
A fool(s) exists in most Shakespearean plays—not only in his comedies. These characters elicit humor, but often do so un-intentionally (intentionally by Shakespeare, unintentionally by the character)
The Shakespearean Fool Archetype:
Undereducated
Fickle
Easily confused
Sporadically quick-witted
occasionally he is sharp; often he’s too dumb to understand what he is saying
Often egotistical

3. First, Listen
Listen to this short podcast about the character of Polonius
Does it add anything to our previous analysis of Polonius?
What characteristics of “the fool” does Polonius exhibit?
In your RJ
List the characteristics he demonstrates
For each characteristic, find an example (FROM THE TEXT) to prove it
Share with a partner what you discovered
Start at 18:35, the podcast is only 5 minutes—due to space reasons, the podcast is not embedded in the online version.

4. Second, Analyze Polonius is killed in Act III, Scene IV
His death is the first in the play
Why would Shakespeare choose to make Polonius the first victim?
How does his death impact the other characters?
Hamlet
Gertrude
Claudius
Ophelia?
Laertes?
Consider Shakespeare’s structure. Act III is the climax of the plot; how does Polonius’ death contribute to the climactic nature of this act?

5. Third, Watch (for fun)

6. Fourth, Work
For tomorrow, make sure you have read all of Act IV and answered the RJ questions in your reader’s journal.
If time allows, go through the answers.