1. Hamlet Act 1 Scene 4
Notes

2. 1. Mole of Nature Speech Hamlet generalizes
One defeat or flaw can ruin a person (Aristotle’s tragic flaw)
We are not always all that we seem
( Appearance/reality theme)

3. Mole of Nature Speech Hamlet has great nobility
Truly appalled by the corruption of the world around him
Intelligent but wordy

4. 2. Hamlet’s Reaction to the Ghost
Reckless with his life, willing to die
“set my life at a pin’s fee”
Capable of sudden purposeful violence
We see his violent struggle against the well-meaning restraint of his friends

5. Hamlet’s Reaction to the Ghost
Is Hamlet truly going mad?

6. 3. Disease Imagery
Marcellus reminds us “something is rotten in the state of Denmark”