1. HAMLET – ACT 3

2. Do Now: Vocabulary  Overwrought (adj.) – overcome with emotion or in a state of high excitement.  Affliction (noun) – a curse to bear or something that causes agony, suffering, or great pain. Today grammar will be assessed in your written work. Target  I will be able to analyze the themes of Hamlet through my analysis of a single character. Agenda  Do Now  Finish character/theme analysis MONDAY - FEBRUARY 23, 2015

3.  Polonius is a complex character who, in the first few acts of Hamlet, embodies the themes of betrayal, trust, conformity and power. At first Polonius seems to be nothing but a long-winded, old fool; however, as he continues to talk, he weaves himself more deeply into the developing plot. Polonius’ relationship with the king seems to be what spurs him to action. He wonders if Claudius trusts him asking, “Hath there been such a time I would fain know that I have positively said ‘Tis so’ when it proved otherwise?” (2.2.153-154) and goes on to dare the king to cut of his head if he proves untrustworthy. Because Polonius desires to maintain his position as advisor to the king, he conforms to the kings desires. Polonius tells Claudius that Hamlet is acting strangely because of Ophelia, hypothesizing that “This is the very ecstasy of love,…” (2.1.104) and swears to “…find where truth is hid, though it were hid indeed within the center.” (2.2.157-158) However, Hamlet shows himself to be a fairly good actor. When the actors arrive, Hamlet performs a speech from memory and Polonius comments that it was “…well spoken, with good accent and good discretion.” (2.2.466-467) Perhaps Polonius is paying Hamlet a compliment, but perhaps he is also noticing that Hamlet may be doing an expert job at deceiving everyone and that the cause of Hamlet’s lunacy will be harder to discover than expected. ANALYSIS EXAMPLE Target: I will be able to analyze multiple themes in Hamlet through my analysis of a single character.

4. Topic Sentence:  (Character name) is a (adjective or description) character who, in the first two acts of Hamlet, embodies the themes of (insert themes here). Analysis  In your analysis, you should use the textual evidence you have collected to explore connections between the themes and what your character wonders, knows, observes, and cares about. Don’t forget to embed your quotes into your analysis and to properly cite your textual evidence! CHARACTER/THEME ANALYSIS Target: I will be able to analyze multiple themes in Hamlet through my analysis of a single character.