1. Hamlet Hamlet by William Shakespeare

2. Background Information: Tragedy written between 1599-1601. Remember what you already know about tragedies (Oedipus the King, Romeo & Juliet) – tragic hero, tragic flaw

4. Hamlet is (in many ways) a product of the Protestant Reformation, as well as the philosophy of humanism. Hamlet’s constant anxiety about the difference between appearance and reality, as well as his concerns about and difficulties with religion (the sinfulness of suicide, the unfairness that killing a murderer while the murderer is praying would result in sending the murder to heaven) directly emerge from the breaks in religion and thought brought on by these two Renaissance issues. (see your notes on the Renaissance for more information)

5. Connections to the times… This was a time for heroes. The ideal Elizabethan man was a talented courtier, adventurer, fencer, poet, and conversationalist. He was witty and eloquent gentleman who examined his own nature and the causes of his actions. (Renaissance man)

6. Themes in Hamlet Indecision Death Appearance versus Reality The Role of Women Revenge Disease, Corruption Madness As you read, be on the lookout for these themes. Note which characters are involved in these issues and how Shakespeare connects these to the plot.

7. Reading tips… 1.Visit http://www.enotes.com/hamlet-text or http://nfs.sparknotes.com/hamlet/.http://www.enotes.com/hamlet-text http://nfs.sparknotes.com/hamlet/ 2.Read aloud! You may feel silly, but you’d be surprised at how easily you will fall into a verbal flow that will help you identify mood and intent based on which words are being stressed. 3.Keep a character list and answer all discussion/study guide questions. 4.YOU WILL BE MEMORIZING A SOLILOQUY!!!!

8. http://www.enotes.com/hamlet-lesson-plan- enotes/class-1- intrhttp://broadband.ciconline.org/shakespea re/Def http://www.enotes.com/hamlet-lesson-plan- enotes/class-1- intrhttp://broadband.ciconline.org/shakespea re/Def http://www.webenglishteacher.com/hamlet.h tml http://www.webenglishteacher.com/hamlet.h tml