Introduction to Hamlet
12th Grade English 4 Pages 231- 235
Read Page 231
1. On what did Shakespeare base the story of Hamlet?
2. How did Shakespeare transform the genre of revenge tragedy?
3. What was the name of the famous theater in London where
Shakespeare’s plays were performed?
4. What gave the theaters and actors an immoral reputation?
5. Because of this reputation who played the female roles?
6. What is a tragedy?
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Read Page 232 and 234
7. According to Aristotle what emotions does a tragedy arouse?
8. Define catharsis and hubris.
9. What happens to the hero because of hubris?
10. What is the intention of a tragedy?
11. Define comic relief.
12. As a verse drama as many English plays is written….?
13. Define soliloquy and aside.
14. What are two types of rhetorical devices we will see will reading
Hamlet?
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Read Page 235
Shakespeare’s theater company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, enjoyed
the approval of Queen Elizabeth. After her death in 1603, King James I
became their patron at which time the company changed its name to the
King’s Men. Having the patronage of the reigning monarch helped to
ensure their domination of theater scene.
15. What 3 characteristics would have helped make Shakespeare a great
writer in any age?
16. How many plays did Shakespeare write? What else did he write?
17. Two theater colleagues published a collected edition of
Shakespeare’s plays know as ____?
18. What did Ben Jonson declare about Shakespeare for the introduction
for the volume?
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