Group-work Overview of Hamlet
Act: 1
Summary. What should we remember about this act? What major events happen? (Consider
looking scene by scene). Bullet points are fine. Please cite scene #s:
Scene 1: The 3 guards: Bernardo, Horatio, and Marcellus see the ghost of the dead King Hamlet [again]
Scene 2: The new king, Claudius, announces that he married the dead King's wife shortly after King Hamlet
died. Prince Hamlet is upset. Horatio tells Prince Hamlet to saw the ghost of his father.
Scene 3: Laertes and Polonius give Ophelia advice concerning her relationship with Hamlet.
Scene 4: Prince Hamlet sees his father's ghost and follows it away from Horatio and the other guards despite
their protests that he not follow it.
Scene 5: King Hamlet tells his son that Claudius murdered him and tells him to avenge his death. Prince Hamlet
makes the guards promise not to tell anyone about the ghost.
Choose three characters in this act you think we should pay special attention to then justify your
choice—what interesting thing happens to that character or because of that character?How does
that character change? Try and choose one non-obvious character:
1. We think you should pay special attention to Horatio. We think this because
He shows prince Hamlet his father's ghost. It is important that Horatio does this because Horatio is perhaps the
only person in the play that Hamlet fully trusts.
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
“Let us impart what we have seen tonight unto young Hamlet; for upon my life, this spirit, dumb to us, will
speak to him”
(scene 1)
2. We think you should pay special attention to Ghost of King Hamlet. We think this because
He is the reason Hamlet becomes crazy for revenge. He gives the audience backstory and new information. The
ghost's purpose is to drive Hamlet to get revenge.
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
“The serpent that did sting thy father's life now wears his crown”
(scene 5)
3. We think you should pay special attention to King Claudius. We think this because
Gives the audience information about the King's death and his marriage to Gertrude.
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
“Therefore our sometime sister, now our queen, th' imperial jointress to this warlike state. Have we as 'twere
with a defeated joy...”
(scene 2)
For each of the following lenses, find 2 quotes in your act that you think could be useful in a paper
examining Hamlet. Please write out the full quote (with scene and line #s) and explain why you chose it:
Marxism:
“In that, and all things we will show our duty” – Cornelius and Voltemand to Claudius.
Feminism:
“Then if he says he loves you, it fits your wisdom so far to believe it… and keep you I the near of your affection,
out of the shot and danger of desire.” Laertes to Ophelia. He is telling her not to trust Hamlet.
Psychoanalysis:
“Therefore our sometimes sister, now our queen...” Later in the play, Hamlet refers to their relationship as
incestuous.
Rhetorical analysis (look for odd / repeated / double-meaning words):
“And [begins] to pale his uneffectual fires. Adieu adieu adieu. Remember me” (Ghost of king Hmalet.
Come up with one good question per theory (and rhetorical analysis) to ask the class to get them thinking
about your act with that theory in mind. For example “How does Hamlet's treatment of Gertrude, and the
language he uses, illustrate the mother-son dynamic in Act II scene ii?” (One question may fit into two
theories, but you still must come up with one question for each)
Marxism:
Feminism:
How does Polonius and Laertes' advice to Ophelia show the theme of mysongeny?
Psychoanalysis:
Rhetorical:
Act: II
Summary. What should we remember about this act? What major events happen? (Consider
looking scene by scene). Bullet points are fine. Please cite scene #s:
Scene i: Polonius instructing Reynaldo to spy on Laertes. Ophelia tells Polonius about Hamlet's strange actions.
Scene ii: King and Queen welcome Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, ask them to check on Hamlet. Polonius tells
king and queen about Hamlet's madness + Ophelia. R&G talk to Hamlet, but he doesn't trust them. Actors /
players arrive, Hamlet tells them to plan for the play—his “mousetrap.”
Choose three characters in this act you think we should pay special attention to then justify your
choice—what interesting thing happens to that character or because of that character?How does
that character change? Try and choose one non-obvious character:
1. We think you should pay special attention to Hamlet. We think this because
-This is when he first starts acting crazy/strange. [I like the perhaps unintentional use of the word acting to
describe behavior that might literally be Hamlet pretending]
-First actions / scheming against Claudius.
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
- “I'll have grounds more relative… conscience of the king” (II.ii 534).
(scene2)
2. We think you should pay special attention to Polonius. We think this because
-We see the manipulative side of Polonius, as well as his concern for his and Laertes' reputations.
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
- “Mark the encounter… keep a farm and carters” (II.ii, 162).
(scene2)
3. We think you should pay special attention to Claudius. We think this because
-Shows his worry for Hamlet when he sends R&G to investigate his melancholy and possible madness.
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
- “To draw him onto pleasures… within our remedy” (II.ii 15).
(scene2)
For each of the following lenses, find 2 quotes in your act that you think could be useful in a paper
examining Hamlet. Please write out the full quote (with scene and line #s) and explain why you chose it:
Marxism:
“But breathe his faults… of general assault” (II.i 31). Polonius to Reynadlo.
Feminism:
“At such a time I'll loose my daughter… mark the encounter” (II.ii 150). Polonius to Claudius of Ophelia to
diagnose Hamlet's mental malady.
Psychoanalysis:
“He took me by the wrist… and end his being” (II.i, 86). Ophelia to Polonius.
Rhetorical analysis (look for odd / repeated / double-meaning words):
Come up with one good question per theory (and rhetorical analysis) to ask the class to get them thinking
about your act with that theory in mind. For example “How does Hamlet's treatment of Gertrude, and the
language he uses, illustrate the mother-son dynamic in Act II scene ii?” (One question may fit into two
theories, but you still must come up with one question for each)
Marxism: What doe Polonius' instructions to Reynaldo reveal about his concern for social status?
Feminism: How does Polonius' use of Ophelia as a tool to spy on Hamlet show his patriarchy?
Psychoanalysis: How do Hamlet's strange actions toward Ophelia relate to an Oedipus complex?
Rhetorical:
Act: III
Summary. What should we remember about this act? What major events happen? (Consider
looking scene by scene). Bullet points are fine. Please cite scene #s:
Hamlet's friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are sent to spy on Hamlet and figure out his melancholy. Hamlet
plans to show a play to set up the king who he believes hilled his dad. The play works and Hamlet is sure
Claudius is guilty. Later, Hamlet confronts the queen and they have their back and forward conversation during
which Hamlet accidentally stabs Polonius through a curtain.
Choose three characters in this act you think we should pay special attention to then justify your
choice—what interesting thing happens to that character or because of that character?How does
that character change? Try and choose one non-obvious character:
1. We think you should pay special attention to King Claudius. We think this because
This act involves the play within the play which Hamlet intends to use to get a reaction from the king,
implying his guilt.
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
“O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven...” (??).
(scene 2)
2. We think you should pay special attention to Hamlet. We think this because
Hamlet formulates his plan to confirm the king's guilt.
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
“The mouse-trap.” Marry, how?”
(scene 2)
3. We think you should pay special attention to ________________________. We think this because
Polonius dies in this act. His character spies on Hamlet's interactions with his mother—which
immediately leads to his downfall.
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
“My lord, he's going to his mother's closet [bedroom]. Behind the arras [tapestry / decorative hanging]
I'll convey myself to hear the process”
(scene 3)
For each of the following lenses, find 2 quotes in your act that you think could be useful in a paper
examining Hamlet. Please write out the full quote (with scene and line #s) and explain why you chose it:
Marxism:
“For what advancement may I hope from thee, that no revenue has but thy spirit” (III.ii. 44)
Feminism:
“I shall obey you and for your part, Ophelia, I do wish that your good beauties be the happy cause of Hamlet's
illness” Gertrude → Ophelia (III.i)
Maybe objectifying women – women being at the mercy of what men want.
Psychoanalysis:
“Pinch wanton on your cheek; call you his mouse; And let him, for a pair of reechy kisses” (III.i) [when Hamlet
is in the bedroom with Gert].
Oedipus complex; sexual references. [consider looking up reechy]
Rhetorical analysis:
“With all his crimes broad blwon, as flush as May: and how his audit stands who knows save Heaven”
→Hamlet repeated reference to heaven as a place he respects and plans to send his dad. He might also be
confused as to whether he is doing the right thing.
Come up with one good question per theory (and rhetorical analysis) to ask the class to get them thinking
about your act with that theory in mind. For example “How does Hamlet's treatment of Gertrude, and the
language he uses, illustrate the mother-son dynamic in Act II scene ii?” (One question may fit into two
theories, but you still must come up with one question for each)
Marxism: Why does Hamlet think that the poor do not deserve to be flattered? (III.ii) This disparity
between rich and poor.
Feminism: How does Hamlet's interaction with Ophelia on 1134 (act III.ii lines 95-) depict Ophelia's
role as a weak female character?
Psychoanalysis: Why does Hamlet use sexual references towards his mother in Act III scene 4? Why is
he fixated on his mother's sexual dealings with the uncle? [The first question is good. Gets us
thinking about how sexuality is encoded in the language he is using—remember that it is the
language interpreted that gets us the raunchy scene between Hamlet and Gertrude in the
Gibson version. The second question is phenomenal. To answer this question you would have
to (1) prove his obsession with the sexuality (therefore the first question might be a subsidiary
question to the second), then (2) do analysis on his relationship to his (2a) uncle and (2b)
mother, and finally (3) draw a conclusion. Do you see how a good question can lay out a paper
for you?]
Rhetorical: What is Hamlet's perception of 'heaven' in Act III.iii? What does it mean to him and why
does he repeatedly use the word? [Also a good question—you can trace his use of the word
throughout the story AND the use of related words, like hell or purge (from the same root as
purgatory) or even “damned”). The word “heaven” is even in the quote for Claudius in the
characters section.]
Act: IV
Summary. What should we remember about this act? What major events happen? (Consider
looking scene by scene). Bullet points are fine. Please cite scene #s:
Hamlet had just killed Polonius and Gertrude goes to tell Claudius. Claudius thinks that Hamlet should be sent to
England. Ophelia becomes mad also over her father's death [interesting—the way you phrase this makes an
odd parallel between Hamlet and Ophelia. They are both driven mad by the death of a father. Can the
same be said of Fortinbras?] Claudius and Laertes plans a way that they could get rid of (kill) Hamlet.
Choose three characters in this act you think we should pay special attention to then justify your
choice—what interesting thing happens to that character or because of that character?How does
that character change? Try and choose one non-obvious character:
1. We think you should pay special attention to Horatio. We think this because
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
(scene___)
2. We think you should pay special attention to Ophelia. We think this because
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
(scene___)
3. We think you should pay special attention to Gertrude. We think this because
She doesn't like Ophelia much—even refuses to speak to her. She cares about her husband and her son, but she
focuses on keeping her throne.
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
“Mad as the sea and wind both contend, which the mightier. In a lawless fit, behind the arras hearing something
stir, whips out his rapier, cries 'a rat! A rat!' and in this brainwash apprehension, kills the unseen good old man”
(scene1)
For each of the following lenses, find 2 quotes in your act that you think could be useful in a paper
examining Hamlet. Please write out the full quote (with scene and line #s) and explain why you chose it:
Marxism: “Vile king” Leartes calls Claudius in line 128 act 4. “There's such a divinity doth both hedge
a king that treason can but peep to what it would act little of his will.”
Feminism: “My mother. Father and mother is man and wife, man and wife is one flesh. So, my mother.”
Hamlet to king P1155 IV.iii 47. Gertrude is defined as “other” to Claudius' “self”.
“Her speech is nothing” Gentlemen to queen about Ophelia (1158; IV.v 7). Belittling of Ophelia's
dialogue after madness—more belittling than how people spoke about Hamlet's madness.
Psychoanalysis: “O, from this time forth my thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!” IV.iv 64-65.
Hamlet will only have thoughts about killing Claudius.
“When honor is at stake. How stand I then, that have a father killed, a mother stained” IV.iv 55-56.
Hamlet must kill his uncle for killing his father and seducing his mother. Supporting his Oedipal
complex.
Rhetorical analysis (look for odd / repeated / double-meaning words): “For like the hectic in my blood
he rages” (IV.iv 61). Blood is used throughout the book and it describes the emotions, either hate or
love. Blood foreshadows all the bloodshed in the play. [Excellent!]
Come up with one good question per theory (and rhetorical analysis) to ask the class to get them thinking
about your act with that theory in mind. For example “How does Hamlet's treatment of Gertrude, and the
language he uses, illustrate the mother-son dynamic in Act II scene ii?” (One question may fit into two
theories, but you still must come up with one question for each)
Marxism: When Claudius addresses the other royal members, they laugh in fear of Claudius' jokes.
Does anyone think that he is truly a worthy king? [interesting question!]
Feminism: What about the responses to Ophelia's madness convey about the status of women in the
play?
Psychoanalysis: Does Hamlet's verbal cruelty and hostility allow him to gain mind-control over other
people? [Interesting! This might be psychoanalysis that is using a rhetorical lens to make a
claim because you are looking at how Hamlet's language is affecting the mind's of those
around him… you might even think about how his soliloquies affect the “minds” of the
audience; how we, for example, perceive Claudius, the Queen, Ophelia...]
Rhetorical: Does the repetition of blood foreshadow what will happen in the end, now knowing the
plans Claudius and Laertes have for Hamlet?
Act: V
Summary. What should we remember about this act? What major events happen? (Consider
looking scene by scene). Bullet points are fine. Please cite scene #s:
Two clowns talking about Ophelia's death, and how they believe it was a suicide. Hamelt and Laertes then fight
about who loved Ophelia more. Osric is sent to ask Hamlet if he would dual Laertes, and he agrees. Hamlet and
Laertes then meet, and Hamlet apologizes. Laertes accepts the apology [V.ii lines 194-221. Pay special
attention to how Hamlet apologizes and how Laertes accepts the apology]. Hamlet and Laertes then
fight, and hit each other. This dual leads to Gertrude drinking poison from the goblet Hamlet was meant to drink,
Laertes and Claudius are killed by the poisoned blade.
[Also, don't forget who shows up at the very end—young Fortinbras.]
Choose three characters in this act you think we should pay special attention to then justify your
choice—what interesting thing happens to that character or because of that character?How does
that character change? Try and choose one non-obvious character:
1. We think you should pay special attention to Claudius. We think this because
Claudius and Laertes have a plan to kill Hamlet, which shows Claudius is filthy / shady.
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
Pg 1179 line 245: “Strengthen your patience in our last night's speech”
(scene 1)
2. We think you should pay special attention to Hamlet. We think this because
Hamlet apologizes to Laertes, but he is being manipulative and using his “insanity” as an excuse—not sincere.
One important or interesting line this character says, or spoken about this character:
Pg 1185 194: “Give me your pardon, sir. I have done you wrong.”
(scene 2)
3. We think you should pay special attention to Horatio. We think this because
We see in this scene Horatio's loyalty to Hamlet. Hamlet tells him not to drink the poison, and Horatio listens.
He is one of the few who don't die in Act 5 scene ii.
For each of the following lenses, find 2 quotes in your act that you think could be useful in a paper
examining Hamlet. Please write out the full quote (with scene and line #s) and explain why you chose it:
Marxism:
“Will you ha' the truth on't? If this had not been a gentle woman, she should have been buried out o'
Christian burial” (pg 1172 V.i). Clowns are saying Ophelia belonged to a royal, and that is why she is
getting a Christian burial.
Feminism:
“It must be 'se offendendo' [self-defense—but a pun inviting the word “offend” into the
translation], it cannot be else. For here lies the point: if I drown myself wittingly [intentionally], it
argues an act, and an act hath three branches—it is to act, to do, to perform, [ergo], she drowned herself
wittingly” (pg 1171 V.i 7-9). Ophelia knew she was performing suicide, she drowned herself. Drowning
herself makes her look weak because she couldn't handle losing Hamlet and her father.
Psychoanalysis:
“That skull had a tongue in it, and could sing once. Haw the knave jowls it to the ground, as if 'twere
Cain's jawbone, that did the first murder! This might be the pate of a politician, which this ass now
o'erreaches; one that would circumvent God, might it not?” [1173 V.i 58-61].
[Another piece of the vast, complex tapestry that is Hamlet's struggle to deal with death. Here
is an example of psychoanalysis that doesn't deal in the Oedipus complex—Characters coping
with their fear of the afterlife.]
Rhetorical analysis (look for odd / repeated / double-meaning words):
Come up with one good question per theory (and rhetorical analysis) to ask the class to get them thinking
about your act with that theory in mind. For example “How does Hamlet's treatment of Gertrude, and the
language he uses, illustrate the mother-son dynamic in Act II scene ii?” (One question may fit into two
theories, but you still must come up with one question for each)
Marxism:
Feminism:
Psychoanalysis:
Rhetorical: