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"Explore Shakespeare's influential tragedy of Prince Hamlet seeking revenge for his father's murder by his uncle, King Claudius. Dive into themes of indecision, betrayal, and mortality in this iconic play set in Denmark. Discover the characters of Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, and more. Unravel the intricate plot filled with deception, political intrigue, and haunting ghostly apparitions. Don't miss this timeless tale of love, betrayal, and revenge that continues to captivate audiences worldwide."
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Hamlet William Shakespeare
Publication • Probably written in 1600 or 1601 • First performed in July 1602
Setting • Denmark • Medieval Period
Hamlet Cont. • Critics claim the most powerful and influential tragedies in the English Language.
The Story • Hamlet’s uncle murders fatherand then marries his mother • Hamlet’s uncle becomes king • Hamlet feigns insanity to exact revenge
Hamlet • Prince of Denmark • About 30 years old • Son of Queen Gertrude and the late King Hamlet • Nephew of the present king, Claudius.
Hamlet continued • Hamlet is melancholy, bitter, and cynical. • Full of hatred for his uncle's scheming and disgust for his mother's sexuality. • Studied at the University of Wittenberg • Sometimes indecisive and hesitant, but at other times prone to rash and impulsive acts.
Claudius • The King of Denmark • Hamlet's uncle • Kills Hamlet’s father to become King • The play's antagonist and villain • Calculating, ambitious politician • Driven by his sexual appetites and his lust for power
Gertrude • The Queen of Denmark • Hamlet's mother • Married to King Claudius • Prefers her social status over moral obligations
The Ghost (King Hamlet) • The specter of Hamlet's recently deceased father • Killed by King Claudius • Asks Hamlet to avenge his death
Polonius • The Lord Chamberlain of Claudius's court • Pompous, conniving old man • Father of Laertes and Ophelia.
Ophelia • Polonius' daughter • Hamlet is in love with her • Obeys her father and her brother, Laertes.
Laertes • Polonius's son • Ophelia's brother • Spends a lot of time in France • Passionate and quick to action, Laertes is clearly a foil for the reflective Hamlet.
Famous Actors who have played Hamlet: • Laurence Oliver • Mel Gibson • Kenneth Branagh
Famous Hamlets • Ethan Hawke • Jude Law • David Tennent
Entertainment inspired by Hamlet: • The Lion King • Gladiator • Strange Brew • Renaissance Man • Episodes of Star Trek, The Simpsons, South Park
Hamlet • Themes: • Indecision • Inability to Act • Uncertainty • Impuslivity • Death/Suicide • Motif: Decay
Hamlet VocabularyWeek #1 (Act I) quiz THURSDAY 3/5 1. entreated- to beg; to ask 2. assail- to attack 3. fortified - shielded; secured; protected 4. illume- to brighten; to lighten 5. usurp- to seize; to confiscate 6. avouch- to certify; to confirm; to guarantee 7. esteemed- to honor; to respect; to prize; to treasure 8. ratified- approved; confirmed; legalized 9. mettle.- endurance; bravery 10. resolutes- brave; fearless; relentless people
Hamlet Vocabulary Week #2 (Act II) 11. portentous- foreboding; threatening; sinister 12. privy - made participant in a secret 13. discretion - permission to make decisions with own judgement 14. auspicious- delightful; joyous; happy; lucky; favorable 15. dirge- funeral song; death march 16. dole - sadness 17. visage- the face or facial expression of a person 18. denote- to indicate; to mark; to signal; to mean 19. countenance - appearance; facial expression / v.- to condone 20. requite - to avenge
Hamlet Vocabulary Week #3 (Act III-IV) • Beseech-to beg eagerly • Pious- showing an earnest wish to fulfill religious obligation • Insolence-contemptuously rude behavior or speech • Robust- strong and healthy • Distemper- deranged condition of mind or body • Mortised- to join securely • Bulwark- a wall built for defense • Apoplexy- a stroke • Cozened- to cheat or deceive • superflous- excessive