Literature | High school » Hamlet Question Plan

‘HAMLET’ ESSAY PLANS – BOOKLET 1. HAMLET CHARACTER 2. CLAUDIUS 3. WOMEN 4. POLONIUS 5. HORATIO 6. GHOST 7. MINOR CHARACTERS 8. LOYALTY AND BETRAYAL 9. REVENGE 10. DECEPTION 11. SOLILOQUYS 12. APPEAL OF THE PLAY 1. Hamlet Question Plan Q) The appeal of the play lies in the complex nature of its central character, Hamlet. Start quote: ‘It is not Hamlet’s doubts about the ghost which gives rise to his inability to act, it is his inability to act which gives rise to his doubts about the ghost.’ Introduction: For my single text I had the pleasure of studying the Shakespearean play ‘Hamlet’. I think the real appeal of the play lies in the complex nature of its central character, Hamlet. Shakespeare cleverly gives Hamlet interesting characteristics to shape the character and the storyline. Paragraph one: Hamlet lives a very tough life because of the drama that he is part of. His father has died and now his mother has quickly married his uncle, who murdered his father. ‘ The

serpant that did sting thy father life, now wears his crown’ Paragraph two: Hamlet’s harsh treatment of women throughout the play gives us a vivid insight to his character. ‘I never gave you aught’ Although Hamlet’s harsh treatment of women is scattered throughout the play, his love for Ophelia can be considered genuine. ‘I loved Ophelia, forty thousand brothers could not, with all their quantity of love, make up my sum’ Paragraph three: Hamlet suffers from a deep depression for a number of reasons in this play. ‘I doubt it is no other but the main, his fathers death and our o’erhasty marriage’, Suicidal tendencies and madness. His obsessive love for his mother (oedipus complex) was clear throughout the play. Paragraph four: Although Hamlet likes to talk about his actions, he never seems to fulfill them. This, without doubt makes him a procrastinator and a coward, which makes him unlikeable. ‘Now might I do it pat, now he is praying, and now I’ll do’t, and so

he goes to heaven.’ Paragraph five: We sympathise with Hamlet because he is so self- critical. He understands that he is in the wrong and he criticizes himself and his intentions to get revenge for his father. We feel for Hamlet here because we know that he means well but he always seems to fail. ‘I am pigeon liver’d’ Conclusion: From the points that I have made in this answer, we see that Hamlet’s character is both unlikeable but also gains our sympathy at times. He is without doubt a complex character who is a procrastinator and a coward. We sympathize with him throughout because of the harsh treatment he is subject to from his close friends and family. End quote: ‘I am very proud, revengeful, ambitious.’ 2. Question; ‘Claudius manages to retain our sympathy even though he is at times a cold hearted villain’ – discuss. Opening quote; ‘Thus conscious does make cowards of us all.’ Introduction; I think this quote from Claudius shows that he admits to have

done wrong by his kingdom. This is how he maintains a contrast in how we feel about his character; is he really a cold hearted villain? In my opinion, I found Claudius to be a vile character who had no regard for anyone except himself. His main concern was having the crown of Denmark sat on his head, no matter the expense or consequences that would arise from his actions. By looking at his relationships with various characters in the play, we see how deceptive he manages to be. We see the real Claudius, the villain. Paragraph one: • In the first paragraph, talk about how Claudius is a two dimensional character. He is a character who people hate but also sympathise with because of the grief he has about killing his brother. Expand! Paragraph two: • Although Claudius does hold some sympathy on a number of occasions we see how we might not be so likeable for a modern day audience! Expand! Paragraph 3: • Although Claudius is a villain at times he holds many attributes that

contribute to our likeability for him as a character. Talk about strengths, how he has a heart. How although he killed hamlet with the poison, he was upset when Gertrude died. Expand! Paragraph 4: After a general synopsis of Claudius it would be true too say his character still remains unquestionable too a lot of people but his strengths over his weaknesses. Expand! Conclusion; Claudius’ murder was justified in my opinion. Not just as revenge for the death of King Hamlet, but because he had ruined so many lives as a result of trying to obtain the crown of Denmark from his brother. But, because he was murdered and had spared Denmark from battle with Norway so easily in comparison to the years King Hamlet had spent trying achieve the same result, it’s easy to wonder if Claudius’ murder was completely unquestionable in the end, because he had done good for the state of Denmark during his time as king. This is how Claudius manages to retain our sympathy, despite his numerous

cold hearted and vile actions. End quote; ‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.’ Q3. Discuss the role of women in the play “Hamlet” Start Quote: “Frailty thy name is woman” Introduction: I would like to discuss Ophelia and Gertrude and the importance of their role in the play. In this answer we see the function of women is concerned with what they represent to the audience and whether they may symbolise one or more of human virtues or vices. They may have a specific function in the development of some of the themes of the play. Paragraph One: The relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia. The hints we get of a physical relationship. “He hath, my lord late made many tenders of his affections to me” Paragraph Two: The relationship between Gertrude and Hamlet. Oedipus complex “I doubt it is no other but the main, his father’s death and our o’erhasty marriage” Paragraph Three: We see the change between modern women and women in Hamlet Paragraph Four: The

difference between the two women.The innocence of Ophelia and the sly cunningness of Gertrude. We also see the loyalty of Ophelia contrast with the infidelity of Gertrude “That adulterate beast” Conclusion: Of all the pivotal characters in Hamlet, Ophelia is the most static and one dimensional. She has the potential to become a tragic heroine, to over come the adversities inflicted on her, but she instead crumbles into insanity, becoming merely tragic. In contrast Gertrude is shallow and thinks only about her body and external pleasures. Like a child she longs to be delighted we do not see much of her daily activity, but if we could we would see a woman enraptured by trinkets and fine clothes, soft pillows and warm baths. End Quote: I hoped thou should’st have been my Hamlet’s wife, I thought thy bride bed to have decked sweet maid and not have strew’d thy grave.’ Q 4: Polonius has an important role in ‘Hamlet’ ‘Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar’ Intro:

Polonius, adviser to Claudius might at first glance appear to be an insignificant one-dimensional character, a stereo-type a ‘foolish prating knave’. However he is central to ‘Hamlet’ on many levels He not only highlights one of the strongest themes in the play, hypocrisy but he adds critical comic relief to this tense tragedy. In ‘Hamlet’ Polonius has an important role. Par1: in Act 1 Scene II, we get a clear idea of the importance of Polonius. Claudius says to Laertes, ‘The head is not more native to the heart than is the thorn of Denmark to thy father’ Polonius is loyal to the throne. Par2: Theme of hypocrisy. His advice to Laertes There is irony in his advice as Polonius himself is extremely garrulous (vain) ‘Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment’ Par3: Polonius’s speeches have little substance which adds humuor to the play. ‘Brevity is the soul of wit’ Par 4: Polonius’s actions guide the play to the plot making him an important character.

He pries into Ophelia’s relationship with Hamlet and orders her to end it. ‘From this time forth have you so slander any moments leisurewith the Lord Hamlet’. This causes Hamlet to appear ‘mad’ in Ophelia’s chamber ‘That hath made him mad’. Polonius them thinks Hamlet is mad for love, convinces Claudius to observe them. ‘You and I behind an arras then’ Par5: After Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius in Act 3 Scene 4, while Polonius is spying on Hamlet and Gertude, Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England. ‘Do it, England’ This is a perfect excuse for Claudius to rid get rid of Hamlet. ‘For like the hectic in my blood he rages’ Par6: After Polonius’s death and Hamlet’s departing Ophelia goes mad and commits suicide. ‘Your sisters drowned This then provokes Laertes to get revenge on Hamlet, resulting in more death, in the final scene. ‘I am justly killed with mine own treachery’ Conclusion: Polonius has an important role in ‘Hamlet’ as his

greatest contribution to the play is his catalytic property. His actions and his death have a snowball affect and cause many of the plot twists in the play. ‘Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice’ 5. Horatio Horatio has an important role in ‘Hamlet’. Discuss Sample Questions • Horatio appears in only nine out of the twenty scenes in the play and says little. In your opinion, could he have been left out of the play altogether? • Loyalty and betrayal are key themes in ‘Hamlet’. Discuss • Horatio acts as a strong foil to Hamlet. Discuss • Do you think that Horatio should have been made king instead of Fortinbras? • Without Horatio, we would know very little of the true character of Hamlet. Discuss Paragraph Plan Paragraph 1 General points about Horatio, e.g historian, scholar, Friend to Hamlet form University of Wittenberg. - Marcellus: ‘Thou art a scholar speak to it Horatio.’ Paragraph 2 Acts as a foil to Hamlet - Hamlet: ‘Give me that man that is

not passion’s slave and I will wear him in my hearts core, ay, in my heart of heart, as I do thee.’ (About Horatio) Paragraph 3 Rational/Logical – Dismisses ghost and advises against the fencing contest. - Marcellus: ‘Horatio says ‘tis but our fantasy.’ - Horatio: ‘You will loose this wager my Lord.’ Paragraph 4 Hamlet confides in him - We wouldn’t know the real Hamlet without him. - Acts as a medium between Hamlet and the audience. - Hamlet: ‘As I perchance hereafter shall think meet to put an antic disposition on.’ Paragraph 5 Loyalty – Likeable character - Horatio: I am more an antique Roman than a Dane: here’s yet some liquor left.’ Introduction Horatio seems to be an important character, though he is only seen in nine scenes and says very little, especially as he is Hamlets only true friend. When we do see him, his loyalty, sense and courage stand out. Conclusion Therefore, I can conclude that Horatio is a very important character in the play. If we

didn’t have the character of Horatio, we would not know the true character of Hamlet. Horatio is a likeable character, without whom, the play would not be the same. Quotes about Horatio: 1. Marcellus: ‘Thou art a scholar speak to it Horatio’ 2. Horatio: ‘This bodes some strange eruption to our state’ (About ghost’s appearance.) 3. Horatio: ‘I’ll cross it, though it blast me’ (About ghost) 4. Horatio: ‘You will loose this wager my Lord’ (To Hamlet about the fencing contest.) 5. Horatio: ‘Now cracks a noble heart’ (His feelings towards Hamlet) 6. Hamlet: ‘If thou didst ever hold me in thy hearttell my story’ (To Horatio) 7. Hamlet: ‘Give me that man that is not passion’s slave and I will wear him in my hearts core, ay, in my heart of heart, as I do thee.’ (About Horatio) 8. Horatio: I am more an antique Roman than a Dane: here’s yet some liquor left.’ (The ancient Romans committed suicide when they lost what they valued most) 9. Marcellus:

‘Horatio says ‘tis but our fantasy’ 10. Hamlet: ‘As I perchance hereafter shall think meet to put an antic disposition on.’ Reasons why Horatio is in the play: 1. Acts as a foil to Hamlet 2. Loyalty 3. Hamlet confides in Horatio, we see the true Hamlet when he is around Horatio. It is worth noting Hamlet never acts mad around Horatio 4. Horatio is a symbol of loyalty in a world of corruption 5. It is through Horatio the audience learns many things from Hamlet Key Moments: 1. The Ghost scene 2. Scene when Hamlet confides in Horatio Roles in Play: • He is the reason we first question the ghost’s existence • He is the first person to try to speak to the ghost • Good friend to Hamlet • Helps watch for the king’s reaction to ‘The Mouse-Trap’ • Receives the letter from Hamlet after he escapes from the pirates • Hamlet explains everything to him • He is the rational character when it comes to the fencing contest • Loyal to Hamlet - He wishes to die with

Hamlet - He is given the job of telling the truth of Hamlet’s story - Horatio would probably make a better king than Fortinbras 6. Ghost The Ghost has a major importance in the play “Hamlet”, Discuss. Key Moments: • Opening Scene • Act 1 Scene IV - Ghost speaks to Hamlet • Act 3 Scene IV - Ghost appears to Hamlet as he confronts Queen “Be thou a spirit of health or a goblin damn’d, Bring with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hell” Introduction The Ghost appears in the play just three times but has the most impact and importance in the play especially to the character of Hamlet. His first appearance is a mystery and gives the play a dramatic opening. His second Gives a plot to the play by giving our main Character Hamlet a Mission, Then appears a third time to Hamlet but causes much confusion as he is only visible to Hamlet. • Provides Dramatic Opening - Causes mystery and suspense - “I harrows me with fear and wonder” • Gives Hamlet A Mission -

Energizes Hamlet - “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder” • Creates Problem For Hamlet - Hamlet has to test authenticity of the Ghost “O cursed spite that ever I was born to set it right” • The Ghost Fills into Theme of Death - King Hamlet was murdered and is asking for revenge, the murder of his brother - “The serpent that this sting thy fathers life, now wears his crown” • The Ghost Exposes Hidden Evil - He was killed by own brother - Inspires son to kill brother - “O villain, villain, smiling, damned villain!” Conclusion: So we can see that the Ghost only has three moments in the play but each is hey to the development of the story and of the character Hamlet. The Ghost gives Hamlet directions, gives him a mission and a solution to his mourning. But at the same time causes a problem as he needs to “test” the existence of the Ghost. End Quote: “Look you there My Father in his habit as he liv’d, Look!” 7. Minor characters play an important role in

the play “Hamlet” Discuss “Thou art a scholar speak to it Horatio”. - Marcellus to Horatio Introduction: There are very few minor characters in the play “Hamlet”. These are Rosencrantz + Guildenstern, The Ghost, Laertes and Horatio. All these characters have a role to play, and without them the play would be a very different one. Paragraph 1 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: Both Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are meant to be “everyman” figures, more or less average men who represent humanity in general. Nevertheless, both men have specific character traits. Quote Rosencrantz: • “My Lord, you must tell us where the body is, and go with us to the king”. Quote Guildenstern: • “Nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” Paragraph 2 The Ghost: The specter of Hamlet’s recently deceased father. The ghost, who claims to have been murdered by Claudius, calls upon Hamlet to avenge him. However, it is not entirely certain whether the ghost is what it appears to

be, or whether it is something else. Hamlet speculates that the ghost might be a devil sent to deceive him and tempt him into murder, and the question of what the ghost is or where it comes from is never definitively resolved. • “The serpent that did sting thy father’s soul now wears his crown”. Paragraph 3 Laertes: Polonius’ son and Ophelia’s brother, a young man who spends much of the play in France. Passionate and quick to action, Laertes is clearly a foil for the reflective Hamlet. • “Most humbly do I take my leave, my lord”. Paragraph 4 Horatio: This is Hamlet’s close friend, who studied with the prince at the university in Wittenberg. Horatio is loyal and helpful to Hamlet throughout the play After Hamlet’s death, Horatio remains alive to tell Hamlet’s story. • “I'll speak to it though Hell itself should gape And bid me hold my peace”. Conclusion: As a whole it is my opinion that without these minor characters mentioned above in my answer,

it’s quite clear that the play ‘Hamlet’ would most definitely turn out much more differently. End quote: • “Together with that fair and war-like form in which the majesty of buried Denmark did sometimes march?” – Horatio. List of relevant quotes: • “Oh that, this too too solid flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolves itself into a dew”. • “Frailty thy name is woman”. • “Thrift, thrift Horatio, the funeral bak’d meats did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables”. • “This above all- to thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day thou canst not then be false to any man”. • “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”. List of relevant key moments:  The ghost of old Hamlet reveals to his son that he was murdered by Claudius, and demands that young Hamlet seeks revenge. Hamlet decides to feign madness in an attempt to find proof of his uncle’s guilt. “Thus I was sleeping by a brother’s hand of life, of crown, of queen

at once dispatched”.  Hamlet’s childhood friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been summoned to the castle by the King and Queen to keep close watch on Hamlet.  Polonius’ son Laertes has returned to Denmark, determined to revenge his father’s murder and blaming Claudius.  Laertes manages to wound Hamlet slightly with the tip of his sword. 8. Loyalty and Betrayal Start Quote: ‘Betrayal is to be false, disloyal, to divulge in a breach of confidence, to astray or deceive someone. Betrayal is the rule in Hamlet’ Intro: In the Shakespearean play ‘Hamlet’, the quality of betrayal is widespread and affects all the characters. Aspects of loyalty are also in the mist of the play, yet the impact of both in comparison, betrayal is the most influential in terms of the unfolding of the tragedy. Shakespeare explores betrayal in a manner that is more intellectual then emotional. The text shows that sacrificing loyalty may not be a cowardly act of self

preservation, rather a conscious decision to risk everything in an effort to gain success. It is evident from in depth study, one betrayal lead upon to another, overshadowing any points of loyalty, resulting in not only the breakdown of a family but a kingdom. 6 Para Plan: 1. Opening betrayal- Gertrude on newly deceased husband and son Hamlet in allowing herself to be seduced and also in marrying Claudius, the plays villain. (Opening line)As soon as the play is established a betrayal is evident in its mists, when analyzing the unjust behavior of Queen Gertrude. (Quotes). “Good Hamlet, cast thy knighted colour off and thine eye look like a friend on Denmark” – Disloyal to son. “The funeral bak’d meats did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables.” –Betrayal to deceased husband. 2. Opening loyalty- Hamlet is undoubtedly loyal to his father, the Ghost in the play (Opening line) Loyalty is too evident in Hamlet, yet it is Hamlets loyalty to his father which results in his

inner conflict. (Quote). “And thy commandment all alone shall live within the book and volume of my brain, unmixed with baser matter” 3. (Prominent Betrayal)- Claudius betrays his close companions and also his kingdom by the heartless betrayal of his murder on his brother. (Quote): “O villain villain, smiling damned villain” 4. (prominent loyalty)- Horatio is the most loyal character throughout the entire play, especially to his friend Hamlet. (Quote): “Show me that man that is not passions slave, and I will wear him in my hearts core, ay in my heart of hearts, I do thee” 5. (Betrayal overpowers loyalty)- Ophelia once being loyal to her love Hamlet is overpowered by her loyalty to her father, Polonius, and his scheming treachery, creates her to betray Hamlet. (Quote).Polonius: “Do not believe his vows” Ophelia: “I shall obey, my lord” 6. (Ends in Loyalty or Betrayal?)- Claudius betrays Gertrude, Laertes, Hamlet and his people by arranging the death of Hamlet,

resulting in him sacrificing others lives. He betrays the trust of both Laertes and Gertrude resulting in the horrific fates. Betrayal surpasses loyalty indefinitely causing the breakdown of the kingdom. (Quote): King: “She swounds to see them bleed” – Claudius betrays Gertrude, sacrificing her life. Conclusion: In this sense, betrayal overshadows any moments of loyalty. Although loyalty acts is distinguished by characters like Hamlet to his father memory, and especially by Horatio to his duties as a devoted friend to Hamlet, betrayal is evidently the root of all the chaos and the grounds for the tragic outcome. Each betrayal is sparked by selfish motivation and this aspect of human nature is stronger undoubtedly to loyalty in the play ‘Hamlet’. (Quote): King: “The harlot's cheek, beautied with plastering art is not more ugly to the thing that helps it, than is my deed to my most painted word” 9. Revenge is a key theme Write start quote: “Revenge his foul and

most unnatural murder” Intro Revenge is a main theme in the play Hamlet. It revolves in the minds of all the central characters. Shakespeare’s uses of the framework of the revenge tragedy provided him with an interesting opportunity to explore a moral problem of considerable interest to his contemporaries. Shakespeare confronts Hamlet with moral dilemmas rising from his desire of revenge. I will discuss the types of revenge Shakespeare portrays in this answer involving the central characters. Plays on Claudius’ emotions by catching him out in the play within the play. Theme Revenge mission of revenge given to Hamlet Reluctant avenger Fortinbras Laertes revenge his father’s death You kill somebody else 1st para Doubt about the ghost Paralysed by thought 2nd para Depression becomes side tracked He is a moral man he will not risk damnation 3rd para Does eventually kill Claudius Its is now a civic duty 4th para contrasts Hamlet’s approach to revenge with Laertes - he is a foil to

Hamlet. 5th para Contrast to Fortinbras how he deals with revenge he is also a foil to Hamlet 6th para Hamlet himself Conclusion Hamlet dealt with getting revenge by portraying the murder in the play within the play. In my opinion this was a very clever way to catch Claudius out by playing on his emotions. This was Hamlet’s way of revenge Say how Hamlet dealt with getting revenge compared to Fortinbras and Laertes. Also say how Hamlet developed a mad streak to his personality and how the ghost affected him when he saw it. End quote “ Its not Hamlet’s doubts about the ghosts which gives rise to his inability to act, it is his inability to act which gives rise to his doubts about the ghost” Quotes ∙∙”I’ll make a ghost of he who tries to stop me” “The play 's the thing Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king.” I do not set my life at a pin's fee; 10. The theme of deception is a significant theme in Hamlet Tammy and Paraic “This above all

to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day Thou canst not then be false to any man’’ - Polonius Introduction The theme of deception in Hamlet plays a major role throughout. Each character seems to have a motive and plan to trick or deceive their counterparts to fulfill their own needs. Infact, deception in linked to the downfall and fate of every major character in the play. The recurring feature of deception in the play is seen as conflict between outward appearance and inward reality. 1st paragraph. Claudius’ deception is dealt with in a sly and cunning manner. He continually uses this as a tool to get what he wants. His deceitful ways and self destructing tricks lead him to his own death. “I’m still possessed of those effects for which I did the murder, my crown; mine own ambition and my queen. 2nd paragraph Not only is Hamlet a victim of deception but a contributor too. Deception is seen clearly and most common in Hamlets actions. It is central to

accessing the character of Hamlet. “As I perchance hereafter shall think meet To put an antic disposition on ’’ 3rd paragraph Polonius is driven by deception which shapes his character. He demonstrates the tendency of spying on others continually throughout, regardless of the persons relationship to him. This essential as his death is directly to do with the aspect of his character. “Observe his inclination in yourself ’’ 4th paragraph Gertrude displays deceptive illusions to hide the corruption of reality. Gertrude forces herself to appear happy despite her circumstances “But I have that within which passes show these but the trappings and suits of woe ’’ 5th paragraph Shakespeare furthers the theme of deception with Guildenstern and Rosencrantz. The pair claimed to be Hamlets friends, when really they chose deceitful actions to fulfill their own agendas by profiting at Hamlets expense. “Your visitation will receive such thanks as fits a king’s

remembrance’’ Conclusion Deceptive illusions are used frequently in Hamlet to provide protection from the destructive force to take care of themselves. These characters do not have the ability to express what their true motives are. Each character is corrupt and filled with many falsehoods. Deception is without a doubt one of the strongest in Hamlet. “One may smile, and smile, and be a villain’’ Related quotes • It is not hamlets doubts about the ghost that give rise to his inability to act, it is his inability to act that give rise to his doubts about the ghost. • I doubt it is no other but the main, his fathers death and o’er hasty marriage. • I am but mad north north-west, when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw. • Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder. • As I perchance hereafter shall think meet to put an antic disposition on. 11. Question: Soliloquies in Hamlet are extremely important Q “Discuss with regards to the main character

Hamlet, the importance of Soliloquies.” Start Quote: “To be or not to be that is the question.” Introduction: In ‘Hamlet’ soliloquies can convey the personal state of mind and demonstrate the emotions of a character. Hamlet uses soliloquies to express to the spectators his unsound mentality and self doubt. The soliloquies illustrate to the audience Hamlets two dimensional character. Throughout the play it is obvious these are a vital part of his character because the unveil his unstable outlook towards other characters (A1 S2, A2 S2, A3 S1,A3 S3, A4 S4) 6paragraphs: 1. Hamlets first soliloquy conveys he informs the reader he wants to die but shows a conscious side but is imbued with a religious awareness that suicide is wrong.(A1 S2) 2. Hamlets second soliloquy confirms the audience’s queries about his unstable state of mind when he exemplifies his plan to kill ClaudiusThis soliloquy adds more complexity and dept to the foreshadowing of the up coming events regarding the

play within the play.(A2 S2) 3. Hamlet wants to die but in this soliloquy he shows he’s weak We learn he is distressed about not fulfilling his father’s wishes because he didn’t kill Claudius. We get an insight to Hamlets inappropriate relationship with Ophelia in the past. (A3 S1) 4. It is evident in this soliloquy Hamlet exhibits anxiety and the audience gets to see the cowardly side to Hamlets character, we see his excuse when he is trying to procrastinate the chance to kill Claudius. (A3 S3) 5. In the final soliloquy Hamlet admits to himself and the audience that he is a coward and there was nothing preventing him from killing Claudius except himself.(A4 S4) Conclusion: With all these soliloquies put together, it helps to define the unstable two dimensional character of Hamlet that is only evident to the reader/audience. They are a vital part in the play because it is a frequent moment that he can truly be honest with himself and express his true feelings about his

circumstances and pressurized situations to the spectators. End Quote: “How all occasions do inform against me .And spur my dull revenge” 12. Appeal of the play for 21st century reader "Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder" Since Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet' was first staged over four hundred years ago it has captivated its audiences. The intriguing themes of this play and its complex multi dimensional characters are still very relevant in modern world. The dark humour present throughout the play also helps to make it interesting to the modern readers. Paragraph 1: Hamlet's complex character.  Hamlet is a hero with flaws - makes him more realistic.  His flaws make him easier to relate to.  Procrastinator – puts off killing Claudius.  Madness is an act. “I am but mad north north west but when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw” Paragraph 2:Claudius's character.  Multi dimensional villain. "O my

offence is rank, it smells to heaven, it hath the primal eldest curse upon't"  Capable leader- He has skills required for a leader which are absent in the modern day leaders. “We have here writ to Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras” Paragraph 3:Role of women. • Hamlet’s poor treatment of Ophelia and Gertrude. “Get thee to a nunnery why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners” “No, good mother, here’s metal more attractive” • Hamlet shows extreme cruelty twice in the play – once when he turns on Ophelia and when he speaks savagely to his mother. • Men are protective of women. – Polonius’s and Laretes’s advice to Opelia “Ophelia do not believe his vows, for they are brokers” Paragraph 4:Theme of revenge.  Timeless theme. – relevant in today’s world  Hamlet’s revenge.  Laertes’s revenge.  Key moment - Act 5 Scene 2 - The revenge destroys them all. “I am justly killed with mine own treachery” Paragraph 5: Theme -

Appearance Vs Reality  In the play characters can never be sure that things are as they seem. “The spirit that I have seen may be a devil.” • Claudius’s sympathy towards the death of King Hamlet. “But to persevere in obstinate condolement is a course of impious stubbornness, tis unmanly grief.” Though Shakespeare had written this play for the 16th century audience, I think that it is still relevant in today’s world. The moral and philosophical questions have still not been answered in today’s society and therefore it would provide genuine interest and debate for a modern reader. “ Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.”