Hamlet

Most of us know the basics of good ole William Shakespeare but I'll jot down a few:
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon and although the exact date of his birth isn't known, we tend to celebrate it on April 23. He married Anne Hathaway on November 27, 1582 and had several children. William Shakespeare is credited with creating many of the words we use today and transformed the world with his plays. Hamlet was written sometime in between 1599 and 1601. One Shakespeare's more famous works, Hamlet was criticized for different reasons depending on which century your point of view was born from. Late 17th century critics said it lacked decorum and unity while 18th century peoples applauded Hamlet as a hero. The earliest date of a performance of Hamlet is June of 1594, according to Philip Henslowe.

1. A recurring theme in Hamlet is inner sickness covered by a tough exterior. I realize this seems like a simple topic with an obvious answer but do you believe Hamlet's feigned insanity was (as it is named) false or was this a first glimpse of him finally having a mental meltdown? Was it a mix of both perhaps? Elaborate.

2. When Hamlet speaks to the players, Shakespeare feathers in some general rules on how to “act.” “Suit the action to the word, the word to the action. . . 'twere the mirror up to nature.” Essentially, don't speak on stage just to say a line. . . you must listen and react to every word, action, etc. Do you think this an appropriate approach to “acting” or do you believe there is a better way to understand the performance side of theater. If you agree with Shakespeare, please list a few reasons why. (personal examples, things you've read, etc)

3. Immensely popular in it's own time, Hamlet was viewed by all who enjoyed it and loathed it. Shakespeare drops some extremely funny shit in this play and I can understand why people who didn't like the show were offended. Take for example, the moment where everyone goes to see the play. Hamlet attempts to snuggle up next to Ophelia creating one of the funniest and raunchiest moments in the show.

Hamlet: Lady, shall I lie in your lap?

Ophelia: No, my Lord.

Hamlet: I mean, my head upon your lap?

Ophelia: Ay, my lord.

Hamlet: Do you think I meant COUNTry matters?

Ophelia: I think nothing my lord

Hamlet: That's a fair thought to lie between maids' legs.

See? Shakespeare was a riot! Any who, I'd really love for you guys to recall some other examples in the play where the bard slipped in some double meanings. Then, explain why these subtle phrases or quotes would have been considered offensive back in the day.

4. Out of the many times I've read this play, Polonius has always been my least favorite character albeit one moment. Polonius bestows up his son a few life lessons before Laertes departs. “This above all: to thine ownself be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” Beautifully worded, this quote highlights one of the founding ideals of the play. If a quote stood out to you that could serve as another example of highlighting a major theme in the play, please share.

5. I'll be the first to admit that when I read Hamlet for the first time, I thought Ophelia was a crazy, hormonal woman that needed to take some pills. Even after I read Hamlet the third time and the fourth time, I couldn't get passed my initial perception of her character. I'll make light of this so it won't be super awkward, but last semester. . . I sort of went bat shit crazy(feel free to chuckle amongst yourselves). So many changes were happening all around me and it was too much. I tell you this to make a point, I promise. After going back through this play, I can in every way relate to Ophelia. She has had so much happen to her in such a short amount of time, it's no wonder she starts singing a song and throwing flowers around! In short, if there is a character in this play that you didn't connect with or didn't understand, or thought was completely bat shit crazy, I urge you to try again. Try to relate to that character with an open mind and, if need be, incorporate some personal experiences to help you. Now discuss. :)

6. I'm pretty sure that anyone who has ever read Hamlet in an English class addressed the issue of red hott mother/son lovin. . . and so shall we. Do you think their relationship was inappropriate or normal by seventeenth century standards? By our standards?

7. Overall, what messages can we interpret from William Shakespeare's Hamlet? There is no right or wrong answer to this one but really delve into what this play does (feelings it evokes, questions it raises, etc). If it helps, keep in mind how influential this work has been for the last few centuries. Why has it been so? What is so moving about this play compared to other writers of the 1600s (ish)? These questions should help you analyze Hamlet further. . . you don't have to formally answer all of them. :)