Hamlet - A Final Review

AP English Hamlet Unit Test

Plot And Conflict

Introduction of Plotlines: The play begins with three distinct plotlines that gradually converge by the final act.

Love Plot Crisis

The death of Polonius triggers the climax of the main plot, which culminates in a fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes.

Political Sub-Plot

Fortinbras plays a crucial role in restoring order to Denmark as the play unfolds, ultimately leading to his ascension as king.

External and Internal Conflict

While external conflicts drive the narrative forward, Hamlet's internal struggles engage the audience.

Ophelia's Fate

Ophelia's death raises uncertainty regarding whether it was an accidental drowning or a suicide. Additionally, her relationship with Hamlet remains ambiguous.

Gertrude's Death

Gertrude dies after drinking poisoned wine that was prepared by Claudius, who prioritizes his interests over her life, concealing his true guilt.

Hamlet's Mourning

Hamlet mourns both women. Ophelia's death stirs deep emotions in him, while Gertrude's death compels Hamlet to seek revenge.

Quote Reflection

Hamlet's statement, 'Frailty, thy name is a woman,' prompts reflection on the roles and perceptions of women in his world.

Claudius's Chaos

Claudius disrupts Denmark by betraying the bonds of brotherhood and his duty as a subject.

Biblical Allusion

Claudius compares his act of fratricide to Cain’s murder of Abel, highlighting his awareness of the wrongness of his actions.

Inability to Repent

Although he acknowledges his guilt, Claudius refuses to give up his power, which only deepens his malevolence.

Destruction of Evil

Claudius's downfall occurs when his plot against Hamlet is revealed, illustrating that evil ultimately leads to self-destruction.

Blind Obedience

These characters illustrate the dangers of submitting to authority without critical thought.

Betrayal of Friendship

They betray Hamlet by spying on him, motivated by the promise of rewards, ultimately sacrificing their loyalty.

Hamlet's Remorse

Hamlet does not feel remorse for their execution in England; he perceives himself as an agent of divine judgment.

Significance of Horatio

Horatio is the most important secondary character, as he plays a crucial role in advancing the plot and revealing Hamlet's character.

Balance of Reason and Passion

Horatio embodies a balance between reason and emotion, reflecting the central themes of the play.

Role in the Conclusion

In the end, Horatio is tasked with recounting Hamlet’s story and advocating for Hamlet's honour to the world.

Fortinbras and Laertes as Foils to Hamlet

Hamlet: He is excessively rational and often hesitant to act based on his emotions. Laertes: He is impulsive and tends to act without considering the consequences of his actions. Fortinbras: He balances reason and passion, ultimately being rewarded with the Danish crown.

Reflection on Justice

This raises questions about whether Laertes deserves his fate and if Fortinbras truly merits his reward.

Hamlet's Tragic Nature

Hamlet is portrayed as a tragic hero, highlighting his wasted potential.

Acknowledgment of Nobility

He is acknowledged for his royal status and virtues by others, including his enemies.

Conflict of Action

His struggle to act decisively conflicts with his noble intentions, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Appearance vs. Reality

The play suggests that appearances can be deceiving. A common motif involving cosmetics emphasizes this idea.

Hypocrisy in Characters

Characters engage in deceit, revealing their true intentions through their actions rather than their outward appearances.

Hamlet's Admission

Hamlet acknowledges that he has spies, highlighting the pervasive themes of betrayal and duplicity.

Revenge as a Motivator

Claudius's betrayal acts as the catalyst for revenge, making it a central theme that drives Hamlet's actions.

Impact on Relationships

Hamlet's fixation on vengeance negatively affects his relationship with Ophelia and takes a toll on his overall well-being.

Paralysis of Action

Although Hamlet is motivated by a desire for revenge, he struggles to take action, highlighting the complexity of his character.

Evil Breeds Chaos

This theme illustrates the destructive cycle of evil where bonds must be restored through punishment.

Disease Imagery

Hamlet describes Denmark as 'rotten,' symbolizing the moral decay that results from the corruption of the monarchy.

Cumulative Example

Ultimately, many characters die as a consequence of their sinful actions, emphasizing the destructive nature of evil.

Unnatural Deaths

The play asserts that all deaths arise from disorder, particularly due to improper governance in Denmark.

Manifestations of Disorder

Various forms of death illustrate this chaos, including: Deaths caused by poison, Executions, Remorseful suicides.

Morality and Governance

Denmark is portrayed as a sickly body due to the corruption of its monarchs, which results in existential anxiety among the people.

The Ghost's Significance

Supernatural elements reveal signs of moral decay, highlighting the urgent need for restoration through the rule of Fortinbras.

Duality of Humanity

The play explores the potential for noble and base actions within its characters.

Imagery Utilized

Animal imagery is used to convey degradation, while angelic references indicate an elevated moral consciousness.

Existential Complexity

The play raises questions about human nature, emphasizing the contrast between good and evil qualities within individuals.

Questioning Truth

Characters grapple with uncertain truths, such as the validity of ghostly claims and unseen crimes.

Hamlet's Uncertainty

The play reflects Hamlet's indecision, which is caused by moral complexities and a fear of ethical failure that prevents him from taking decisive action.

Conscience and Action

The contrast between Hamlet’s hesitant sense of righteousness and Claudius's guilty yet prompt actions highlights significant moral dilemmas.

Factors Affecting Decision-Making

The absence of certainty complicates the decision-making process, influenced by emotional and ethical considerations.

Character Reflection

Hamlet’s contemplative nature contrasts with other characters who react without deliberation, ultimately leading to their disgrace.

Paralysis by Fear

Hamlet’s fear of harming his soul inhibits him from taking swift action. This reveals his struggle between guilt and honour.

Restoration of Honor

Ultimately, Hamlet realizes that defending his moral integrity requires confrontation, which leads him to pivot toward action.

Multiple Perspectives

The complexity of death is explored, raising moral questions about existence and its spiritual implications.

Revenge Cycle

The connection between death and vengeance creates an enigmatic relationship, highlighting the moral constraints surrounding suicide.

Yorick’s Skull

Yorick's skull represents Hamlet's reflections on death, illustrating its universality and inevitability.

Death As the Great Equalizer

As Hamlet contemplates death, he emphasizes how it renders all distinctions irrelevant, equalizing everyone in their fate.

Action vs. Reputation

Ultimately, Hamlet learns that personal honour motivates actions more than the fear of mortality.

Hamlet’s Role

Although innocent, Hamlet becomes a scapegoat, helping to establish order after Claudius's transgressions.

Restoration through Sacrifice

Hamlet's death leads to the moral realignment of Denmark through Fortinbras's ascension to the throne.

Familial Relationships

This motif examines the complexity of familial ties, particularly through Claudius and Gertrude's marriage, as well as Laertes's protective attitude toward Ophelia.

Hamlet's Fixation

Hamlet's obsessive concern with Gertrude's sexuality reflects his deep-seated anxieties and symbolizes broader thematic issues.

Cynicism Towards Women

Hamlet's disdain for women illustrates a broader culture of misogyny, which hinders his romantic pursuits and mirrors societal problems.

Significance of Communication

This motif explores how language can distort reality and manipulate perception.

Poisonous Imagery

It highlights duplicity, including the lethal implications of Claudius's murderous act through poison.

Importance of Human Limitations

Tragedy arises from personal flaws and external forces.

Lessons of the Tragic Hero

Tragic heroes encourage perseverance and understanding in the face of human frailty, prompting empathy from the audience.

Human Experience

The essence of tragedy reflects shared human flaws, mirroring our