FINAL HAMLET AND SWEAT FLASHCARDS

What theme is shown by Hamlet's tendency to overthink instead of act?

Thought impedes action – Hamlet's soliloquies reveal internal conflict and overthinking, hindering decisive action. (Critic: Paul A. Jorgensen – Psychological approach)

How does Hamlet reflect religious hesitation in taking revenge?

Religion triggers moral hesitation – Hamlet avoids killing Claudius while he's praying; questions morality of revenge. (Critic: Michael Taylor – Historical approach)

How does the theme of mortality appear in Hamlet?

Obsession with mortality weakens resolve – Hamlet’s fear of the afterlife causes paralysis. (Critic: Arthur Kirsch – Psychological/Freudian approach)

What does “To be or not to be…” illustrate?

Thought impedes action; existential dread and uncertainty about life.

What does Hamlet say in “There’s a divinity that shapes our ends”?

Fate vs. Free Will – He begins to accept destiny shaping outcomes.

How is Ophelia used to represent female suppression?

She obeys men and goes mad under patriarchal control. (Critic: Sandra K. Fischer – Feminist approach)

What does Carolyn Heilbrun argue about Gertrude?

Gertrude is wise and morally aware, not shallow – criticizes traditional interpretations. (Feminist revisionist approach)

How does Harold Skulsky view Hamlet’s revenge?

Hamlet embraces revenge with honor but remains unsatisfied. (Moral approach)

What does Richard D. Altick say about corruption in Hamlet?

Corruption is symbolized through decay – “maggots” imagery reflects moral rot. (Symbolic approach)

What does Reta Terry say causes Hamlet’s crisis of conscience?

Conflict between pleasing the state (revenge) and God (forgiveness). (Religious/moral approach)

What does Richard Mallette suggest about Hamlet and fate?

He struggles to reconcile his individuality with divine purpose. (Theological approach)

What does Barbara Smith say about Ophelia’s decline?

Social and psychological corruption cause her mental and physical deterioration. (Feminist/psychological approach)

“To be or not to be…”

Existential crisis; reflects Hamlet’s fear of death and indecision.

“Denmark’s a prison.”

Hamlet feels trapped by fate, society, and deception.

“Get thee to a nunnery.”

Hamlet expresses anger at Ophelia, suggesting misogyny and emotional betrayal.

“Do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe?”

Hamlet resents being manipulated – assertion of autonomy.

“Hyperion to a satyr”

Hamlet idolizes his father and disdains Claudius.

“But no more like my father than I to Hercules.”

Shows Hamlet's self-doubt and Claudius’ inferiority.

“As hardy as the Nemean lion’s nerve.”

Hamlet wishes for courage to act decisively.

“The sun breed maggots in a dead dog.”

Image of decay – metaphor for moral corruption.

“Slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.”

Suffering and fate – life’s burdens.

“The soul of Nero enter this firm bosom.”

Hamlet wishes to channel ruthless revenge.

“There’s a divinity that shapes our ends.”

Acceptance of fate – divine influence over action.

“We defy augury.”

Hamlet chooses fate over superstition, accepts death.

“To tell my story.”

Hamlet’s dying words – importance of legacy and truth.

“Incestuous sheets.”

Condemnation of Gertrude’s marriage – disgust and betrayal.

“Lug the guts.”

Shows Hamlet’s detachment from death and moral desensitization.

“Not a pipe for Fortune’s finger.”

Resists being used or manipulated – assertion of independence.

“My words fly up, my thoughts remain below.”

Claudius acknowledges his insincere prayers – religious hypocrisy.

“O, my offense is rank, it smells to heaven.”

Claudius admits guilt but feels unworthy of redemption.

“With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage.”

Claudius mocks propriety, exposes hypocrisy.

“Our sometime sister, now our queen.”

Refers to Gertrude’s shift from sister-in-law to wife – incestuous undertone.

“Good Hamlet, cast thy nighted color off.”

Gertrude tells Hamlet to stop mourning – emotional distance.

“I doubt it is no other but the main, his father's death and our o'er-hasty marriage.”

Gertrude recognizes Hamlet’s grief is justified.

“More matter with less art.”

Gertrude asks Polonius to be more direct – shows her intelligence.

“I shall obey, my lord.”

Ophelia submits to Polonius, reflecting her lack of autonomy.

“O, what a noble mind is here o’erthrown!”

Ophelia laments Hamlet’s transformation – sorrow and loss.

“Primrose path of dalliance.”

Ophelia accuses Laertes of hypocrisy – gender double standards.

“To thine own self be true.”

Polonius gives hypocritical advice – values image over truth.

“You speak like a green girl.”

Polonius patronizes Ophelia – diminishes her feelings.

“At such a time I’ll loose my daughter to him.”

Polonius uses Ophelia as bait – controlling and manipulative.

“To hell, allegiance!”

Laertes rejects loyalty to the state in favor of revenge – contrast with Hamlet.

“Only I’ll be revenged most thoroughly for my father.”

Laertes acts swiftly for vengeance – no hesitation.

“To cut his throat i’ th’ church.”

Laertes’ revenge lacks moral restraint – violent extremism.

“Heaven will direct it.”

Horatio believes in divine justice – faith over fate.

“Remember me.”

The Ghost commands Hamlet to avenge him – inciting incident.

“Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.”

The Ghost emphasizes Claudius’ crime – demands justice.

“Put your dread pleasures more into commend than to entreaty.”

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern comply with Claudius – betrayal and submission.

“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”

Marcellus senses corruption – foreshadows decay of the kingdom.

What theme is shown through job loss, addiction, and broken relationships in Sweat

Economic insecurity leads to deterioration of the self and community.

How does Sweat explore racial tension in a collapsing economy?

Economic instability leads to regression toward cultural dominance and racial scapegoating.

What does Sweat say about individual ambition?

The pursuit of self-advancement leads to the failure of the community.

How does Sweat critique the American Dream?

Systematic injustice fractures human connection and reveals the fragility of the American Dream.

What is the deeper conflict at the heart of Sweat

Whether to adapt and grow to fix injustice, or remain stuck in nostalgia and broken systems.

What does Sweat say about shame?

Everyone experiences shame, but dwelling on it is destructive and prevents healing.

Why does Sweat say there's no opportunity for change?

The system systematically removes people’s ability to improve their circumstances.

How does Sweat emphasize community identity?

By showing how people cling to work, routine, and shared spaces like the bar for a sense of self.

What does Hossein Keramatfar argue about ambition in Sweat

Neoliberal competition fractures community – people sacrifice relationships for financial gain. (Economic/Social approach)

What is Julie Burrell’s argument about the American Dream in Sweat

The dream has collapsed due to economic decline and racial inequality. (Marxist + Black feminist approach)

What does Valassandra Hightower say about the labor dispute in Sweat

It’s not the cause, but the breaking point for existing social divisions. (Sociological approach)

What is Mohamed Sallaye’s argument about gender in Sweat

Rigid masculine/feminine roles foster injustice and abuse. (Gender criticism)

How does director Sarah Lacy Hamilton analyze Tracey’s breakdown?

She links it to Freudian defense mechanisms like projection and displacement caused by economic collapse. (Psychoanalytic approach)

“You can wake up tomorrow and all your jobs are in Mexico…”

Critique of globalization and NAFTA – sudden job insecurity.

“You Puerto Ricans are burning shit down all over Reading.”

Displaced frustration and racism – scapegoating immigrants.

“I don’t know what to do?… What’s the point?”

Brucie’s hopelessness and identity loss after being laid off – emotional collapse.

“That line is gonna thin out, and then what?”

Fear of scarcity and loss of even basic aid or resources.

“I didn’t get the job because Butz tried to fuck me…”

Tracey blames sexual harassment – reveals bitterness and sense of injustice.

“Tracey’s been whispering that Cynthia got the job because she’s Black.”

Internalized racism and jealousy within the community.

“I got caught in the riptide, couldn’t go back to shore.”

Jessie’s metaphor for being trapped in addiction and regret.

“I remember the fire in your voice.”

Chris recalls Brucie’s strength – grief and lost potential.

“The writing’s on the wall, and we’re still out here pretending like we can’t read.”

Denial of inevitable economic and social collapse.

“Nostalgia’s a disease.”

Stan criticizes obsession with the past – it prevents change.

“Shame eats us away until we disappear.”

Evan warns about emotional decay and repression.

“Fractured togetherness.”

Stage direction showing symbolic collapse of community.

“Well, my family’s been here a long time. Since the twenties…”

Tracey expresses pride and entitlement – resistance to change.

“You wasn’t born here.”

Tracey excludes Oscar – reflects xenophobia.

“I’m Colombian.”

Oscar asserts cultural identity – challenges assumptions.

Oscar corrects Stan’s pronunciation of “arepa.”

Maintains dignity and cultural pride despite being dismissed.

How is Oscar portrayed as a symbol in the play?

He represents opportunity and change – yet is seen as a threat and scapegoat.

Why is Oscar considered a foil to the other characters?

He adapts, works hard, and moves forward while others remain stuck.

What is symbolized by the bar in Sweat

Space of community, escapism, exclusion, and stagnation.

Where and when is Sweat set?

Reading, Pennsylvania in the 2000s – post-industrial decline and racial tension.

What is significant about the socioeconomic setting of Sweat

Outsourcing, identity erosion, and stagnation caused by systemic injustice.

How does Sweat reflect real-world labor shifts?

NAFTA/globalization caused job loss in industrial towns – despair and division followed.

What effect does racial capitalism have in Sweat, according to Burrell?

It exploits race, gender, and class simultaneously – especially minorities and women.

What does Sweat say about being stuck in the past?

Addiction to nostalgia paralyzes the characters and prevents recovery.

Why does Brucie turn to drugs and disappear from his family’s life?

He feels powerless and ashamed – uses addiction to cope.

What theme is emphasized when Cynthia and Tracey clash over the promotion?

Personal ambition disrupts solidarity – internalized bias surfaces.

What is the importance of the “lines” (working, protesting, shopping) in Sweat

They show what people value, and how distraction masks oppression.

What does Sweat suggest about identity in post-industrial America?

Work defines self-worth, and losing it causes emotional and social collapse.