Hamlet Act I Scene I

Title: Pamphlet: Sex, Money, Murder, Power

Overview

• Play was published in 1603, written between 1599-1601.

• Remains relevant in contemporary times despite skeptics.

Structure of the Play

• Act I: Beginnings

  • Background conflict is introduced.

• Act II: Rising Action

  • Hamlet's apparent madness; questioning if he's truly mad.

• Act III: Turning Point

  • Climax of the story; significant events occur.

• Act IV: Counter Stroke

  • Events turn against Hamlet; themes of death emerge.

Characters List

• Hamlet

  • Role: Protagonist, Prince of Denmark.

  • Traits: 30 years old, tragic hero, relatable to teens due to his procrastination and identity crisis.

  • Conflict: Mourning father's death, seeking revenge against Claudius.

• Claudius

  • Role: Antagonist.

  • Traits: Scheming, jealous, corrupt ruler who married Gertrude.

• Polonius

  • Role: King’s advisor.

• Horatio

  • Role: Hamlet’s best friend; loyal and honest.

• Gertrude

  • Role: Queen of Denmark, Hamlet’s mother.

  • Traits: Quick to marry Claudius; has alcohol issues.

• Ophelia

  • Role: Hamlet’s love interest.

  • Traits: Beautiful, complex relationship with Hamlet; daughter of Polonius.

• Laertes

  • Role: Ophelia’s brother; studies in France.

• Fortinbras

  • Role: Prince of Norway; foil character to Hamlet.

  • Traits: Active, determined, foreshadows Hamlet's procrastination.

• Hamlet's Father (Ghost)

  • Role: Provides Hamlet with the motivation for revenge.

Major Themes

• Revenge

  • Motivated by being wronged; reflects on power dynamics in society.

• Procrastination

  • Central to Hamlet’s character; relatable to teenage audiences.

• Death and Suicide

  • Explores characters' thoughts and actions concerning life and death.

• Insanity

  • Ambiguity of Hamlet's mental state elicits discussion on madness.

• Morality

  • Conflicts between personal duty to family vs. national obligation.

Symbols

• Skull of Yorick

  • Represents mortality and existential thought.

• Play within a Play

  • Title: "The Murder of Gonzago"; used to gauge Claudius's guilt.

• Ophelia's Flowers

  • Symbolizes innocence and mad love.

Motifs

• Ears

  • Represent secrets and the act of listening.

• Poison

  • Recurring method of deception and murder in the play.

• Insanity and Lies

  • Intertwined throughout characters’ actions and dialogues.

Literary Devices

• Irony

  • All three forms: verbal, situational, and dramatic used effectively.

• Figurative Language

  • Rich in metaphors and similes; contributes to character depth.

• Exposition

  • Characters often provide extensive backstory.

• Hyperbole

  • Hamlet’s dramatic expressions highlight his emotions.

Conclusion

• Anticipation of reading the play while analyzing modern connections and interpretations.

• Engage in active discussions on characters’ motivations, themes, and relevant issues that arise.