Who Said It?
"A little more than kin, and less than kind." And what technique is it?
Hamlet, pun.
"Something is rotten in the _____." What technique is this?
state of Denmark - foreshadowing, decay imagery = corruption
How does Shakespeare use wordplay in "A little more than kin, and less than kind"?
Through a pun that highlights Hamlet's resentment of Claudius' new relationship to him. Hamlet - Claudius is now more than just his uncle - stepfather. However, Hamlet feels no natural affection for Claudius, making the "less than kind" portion a pointed expression of his contempt.
What does Hamlet imply about Claudius in this line?
Claudius may be family, but Hamlet does not view him as a genuine or natural father figure.
How does Shakespeare position the audience towards Hamlet in Act 1?
To sympathise with his grief, isolation and resentment.
"Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder."
Ghost of King Hamlet
"Frailty, thy name is _____."
woman.
What technique is "Frailty, thy name is woman"?
apostrophe
What belief about Gertrude does Hamlet express here?
He sees her remarriage as evidence of weakness and disloyalty - sees all women as inherently weak.
How are audiences positioned towards Claudius after the Ghost's revelation?
To view him as a corrupt usurper and murderer who must be brought to justice.
"Though this be madness, yet there is method in't."
Polonius
Complete the quote:
"O, what a rogue ..... am I!"
and peasant slave
What technique is used in Hamlet's soliloquy and what does it show? "O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I"
Self-deprecating imagery/ Hamlet attacks his own character to emphasise his frustration with his inaction.
"Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder" What responsibility does the Ghost place upon Hamlet through this command?
The Ghost charges Hamlet with restoring justice by avenging his father's murder, establishing revenge as Hamlet's central duty.
"I do not know, my lord, what I should think" How does Shakespeare position the audience towards Ophelia through this statement?
The audience is encouraged to view Ophelia as obedient and controlled by patriarchal authority, making her a sympathetic character.
"Taint not thy mind."
Ghost
"The time is out of _____." Finish the quote and explain how the metaphor presents Denmark.
The metaphor presents Denmark as politically and morally broken.
Why does Hamlet describe his task as a "cursed spite"?
He resents being burdened with restoring justice and order. He views avenging his father's murder as a burdensome responsibility. He believes it is his duty to restore order, but resents fate has chosen him for the task.
How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony to shape audience responses to Claudius?
The audience knows he is guilty while most characters continue to trust him.
"Give thy thoughts no tongue". Who says this and how does Shakespeare position the audience to view this character?
Polonius. The audience is positioned to recognise the restrictive nature of parental control and the expectation that children should suppress their own views in favour of obedience.
"The play's ........ of the king." Finish the quote and who said it?
"The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king." Hamlet.
"What a piece of _____ is man."
work
How does Shakespeare use soliloquy throughout Acts 1–2?
To reveal Hamlet's intellectual struggles, moral uncertainty and divided mind.
Why does Hamlet use the play within the play rather than immediately seeking revenge? Also, what is this technique called?
He wants proof of Claudius' guilt before taking action. Metatheatre.
How does Shakespeare position the audience towards Hamlet's pursuit of certainty? (2 different positions needed)
To recognise his moral integrity while becoming increasingly frustrated by his delay.