Act V, Scene i

"I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers/Could not with all their quantity of love/Make up my sum. What wilt thou do for her?"

Hamlet (V.i.227-29)

This quote is significant to the play because it shows the truth, that Hamlet truly loved Ophelia. He finally admits it. This confession adds to the development and action of the play because it comes when it is too late, and Ophelia is already dead. 

This greatly adds to the sadness and tragedy of "Hamlet". It is especially tragic because in her final moments in life with Hamlet, he was crude and mean to her, telling her that he never did love her. Hamlet's hamartia is his uncertainty and overthinking, and in the end, it also led to him losing the love of his life.

• Comment on Shakespeare’s 2-3 literary devices you see

Shakespeare uses hyperbole to describe Hamlets love for Ophelia. He says that "Forty thousand brothers/Could not with all their quantity of love/Make up my sum." This hyperbole is significant to Hamlets character because it shows the reader the extent of how he feels, after being uncertain prior, from the beginning of the play. 

Shakespeare uses simile when Gertrude is describing Hamlets madness. She compares his actions to that of a dove, saying that in time he will be as calm as a dove that is waiting for her eggs to hatch. This adds to the theme of seeming versus being, because it appears to Gertrude, that Hamlet is mad or insane, when in reality, he is truly grieving over the loss of his love Ophelia. 

Another literary device included in this scene is analogy. Hamlet says "Let Hercules himself do what he may,/The cat will mew and the dog will have his day." He uses this allusion to explain that even someone as heroic as Hercules cannot change the facts, that cats will be cats and dogs will be dogs. This adds to the theme of revenge, because at the end of it all, even after Hamlet knows all of the truths about Claudius, he still wonders what he did for all of this to happen. It shows an innocence to Hamlets character, that he is just as moral as we are. 

• “Talk” to one or more of the characters in the scene a question. 

Self: Gertrude, how do you feel about the death of Ophelia?

Gertrude: Honestly, I am unsure as to whether she died accidentally or not. I do hope that it was not purposeful.

Self: I hope it was not as well.

Gertrude: Maybe this was the only way her sadness would alleviate, with her father dead and Hamlet crazy.

Self: Do you mean it when you say that you once had hopes of her being Hamlet's wife?

Gertrude: Why yes, Ophelia was such a lovely girl, to think that she has died so young. 

Self: Well, I hope that you and your son find peace with her death. 

• Discuss an allusion and analyze why you think Shakespeare chooses to use it where he does.

Laertes says "Now pile your dust upon the quick and dead,/Till of this flat a mountain you have made,/T' o'ertop old Pelion or the skyish head/Of blue Olympus." I think that Shakespeare chooses to use this allusion because it is almost as though Hamlet and Laertes are competing with one another over who loved Ophelia more. 

The allusion of Mount Pelion and Mount Olympus also serves as a hyperbole in comparison to Hamlets hyperbole. It shows the extent as to how much Laertes is grieving over his beloved sister Ophelia. 

Act IV, Scene v

"That I am guiltless of your father’s death/ And am most sensible in grief for it,/ It shall as level to your judgment pierce/ As day does to your eye."

-Claudius (IV.v.125-29)

This quote is significant because it shows that Claudius is willing to do anything to save himself, at all costs. He is saying that he will oust Hamlet, and prove to Laerties that he is innocent. This adds to the development of the story because perhaps Claudius is purposely trying to cause more trouble for his son? Had Ophelia not interrupted this conversation, to what extent would Claudius go to save his reputation? This quote leaves a lot of questions to interpret. 

• Discuss a comparison the one of the characters makes.

In this scene, Laerties says "Do you see this, O God?" This connects to the Great Chain of Being because humans are lower on the chain than god. God is at the very top, so Laerties is providing an example of how humans look up to the greatest power of all at times like these.  

• Discuss a reference to any of the four themes that Shakespeare is exploring in Hamlet.

Ophelia gives the royal family different flowers upon her visit. She is singing and talking in a tone of nonsense the entire time. This is an example of seeming versus being, because she seems crazy, but is she really? 

Another example of seeming versus being is within the meanings behind her flowers. She gives Gertrude fennel which represents infidelity. She gives Claudius rue, which symbolizes repent. She then goes on to tell him that they both shall need rue, or to repent, but he for different reasons. All of these symbols that she is making signify to me that she is not actually crazy, because the idea to use flowers is quite genius. I do not think that a person who lost their mind could convey a powerful message in such a subtle way. 

• Wild card: is there something you thought of? Write it!

I think that in this scene, Laerties could be viewed as another foil character to Hamlet. In stark contrast, Laerties was bold enough to lead a rebellion straight to the king to avenge his fathers death. Hamlet on the other hand, lives with Claudius, yet he has not made a move to do anything about his own revenge. 

It is very bold and rash of Laerties to believe these rumors and to act upon them. In comparison, Hamlet is very timid and hesitant. Perhaps these traits are Hamlet's hamartia and cause his downfall in the end.

 

Act IV, Scene iv

"Oh, from this time forth,/ My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!"

-Hamlet (IV.iv.65-66)

This quote signifies the moment when Hamlet realizes that he needs to begin to take action. He says that is his thoughts are not violent, they are worthless. So far in the play, Hamlet has not done much in terms of acting upon his plan of revenge. This quote is significant to the development of the play because now that he has his evidence, he knows that he needs to do something about it. 

• Discuss the relationship between two characters.

Hamlet and Fortinbras are similar in many aspects. Both are the sons of kings of the same name. King Hamlet of Denmark killed King Fortinbras of Norway. Both Hamlet and Fortinbras want to avenge their fathers deaths. They are foil characters because Fortinbras' rash actions highlight Hamlet's lack of action. Fortinbras plans to attack Denmark, and is actually in the process of doing so in this scene, whereas Hamlet is being sent away to England without having achieved his goal. 

 

This relationship could support the theme of revenge, and how different characters act upon it differently. 

 

• Summarize the action of the scene(s) and discuss how the scene fits into the play as a whole.

 In this scene, Hamlet finds out that Fortinbras plans to invade a part of Poland. The scene mostly consists of Hamelt's soliloquy. In his soliloquy, he becomes aware of how craven and lackluster his actions have been so far. He compares himself to Fortinbras, who has an army of 20,000 men doing as he says, to invade a worthless piece of land. Fortinbras' actions, make him realize that he is not acting in the manner that a prince should, and that in reality, he is not doing anything about the much more serious matter of his fathers death. 

• Rewrite (don’t just summarize!) a significant speech in your own words.

Hamlet's soliloquy-

There are many signs telling me to get on with my revenge.

What good am I if all I do is sleep and eat? I am just an animal. 

God would not have made us with so much ambition and possibility for no reason.

Now it is animalistic or craven from thinking too much. 

Thoughts have one part wisdom, three parts coward. 

I do not know why I still have to ask myself why the deed is not done, 

especially because I have the means, will, and strength to do so.

Look at Fortinbras, a weak, young prince leading a large army to their death for no reason.

Where do I stand, with a father who was killed and a mother who is stained?

Meanwhile, how shameful it is, that I watch 20,000 men march to invade a piece of land that is not even big enough to bury them. 

From now on, if my thoughts are not violent they are worthless.  

Act III, Scene iii

"My fault is past. But oh, what form of prayer/ Can serve my turn, “Forgive me my foul murder"?"

-Claudius (III.iii.52-53)

 This quote is the confession of Claudius' murder finally coming from his own self. He is contemplating his guilt, and deciding what to do with himself. This quote is significant to his development because it shows that he has a conscience, and that he has morals. Claudius knows that he has done wrong to his brother. This scene reveals that he is a complex character, because he is not admirable, nor is he completely vile.

• Provide and discuss an example of one or more of Aristotle's Principles of the Tragic Hero.

One of Aristotle's Principles of the Tragic Hero is hamartia. Hamartia is the tragic flaw in a character, that ultimately leads to their downfall or to a mistake in judgement. 

Hamlets hamartia is his hesitation and uncertainty. He does not kill Claudius when he has the chance in this scene. Hamlet's conscience will not let himself kill his step father without reasoning or valid evidence. Even when he does know that Hamlet is guilty for certain, he comes up with an excuse to not have to act upon what he intends. Based upon his actions, it seems as though Hamlet is uncertain as to whether he should kill Claudius or not. 

• Discuss a comparison the one of the characters makes (remember the Great Chain?).

In this scene, Rosencrantz compares the well-being kingdom to the sigh of the king. He says "Never alone/ Did the King sigh, but with a general groan." He is saying, that when the king sighs, everyone feels its impact and groans. Rosencrantz talks about how the king is like the wheel atop a mountain, and when it falls, everything falls with it. 

This refers to the Great Chain of Being because the kings and queens were higher than the ordinary humans, that Rosencrantz referred to as the "ten thousand lesser things" in the kingdom. Royals, were just one step under the angels. 

• Comment on a character’s choices. Do they seem to be leading to an inevitable end?

 Hamlet chooses not to kill Claudius in this scene even when he has the perfect chance to do so. His constant hesitation, his hamartia, seem to be leading towards an inevitable end because he never takes action upon his plans. With each situation, he has a new excuse. First he had no evidence. When he obtained evidence, it was not the right time. 

He is also unobservant. Had he listened more closely to Claudius' so called 'praying', he would have noticed that he was not actually praying, so therefore his stepfathers sins would not have been repented.

Act III, Scene ii

" Give me some light, away!"
                      
                                                                                                                   -Claudius (III.ii.254)

This quote is the climax of the play, in which Claudius' guilt is revealed. Claudius panics, and that gives Hamlet all of the evidence that he needs to know who to kill to avenge his fathers death. This line is the moment of truth, where Hamlet and the reader find out that the ghost was real, and it really did tell the truth. It shows the thematic concerns of deception and revenge.

• Discuss an allusion and analyze why you think Shakespeare chooses to use it where he does.

When Hamlet is about to speak to his mother, he alludes to Nero. Nero was known for killing his mother. Hamlet says "O heart, lose not thy nature, let not ever/ The soul of Nero enter this firm bosom." I think that Shakespeare chose to allude to this myth because as Hamlet goes to Gertrude, he does not want to have feelings that will make him want to murder her as Nero did. 

This allusion shows a darker, more violent side of Hamlet that is not usually what he portrays. It is quite parallel to his actions towards Claudius, because he is hesitant to kill his uncle, yet the thought of killing his mother crosses his mind, to the point where he mentions is aloud. 

• Summarize the action of the scene(s) and discuss how the scene fits into the play as a whole.

In this scene, the play that Hamlet has edited is performed. Hamlet and Horatio observe Claudius' reaction with hopes that his guilt will be revealed. Upon realizing what the play is referring to, Claudius panics and demands that the lights be turned on. Hamlet is convinced that Claudius murdered his father. Hamlet and Horatio both come to the conclusion that the ghost was right. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern speak with Hamlet, and Hamlet lets them know that they are not fooling him. He does not trust his school friends, and tells them that they are not playing him like they think they are. Claudius gets upset, and Gertrude wishes to speak to Hamlet.

This scene fits into the play because from here on, the resolution will come. Hamlet knows the truth, and Claudius knows that Hamlet is aware. It is the climactic scene of the play. 

• Wild card: is there something you thought of? Write it!

I think that this was an extremely brilliant scene. The way that Shakespeare formed the play within a play, was creative and dramatic. I think that it was an excellent climax scene, because the truth was finally revealed. Claudius' reaction goes exactly as Hamlet planned. From this scene on, it will be interesting to see how things happen, and whether Hamlet ends up completing his revenge or not. What will happen to Hamlet? Claudius? What is Claudius thinking, now that he knows that Hamlet knows the truth?

Act II, Scene i

"This is most brave,/That I, the son of a dear father murdered,/ Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell,/ Must, like a whore, unpack my heart with words/ And fall a-cursing like a very drab,/ A scullion! Fie upon ’t, foh!/ About, my brain."

-Hamlet (I.ii.545-51)

This quote informs the reader that Hamlet is holding a lot of the responsibility of the revenge of his fathers death upon himself. Hamlet feels almost hopeless, as he does nothing to the man who he believes killed his father. He feels that heaven and hell are prompting this revenge, yet he is not doing anything about it. It shows that he is moral, because he is too weak to kill without evidence.This foreshadows the the thematic concerns of his revenge on Claudius, and his urgency to act his part to get away with his plans to get away with his crime. It is a large part of the appearance versus reality theme of the play.

• Discuss a reference to any of the four themes that Shakespeare is exploring in Hamlet.

One of the most evident themes in Hamlet is seeming versus being or appearance versus reality. In this scene in particular, the appearance of Hamlet is shown through the perspectives of many friends and family members. Polonius thinks that he is mad with love. Gertrude thinks that he is sad over the death of his father. Claudius is unsure. The reality is unknown, whether it be that Hamlet really is crazy, or if it is all a part of his act to get revenge upon his fathers death.  

Claudius and Gertrude appear to be concerned about Hamlets well being. The reality, is again not quite clear, as to whether they are truly concerned or if they know that Hamlet knows the truth about his fathers death. 

• Pretend that you are an actor preparing to play the scene. What would your motivations be? What would you focus on? What would your delivery emphasize? Journal your specific thoughts on your ideas and preparation.

If I were an actor playing Claudius in this scene, my motivation would be to convince the audience that I am genuinely concerned about the health of my stepson. I would focus on acting as though I desperate to hear answers. I would be very dramatic. My lines would be delivered in a way that was demanding, to emphasize my power as king, and to show protection over my new family. 

I think that the more concern I show, the more clearly I will be able to convey to the audience that I need the solution to this problem.
  

• Choose a character and write a COMPLETE characterization of him or her. What do others say about the character? What do the character's soliloquies reveal about him or her? How do the character's actions provide insight? Who is this character's foil and why?

 -Hamlet
 Hamlet is the main character in the play, the tragic hero. He is a very complex character that leaves the reader questioning what his true intentions were.

Hamlet was generally liked, before he went mad. Ophelia loved him, and he had friends such as Horatio. However, by act II, everyone was saying how crazy he was. His mother and stepfather thought that he was losing control of himself. Polonius said that he was mad with love. Ophelia thought he was crazy and scary. 

Hamlet's soliloquies reveal all of his inner feelings. They tell of his regrets, his wishes, his sadness. Although none of the other characters know how he truly feels, through his soliloquies the reader is let in. They show his true feelings, the reality of things, despite what his appearance may show. 

His actions provide insight because they show that he is very smart, and moral. He is so smart that not even the reader is sure if he is putting on an act to get away with the crime that he wants to commit, or if he is actually crazy. His morality shows through his actions because he does not kill his uncle at first suspicion of his fathers murder. Even when he is given the chance he does not, because he had no definitive proof.

I think that Hamlet's foil is Horatio. Horatio is precarious and wary, whereas Hamlet is more naive. Horatio is more sensible than Hamlet is. For example, upon the initial meeting of the ghost, Horatio is worried and tells Hamlet not to go, whereas Hamlet disregards him and goes anyways.
 

Act I, Scene iii

"But, good my brother,/ Do not, as some ungracious pastors do,/ Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven/ Whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine,/ Himself the primrose 
 path of dalliance treads/ And recks not his own rede."

-Ophelia (I,iii.46-51)

This quote tells a lot about Ophelia's character. It implies that she is witty and a sharp woman. Although she is being lectured by her brother, she still responds in a way that tells the reader that she is not oblivious to things in the male dominant world around her. It foreshadows the thematic concerns of appearance versus reality, and deception. 

•  Summarize the action of the scene(s) and discuss how the scene fits into the play as a whole.

This scene focuses on Laertes and Polonius giving Ophelia their opinion on her relationship. Laertes believes that it is an impossible relationship because of their class difference, and that she should remain chaste, and virtuous. Polonius believes that their relationship is simply a dalliance, and calls it a "fashion". Both men agree that it is not a good idea for her to continue her relationship with Hamlet.

This scene is important to the play because it causes Ophelia to be torn between her family and her love for Hamlet. The insensitive words of advice from her father and brother weigh upon her heart heavily, as she agrees to conform to their wishes. Although Shakespeare does not specifically say so, it is safe to assume that this scene breaks her heart. This scene is the beginning of the end of her relationship with Hamlet, as well as her death.

• “Talk” to one or more of the characters in the scene in question

 Self: "Ma'am, why are you following your head over your heart in regards to your love of Hamlet?"

Ophelia: "I must be respectful of my father and brothers wishes. They do not believe that this is a good idea."

Self: "I understand, I know that this is a very hard decision. I admire you for your loyalty to your family."

Ophelia: "The love that we share is real, I know so. It breaks my heart that Hamlet and I cannot be together. However, this is the way that it must be, so I will not challenge it any further."

Self: "I hope that you find happiness and that you make the right decisions."

Ophelia: "As do I."

• Comment on a character’s choices. Do they seem to be leading to an inevitable end?

At the start of the play, Ophelia is forced to chose between her loyalty to her family and her own happiness. She chooses to be loyal to her family through the remainder of the play, and by doing so she catapults herself towards her inevitable end. 

Her inevitable end is her death, whether it was accidental or purposeful.  Ophelia's choice to stand by her family, causes herself to bear great loss when her previous lover Hamlet, kills her father.