| Hamlet Mastery Presentation |
| I. Clowns discussing Ophelia's death - Katie A. They argue whether a Christian burial is appropriate. 1. If she killed herself, then no burial since suicide is a sin. 2. If she killed herself in self defense, then a Christian burial is fine. 3. All else, she will recieve a Christian burial because she is of noble birth. B. Ask class how do they think Ophelia died? 1. Did she commit suicide under her own thoughts? 2. Did someone else tempt her and give her the idea? 3. Did she feel it was the only way out of her chaotic life? II. Hamlet's discussion with Gravediggers - Christina A. Puns B. Similies 1. (Act V, Scene I, 72-73) "How the knave jowls it to the ground as if 'twere Cain's jawbone, that did the first murder!" 2. (V, I, 246-247) "To sing a requiem and such rest to her As to peace - parted souls." 3. (V, I, 273) "Conjures rhe wand'ring stars and makes them stand Like wonder-wounded hearers?" 4. (V,I, 304-306) "Anon, as patient as the female dove When that her golden couplets are disclosed, His silence will sit drooping." C. Metaphor 1. Following Ophelia's death, Hamlet says he loved her more than 40,000 brothers could. a. "I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers Could not with all their quantity of love Make up my sum." b. Contradiction since at the beginning Hamlet says no one can tell him how much he can grieve, now Hamlet is telling Laertes that he can grieve more than Laertes. 2. At the end of the scene, Hamlet basically tells everyone that although they may kick him out of the burial ceremony now, he will get back at them (hinting at his plans of revenge for his father's death) a. "Let Hercules himself do what he may, The cat will mew and dog will have his day." D. Riddle-gallows 1. GRAVEDIGGER What is he that builds stronger than either the mason, the shipwright, or the carpentar? OTHER The gallows-maker; for that frame outlives a thousand tenants. GRAVEDIGGER I like thy wit well, in good faith. The gallows does well. But how does it well? It does well to those that do it ill. Now, thou dost ill to say the gallows is built stronger than the church. Argal, the gallows may do well to thee. To 't again, come. OTHER "Who builds stronger than a mason, a shipwright, or a carpentar?" GRAVEDIGGER Ay, tell me that, and unyoke. OTHER Marry, now I can tell. GRAVEDIGGER To 't. OTHER Mass, I cannot tell. GRAVEDIGGER Cudgel thy brains no more about it, for your dull ass will not mend his pace with beating. And, when you are asked this question next, say "a gravemaker." The houses he makes lasts till doomsday. III. Hamlet's philosophy of life and death - Amanda A. Ask class to write down then share with the class their own personal philosophy of life. B. Go over Hamlet's philosophy 1. Read lines 71 to end Hamlet - Christina Gravedigger - Amanda Horatio - Katie 2. Philosophy "no matter who you are during life, everyone dies and becomes the same." 3. Do you think Hamlet feels this way due to the corrupt people around him? IV. Hamlet's reaction to Ophelia's death - Julia A. Ask class how they percieve Hamlet's reaction 1. Does Hamlet really love Ophelia? B. Hamlet speaks in rhyme. Following previous examples, is he mad right now? 1. Read selection to class |