These notes were compiled by using the following previous examination papers.
ESSAY QUESTION (DBE/ 2019) (DBE/2021NOV) (DBE/2020NOV), DBE/November 2018
(DBE/2023JUN)(DBE/2021JUN) (EC/SEPTEMBER 2017), DBE/November 2017, JUN
DBE/2022, EC/ SEP 2022, JUN DBE/2022, DBE/November 2022
Hamlet
by William Shakespeare
These notes were compiled by using the following previous examination papers. Some
information is repeated to show you he different ways in which the questions are asked
in exams/ tests.
The play demonstrates that despite foul play, honour and integrity
will endure. Critically discuss the validity of the above statement.
Candidates must demonstrate an understanding that, while foul
deeds do permeate the play, honour and integrity are restored in
Denmark when certain characters redeem themselves.
→ Hamlet realises that 'something is rotten in the state of
Denmark'. His father's ghost reveals that he was murdered
by Claudius and this sets Hamlet on a course to avenge his
father's 'most foul murder'. Although Hamlet is motivated by a noble desire to
avenge his father's death, the means by which he achieves his revenge
compromise his honour and integrity. He puts on an 'antic disposition' in order to
verify the ghost's claims and resorts to deception and underhandedness in his
quest to uncover the truth.
→ Hamlet's rejection of Ophelia is unnecessarily cruel and contributes to her death.
He impulsively kills Polonius and cold-bloodedly sends Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern to their deaths in England. These are acts of dishonour.
→ Claudius usurps the throne and incestuously marries his brother's widow. He is
manipulative and scheming, continuing to perpetrate foul play to maintain his
power. His acts are cowardly as he uses others to carry out his wicked bidding.
→ When Claudius realises that Hamlet is aware of his guilt, he cold-bloodedly sends
Hamlet to his death in England.
→ Claudius exploits Laertes's grief and anger at his father's and sister's deaths to
include Laertes in his later conspiracy to kill Hamlet.
→ Claudius also poisons the wine to ensure Hamlet's death and thus is culpable of
Gertrude's death as well.
→ Polonius is corrupt and self-serving in his support of Claudius. He uses Ophelia as
an accomplice to spy on Hamlet. His spying on Laertes is also devious.
, 3
→ Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are prepared to betray their friendship with
Hamlet and become Claudius's willing tools for material gain.
→ Gertrude's warning to Hamlet about the poisoned wine clearly indicates that her
love for Hamlet overcomes any loyalty that she has had toward Claudius and is
evidence of the restoration of her honour.
→ Laertes stoops to duplicity to avenge the wrongs that he blames Hamlet for.
However, later he acknowledges his treachery and shows remorse, thus restoring
his honour and integrity.
→ Hamlet's calm acceptance of his destiny at the end of the play ('the readiness is
all') is evidence that he has regained his sense of honour. Hamlet tasks Horatio
with restoring his (Hamlet's) good name.
→ Claudius's death brings an end to the foul play in Denmark. Fortinbras restores
honour and integrity with his ascension to the throne.
Deception and manipulation are central to the tragic consequences in the play,
Hamlet. Critically discuss the extent to which you agree with the above statement. Your
response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2½
pages).
→ Most characters engage in some form of deceptive and manipulative behaviour
to achieve their own ends which results in tragedy.
→ Claudius appears to be a gracious man, an able and wise ruler; however, he is a
corrupt, selfish, ruthless villain. To become king he has murdered his brother, King
Hamlet, and seduced and married the former queen, Gertrude.
, 4
→ While Claudius acts as a caring and concerned stepfather to Hamlet, he
actually regards him as a threat. He uses Polonius and Ophelia to spy on Hamlet
and recruits Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to discover the truth about Hamlet's
behaviour.
→ When Claudius realises that Hamlet knows the truth
about King Hamlet's murder, he resorts to treachery
to get rid of Hamlet, first sending him to England to
be killed and then conspiring with Laertes to kill
Hamlet. Claudius's actions lead to his own death, as
well as the deaths of Hamlet, Gertrude and Laertes.
→ To discover the truth about his father's murder,
Hamlet assumes an antic disposition to deceive
Claudius; this allows him to investigate the ghost's
claim and determine his course of revenge.
→ Hamlet's extreme behaviour and pretence lead to his cruel rejection of Ophelia,
whom he loves; he kills her father, Polonius, when he discovers him spying behind
the arras and indirectly causes Ophelia's madness and subsequent death.
→ The Murder of Gonzago is used by Hamlet to trick Claudius into revealing his guilt.
Claudius, realising that he has confirmed his culpability, plots to have Hamlet
killed.
→ Although Polonius appears to be a devoted parent, he is actually manipulative
and deceitful. He forces Ophelia to break off her relationship with Hamlet,
heartlessly informing her that Hamlet is merely toying with her affections. He also
uses Ophelia to spy on Hamlet, which leads to Hamlet's callous rejection of her.
After advising Laertes on how to behave, he hypocritically sends Reynaldo to spy
on Laertes.
→ Ophelia deceives Hamlet by spying on him for Claudius and lying to him about
Polonius's whereabouts. Her betrayal contributes to her madness and death.
→ Hamlet's friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, are manipulated by Claudius to
betray him. He sends them to their deaths when he realises their treachery.
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