Unlock the depth of Shakespeare’s Hamlet with insightful notes that cover key themes, character breakdowns, and major quotes. Perfect for students who want a clear and concise guide to help with essays, exams, and class discussions. Simplify your study of this classic tragedy with notes designed ...
,TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Setting
2. Fact File
3. 3. Characterisation
4. Essay questions based on Themes
5. Literature Essay Techniques
6. Sample Essay
7. Common Examination Terminology
8. Contextual Questions
HAMLET COMMITTEE
Dr S. Ramnarain - Queensburgh High School
Ms N. Ebrahim - Crescent High School
Ms Q. Adam - Hillgrove Secondary
Ms S. Mahamed - Al huda Educational Institute
Ms J. Naicker - Durban Girl’s Secondary
,HAMLET
1. SETTING: Hamlet is set in a castle in Elsinore, between Denmark and Sweden. The story of Hamlet was written between 1599 AND 1601
during the Elizabethan era.
2. FACT FILE
FULL TITLE: The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
PLAYWRIGHT: William Shakespeare
GENRE: Tragedy; revenge tragedy
PROTAGONIST: Prince Hamlet
ANTAGONIST: Claudius
MAJOR CONFLICT: Hamlet feels a sense of accountability towards the ghost – he wants to avenge his father’s murder and bring Claudius to
book, but since Claudius is his uncle, this complicates matters for Prince Hamlet. Furthermore, Prince Hamlet is uncertain about the mysterious
nature of the ghost, doubting its purpose and mission, thus acting on the apparition’s command might not be the appropriate thing to do.
RISING ACTION: Hamlet becomes the avenger of his father’s murder; he feigns madness to conceal his real purpose; Hamlet stages the
Mousetrap play; Hamlet is presented with an opportune moment to kill Claudius but hesitates because Claudius is praying.
CLIMAXES: * The mousetrap play confirms Claudius’s guilt and Hamlet resolves to commit himself fully to exact violent revenge.
* Polonius, who is eavesdropping on the conversation between Gertrude and Hamlet, hides behind an arras. He is killed by
Hamlet who is then exiled by Claudius to England
FALLING ACTION: Hamlet escapes the ship and returns to Denmark and discovers that Ophelia is dead. Confrontation between Hamlet and
Laertes at Ophelia’s funeral; the duel between Hamlet and Laertes; the demise of the royal family.
, PLOT
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