Claudius Flashcards
1
Q
(Gregory Doran) Tennant is Hamlet
A
- Claudius further conveys his villainous qualities through his selfish desire to dispose of Hamlet to gain political security.
- conveys the ease to which he can manipulate through flattery and welcoming gestures - Playing Claudius as a ‘smiler’
- heightens the dramatic impact of his performance as he utilises this false facade to manipulate and lead Hamlet’s naive companions into a web of corruption and betrayal
2
Q
Act 4 Scene 5
- Claudius manipulating Laertes
A
Addressing Laertes as “a good child and a true gentlemen”
- L is comforted by Claudius’ warm nature, unknowingly becoming a victim of Claudius dark and selfish intentions
- Claudius = a deceitful character, apparent in his ability to manipulate Laertes into killing Hamlet.
- Claudius’ ability to control is reinforced by his calm and fatherly approach to Laertes’ rage.
3
Q
(Franco Zeffirelli) Mel Gibson is Hamlet.
- during Act 4 Scene 5 Claudius manipulating Laertes into killing Hamlet
A
- Claudius during this scene brings Laertes immediately to the walkway below Hamlet’s room where he and Polonius earlier discussed sending Hamlet to England
- Claudius treating Laertes as a trusted counsellor and assuming the parental role
- This portrayal of Claudius highlights his ruthlessness in deceiving gullible characters
4
Q
Maxine Peake Hamlet
- first scene of C and G
A
Claudius drapes necklace around G’s neck and kisses her neck as he says “my wife”
5
Q
“O heavy burden!”
A
Claudius’ admission of guilt
6
Q
“My crown, …
A
“My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen”
7
Q
“O villain,…
A
“O villain, villain, smiling, damned villain!”
8
Q
Branagh - chapel scene
A
“My words fly up, My thoughts remain below.” spoken in head = genuine (unlike Tennant version)