Critics

Question 1

Showalter - Female madness

Answer 1

madness is a product of the female body and female nature.

Question 2

Tennenhouse - Hamlet exposing an aspect of the Monarchy (Ruling body applicable to any audience)

Answer 2

Hamlet attempts to ‘locate and purge a corrupt element within the aristocratic body’

Question 3

Johnson - Hamlet’s Vulnerability to be manipulated

Answer 3

Hamlet is, through the whole play, rather an instrument than an agent

Question 4

Doran - Hamlet’s purpose to an audience

Answer 4

When Hamlet debates, he debates with you…you are engaged in the dilemma

Question 5

Brown - Reasons for Hamlet’s Struggle

Answer 5

Hamlet’s consciousness is a product of the conflicting pressures that Denmark and Wittenberg have imposed upon him

Question 6

O’Toole - Hamlet’s a struggling hero trying to avenge his father purposefully with God’s interests at heart

Answer 6

He is concerned with perfecting his role on the very tricky and untrustworthy stage

Question 7

Kerrigan - Did Hamlet actually need to enact revenge. (if not for honour of the time.)

Answer 7

Hamlet never promises to revenge, only to remember. remembrance haunts him even to the point of madness