Hamlet 1.2 key terms Flashcards
what are the two key dramatic types in Hamlet?
The Machiavellian Villian- this is a manipulative and deceptive character, fixated on power and gain.
The Melancholic- A figure characterised by brooding, sadness and an outsider status. In the elizabethan age they would have been thought to have an excess of black bile which causes melancholia. These characters feel misunderstood.
what is the key theme in this scene?
power “disjoint and out of frame”.
what are the key take-home points from Claudius Speech?
He enters with a flourish, musical fan fare.
He speaks first and in poetry
use of the royal pronoun
Language of political power, Kingdom
military language, defeated
Possessive language “taken to wife”
Imposing emotional authority: “So far hath discretion fought with nature”- directing the court to move on from their grief.
what is significant about Hamlet and his first soliloquy?
This is a speech delivered by a character when they are alone, there is a sense of secrecy. H has 7 soliloquies, this compliments his introspective nature.
Amanda Mabilliard: “A striking contrast to the controlled and artificial dialogue that he must exchange with Claudius and his court”.
what are key things to note in Hamlet’s soliloquies?
Religious (catholic) guilt
decay and corruption
disgust at women
humans compared to animals
eyes and ears
Hamlet’s inability to speak
use of hendiadys: “ranks and gross”
what is a key critical opinion of Claudius?
“The equivocal features in Claudius/ language suggest inner anxieties” Stanley Wells.
what is a key critical opinion of Hamlet?
Hamlet’s appearance and behaviour should strikingly contrast the rest of the court. His alienation and melancholy should be emphasised by the director.
what is significant about this scene?
Claudius dominates the dialogue
There is the evident outwardly display of grief towards OH and the inwards emotion.
Hamlet also clearly denounces Claudius as any sort of father figure.
