Hamlet (21-25)

Question 1

Avi Erlich

Answer 1

Hamlet’s psychological problems are caused by the lack of a father figure.

Question 2

Feminist critic Elaine Showalter

Answer 2

Ophelia’s madness highlights the sexism of the Elizabethan period.

Question 3

How did Carolyn Heilbrun see Gertrude?

Answer 3

As a peacemaker who marries to create stability.

Question 4

What did Stephen Greenblatt argue?

Answer 4

That “nothing comes from nothing”, and that the play addresses the fear of being forgotten after death.

Question 5

Historicist critic Alan Sinfield

Answer 5

The play was shaped by conflicting Catholic and Protestant beliefs.