Hamlet (26-27)

Question 1

Byron

Answer 1

“What is Hamlet? … A colossal Enigma.”

Question 2

Marxist critic Catherine Belsey

Answer 2

The play’s conflict lies in the conflict of authority, and that absolute monarchical power was being tested by capitalism.

Question 3

Ben Whishaw student production

Answer 3

2004

Meek and feeble - not prince-like

Uses medication to overdose (antidepressants?)

Question 4

David Tennant

Answer 4

2009

Hamlet much more menacing.

Ghost changes form (“assume a pleasing form”)

Oedipus complex much more apparent

Suggests Hamlet is genuinely mad

Hamlet wears no shoes and a crooked crown

Shattered mirror visualises Hamlet’s mental state

About to impulsively murder Claudius but his sword “i’th’air to stick”

Question 5

Paapa Essiedu

Answer 5

2016

Graffiti - bright and colourful, highlighting the contrast between inner and outer

Crying and emotional

Question 6

Kiernan Ryan

Answer 6

Paralysed by the revenge he seeks