Hamlet Act 1 Ao2 Flashcards
Horatio says he is sick at heart what mood does this create at the beginning of the play
Uneasy/ fearful atmosphere- loss of the king well liked , denmarks grief a well loved king
How does horatio describe the ghost in Act 1 Scene one , bodes some strange —————— ————————— to our state
Strange eruption/ the sceptic horatio views the apparition at a threat, foreboding that war and death are coming to Denmark
What is the significance of the opening lines of the play, who’s there?
Creates a sense of mystery and anticipation- audience thrown straight into the action
How s the ghost presented ambiguously (quotes)
Act 1 scene 1 ‘ fair and war-like form’ - antithesis shows threat and ambiguity
‘It harrows me with fear and wonder’ - antithesis
‘ it started like a guilty thing upon a fearful summons’- guilty suggests the ghost is untrustworthy
Why does Claudius begin by stating ,’ though yet of Hamlet our dear brother’s death’?
To show that while he is excited to become king he is still grieving the death of his brother- shows he cares and shares the kingdoms grief
Structurally, opens monologue with this to dismiss suspicion and appear balanced
What are some examples of Claudius’ repeated use of plurals to create a sense of unity in the royal court in act 1 scene 2 ?
‘ our hearts in grief’ ‘we with wisest sorrow think of him’ ‘with remembrance of ourselves’
Claudius intends to create unity and gain trust of Denmark by creating a sense of stability when Denmark is fearful
Why does Shakespeare structure Claudius’ speech in iambic pentameter
To present Claudius as a capable and well spoken orator, and also his speech as in authentic and premeditated as he has little to no show of grief other than the perfectly delivered words in his speech
In Shakespeares use of metaphors such as ‘ an auspicious and a dropping eye’ how does he suggest Claudius wishes to be perceived?
Thoughtful, attempting to appear genuine in holding feelings of both happiness and grief - antithesis
How does Claudius approach the threat of young fortinbras present him as a different king from old hamlet
He holds more of a renaissance diplomatic opinion than old hamlet who was more aggressive (armour)
Claudius rips letter as a show of power, strong dismissal ‘so much for him’ 1996 Branagh version
Why in act 1 scene 2 does Shakespeare have hamlet dressed in black?
To convey that he is an outsider in his grief, while the rest of the kingdom has moved on to celebrating
Branagh version 1996 - colour contrast stood on his own placed at the side of the stage struggling to move on
What does hamlet’s comment ‘ a little more ——— than ————‘ suggest about the was that he sees the new relationship between Claudius and his mother Gertrude?
Kin / kind
Ao2 - use of clever pun to show his is disapproving as he sees the relationship as blasphemous and sinful incest
How does Shakespeare present the relationship between hamlet and his mother
Finish and analyse - ‘ a violet in the youth of ————— ——————‘ 1.3
Primy nature
Shakespeare presents Laertes’ attitude towards Ophelia and Hamlet’s relationship as disapproving by metaphorically comparing it to a violet which is quick to bloom and quick to die, this suggests he believes that Ophelia is naive and acting impulsively, giving into sexual desires when her relationship with hamlet is lust not love. She is believed to be naive as she doesn’t understand relationships- Laertes reduces her feelings to naivety and foolishness.
Finish and analyse- ‘think yourself a ————‘ (polonious 1.3)
Baby
Presents Ophelia as foolish and naive, reducing feelings for hamlet into childish naivety
‘ you speak like a ————— ————. ‘
Green girl
Polonious suggests his daughter’s inexperience is the source of her naivety in her belief she has a genuine relationship with hamlet.
‘ chaste ——————— ‘
Treasure
- Shakespeare suggests that Laertes believes his sister’s worth and identity is defined by her virginity
How does Shakespeare create a sematic field of money and currency and what is the effect?
‘Tender yourself more dearly’
‘ which are not sterling’
‘ you have ta’en these tenders for true pay’
Polonious advise Ophelia to protect both her and his reputation
Shakespeare creates a semantic field of money and currency to present Ophelia again as valued simply for her purity and virginity
And possibly suggesting marriage as a monetary transaction rather than the affection that Ophelia describes
