Hamlet critics

Question 1

‘The opening scene of Hamlet is as well constructed as that of any play ever written’ (T.S Elliot)

Answer 1

• creates immediate sense of supernatural with in-media-res
  -sets a foreboding/uneasy atmosphere

Question 2

‘The aim of tragedy is to arouse sensations of pity and fear’ (Aristotle)

Answer 2

• fear of supernatural and fear within Denmark due to death of the king

Question 3

‘Claudius shows every sign of an excellent diplomat and king’ (Knight)

Answer 3

-‘Though yet of Hamlet our dear brothers death’
-‘our hearts in grief’
-‘with remembrance of ourselves’
-‘with an auspicious and dropping eye’

Question 4

‘Ophelia is deprived of thought, sexuality and language’ (Showalter)

Answer 4

Thought:
-‘think yourself a baby’
-‘what shall I think?’
sexuality:
-‘chaste treasure’
-‘tender yourself’
language:
-the male characters in the scene have much longer line lengt

Question 5

‘Hamlet is rather an instrument than an agent’

Answer 5

(Johnson)

Question 6

‘All duties seem holy to Hamlet’

Answer 6

(Van Goethe)