POINTS TO WRITE ABOUT

Question 1

Hamlet’s Internal Conflict and Deliberation

Answer 1

Hamlet’s indecision and internal conflict are central to his character, driving much of the play’s tragic structure. His inability to act decisively, especially in avenging his father’s murder, highlights the tension between intellectual contemplation and the need for action, making him one of the most complex tragic heroes in literature.

This point can be applied to questions on Hamlet’s character, the theme of inaction, or the nature of tragedy in the play.

Question 2

The Corruption and Moral Decay in Denmark

Answer 2

The motif of corruption, symbolized by the rotting state of Denmark, permeates the entire play. Hamlet’s personal struggle with the moral consequences of revenge is mirrored by the political and social decay within the kingdom, suggesting that the individual and the state are equally corrupted by betrayal, greed, and moral compromise.

This point can be used to explore themes of corruption, the political implications of the play, or the moral dimensions of characters like Claudius and Hamlet

Question 3

The Theme of Appearance vs. Reality

Answer 3

Throughout Hamlet, the tension between appearance and reality is a key theme, seen in Hamlet’s feigned madness, Claudius’s deceptive political maneuvers, and the play-within-a-play. This theme underscores the complexity of truth in the play, as characters struggle to uncover the truth about themselves and others.

This point works across various themes, including deception, madness, and the dualities present in characters’ motivations and actions.