unseen Hamlet Flashcards
How is Hamlet portrayed in Branagh’s 1996 film?
Hamlet is portrayed as methodical and determined, reinforcing a calculated sense of justice.
What is A.C. Bradley’s view on Hamlet’s character?
Bradley argues that “Hamlet is a thinker, not a doer, torn between moral responsibility and emotional impulse.”
What does Claudius acknowledge about power and justice?
He acknowledges that ‘Offence’s gilded hand may shove by justice’, indicating that power distorts true justice.
How do Machiavellian rulers relate to Claudius in Shakespearean drama?
Machiavellian rulers often prioritize power over morality, and Claudius fits this model.
How is Claudius depicted in Patrick Stewart’s performance (RSC, 2009)?
Claudius is depicted as a cool strategist, making his moral conflict feel insincere.
What is Knight’s perspective on Claudius and Hamlet’s roles?
Knight sees “Claudius as an effective ruler and argues that Hamlet disrupts the state rather than restoring justice.”
How does Laertes differ from Hamlet in terms of vengeance?
Laertes seeks immediate vengeance, embodying a more traditional form of justice.
What does Laertes mean by ‘To this point I stand, / That both the worlds I give to negligence’?
He prioritizes revenge over morality.
What cultural context influences Laertes’ actions?
Renaissance honor culture, where avenging a family member was seen as a duty.
How is Laertes characterized in Doran’s 2009 RSC production?
Laertes is portrayed as hot-tempered, reinforcing his emotional pursuit of justice.
What does Adelman suggest about Laertes’ revenge?
Adelman suggests “Laertes’ revenge is rash and self-destructive, serving as a foil to Hamlet’s deliberation.”
