ELA.R.10.1.2 Hamlet part 1

ELA.R.10.1.2 Analyze & Compare universal themes & their development throughout a text

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Open Ended

Essential Question: Why are some people bent on avenging perceived wrongs, slight or significant, while others can let them go? Let's discuss!

Open Ended

Define the word REVENGE in your own words.

Open Ended

What would be an example of something that you would need to seek revenge for? Let's discuss!

Open Ended

What would be an example of something that you would be able to walk away from? Let's discuss!

Hamlet Vocabulary

1. Nobler-(adjective) of higher moral character or quality

2. Outrageous-(adjective) shockingly bad or excessive

3. Consummation-(noun) the point at which something is complete or finalized

4. Rub-(noun) a difficulty or obstacle

5. Calamity-(noun) a disaster or misfortune

6. Whips & scorns-(noun phrase) harsh criticism & mockery

​These words contribute to the richness and complexity of the language used in "Hamlet" and help convey the depth of Hamlet's thoughts and emotions in the passage. Understanding these words is essential for a comprehensive analysis of the text and its themes.

Hamlet Vocabulary continued

7. Despised-(adjective) regarded with contempt or disdain

8. Quietus-(noun) release or settlement of a debt or obligation

9. Bodkin-(noun) a small, pointed instrument or dagger

10. Discovered country-(noun phrase) a place or state that is unknown or uncharted

11. Devoutly(adverb) - In a deeply religious or sincere manner, often with strong faith or reverence.

Hamlet Vocabulary continued

12. Contumely -(noun) harsh language or treatment that is scornful, insulting, or disrepectful

13. Insolence-(noun) disrespectful or rude language or behavior that shows a lack of respect for authority

14. Conscience-(noun) a person's inner sense of what is right or wrong that often influences ones behaviors

15. Nymph-(noun) female nature spirit(mythology) or a young attractive woman

​The "To be or not to be" soliloquy occurs during Act 3, Scene 1, when Hamlet is in the midst of his internal struggle and emotional turmoil. In this soliloquy, he contemplates the idea of life and death, the suffering that comes with life, and the fear of the unknown that prevents people from choosing death as an escape from their troubles. It is a pivotal moment in the play and provides insight into Hamlet's complex character and the central themes of the story.

​Hamlet Act 3 Scene 1

​Analyze this passage for its exploration of the universal theme of life and death, the human struggle, and the contemplation of existence's hardships. Discuss how this theme evolves throughout the play and how Hamlet's perspective on it changes as the story unfolds.

 

Hamlet:

To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles And by opposing end them. To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep; To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;

For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause: there's the respect That makes calamity of so long life; For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely, The pangs of despised love, the law's delay, The insolence of office and the spurns That patient merit of the unworthy takes, When he himself might his quietus make With a bare bodkin? Who would these fardels bear, To grunt and sweat under a weary life, But that the dread of something after death, The undiscovered country from whose bourn No traveller returns, puzzles the will And makes us rather bear those ills we have

Than fly to others that we know not of? Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; And thus the native hue of resolution Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought, And enterprises of great pitch and moment With this regard their currents turn awry, And lose the name of action.--Soft you now! The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons Be all my sins remembered.