Unraveling the Enigma: Shakespeare and the Tragedy of Hamlet

Unraveling the Enigma: Shakespeare and Hamlet

Exploring the mysteries behind Shakespeare's tragic masterpiece

Open Ended

In this video clip, why do you think the Queen was concerned about the actress?

(Your response should start with.... "The Queen was concerned about the actress because...")

Women in Shakespeare's Time

• Restricted Roles: Women were expected to be obedient wives and mothers, with limited opportunities for education or employment.
• Acting Ban: Women were not allowed to perform on stage, so female roles were played by young boys.
• Subversive Characters: Shakespeare's female characters challenged societal norms, displaying intelligence, strength, and independence.

Multiple Choice

What societal norms did Shakespeare's female characters challenge?- meaning what did they fight against?

• Limited opportunities for education or employment

• Being obedient wives and mothers

• Not being allowed to perform on stage

• Displaying intelligence, strength, and independence

Shakespeare's Female Characters

Trivia: Shakespeare's female characters challenged societal norms by displaying intelligence, strength, and independence. They defied expectations and showcased the power of women. They were not limited to being obedient wives and mothers, and some even performed on stage. Shakespeare's works challenged the limited opportunities for education or employment that women faced during that time.

Open Ended

How can we make a connection between "My Last Duchess" and Shakespeare's time in regards to their treatment of women? (Think of how the Duke treated the Duchess! Was he nice to her?) --- Your response should start with, "My Last Duchess is similar to the treatment of women because...."

The Life of Shakespeare

• Birth: William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564.

• Education: He attended the local grammar school where he studied Latin and classical literature.

• Marriage and Family: Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in 1582 and had three children.

• London Career: In the late 1580s, he moved to London and became an actor and playwright.

• Success: Shakespeare's plays, including Hamlet, gained popularity and critical acclaim.

• Legacy: He is widely regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language.

Multiple Choice

In which year was William Shakespeare born?

• 1564

• 1582

• 1580

• 1590

Shakespeare's Birth

Did you know? William Shakespeare was born in 1564. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. His plays and sonnets continue to be studied and performed around the world. Shakespeare's works have had a profound influence on literature and theater, making him an iconic figure in history.

Introduction Discussion for Hamlet

Poll

Do you believe in ghosts?

• YES

• NO

Open Ended

IF ghosts WERE REAL, try to explain what they are or their purpose (what are they here for??)

Your response should start out with.... "The ghosts are....

The purpose of a ghost is...."

Open Ended

How long do you think someone should mourn the loss of their parent?

(Your response should start out with.... "Someone should mourn their parent for... "

Open Ended

If someone experiences seeing a ghost, why would confirmation from another person be important? (Explain your reasoning...)

(Your response should start out with... "It is important to have another person agree with me after seeing a ghost because..."

Poll

A person has to confront death in order to understand life's meaning.

• Agree

• Disagree

Poll

Should a stepparent be allowed to ask a child to call him/her "Dad/Mom?" Is it ever appropriate?

• YES

• NO

Poll

Regardless of their actions, you should always be loyal to family.

• AGREE

• DISAGREE

Poll

Revenge is the only way to gain true justice.

• AGREE

• DISAGREE

Poll

Power Corrupts.

• AGREE

• DISAGREE

Open Ended

Respond to the quote: "Madness in great ones must not unwatched go." (It is important to pay attention to those that seem crazy)

What does it mean? Explain if you agree or not.

Open Ended

Respond to the quote: "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."

(There is nothing good or bad, but thinking it, makes it that way)

What does it mean? Explain if you agree or not.

Poll

"This above all--to thine own self be true."

(Above everything, be true to yourself)

• AGREE

• DISAGREE

Open Ended

Based on the questions you just responded to that all relate to Hamlet, what do you think the story will be about?

Write THREE sentences or more for your prediction.