Hamlet 1.5 Why It's Cool

The video explores the philosophical and moral dilemmas faced by Hamlet, focusing on his task of avenging his father's death. It delves into the ghost's instructions to Hamlet, particularly regarding Gertrude, and the religious context of purgatory, highlighting the Catholic-Protestant tensions of the time. The discussion also connects Shakespeare's personal life to the play's themes and examines the political risks and censorship challenges faced by playwrights in the Elizabethan era.

What task is Hamlet given that sets the narrative direction of the play?

• To exile Claudius

• To marry Ophelia

• To avenge his father's death

• To become king

Why might Gertrude's character be difficult to interpret?

• She has no lines in the play

• Her actions and thoughts are ambiguous

• She is not related to Hamlet

• She is a minor character

What does the ghost advise Hamlet regarding his mother, Gertrude?

• To ignore her completely

• To confront her directly

• To leave her to heaven and not harm her

• To seek revenge on her as well

What is a common theme in revenge tragedies that is also present in Hamlet?

• Achieving revenge without losing one's virtue

• The villain is always punished

• The hero always wins

• Revenge is never justified

How does the ghost's origin from purgatory add depth to the play?

• It simplifies the plot

• It adds a controversial religious dimension

• It aligns with Protestant beliefs

• It introduces a comedic element

What historical event is mentioned as part of the religious context during Shakespeare's time?

• The Protestant Reformation

• The Spanish Armada

• The French Revolution

• The War of the Roses

What personal connection might Shakespeare have had to the Catholic themes in Hamlet?

• His father may have been a practicing Catholic

• He was exiled for his beliefs

• His family was financially stable

• His father was a Protestant leader

What risk did Shakespeare face by including Catholic elements in his play?

• Being exiled from England

• Facing government censorship or accusations of treason

• Losing his wealth

• Being forced to rewrite the play

What does the phrase 'Frailty, thy name is Woman' suggest about Gertrude's character?

• She is the main villain

• She is weak and easily influenced

• She is unaware of Claudius's plans

• She is strong and independent

What question does the play raise about the ghost's intentions?

• Is the ghost a friend of Claudius?

• Is the ghost a symbol of peace?

• Is the ghost a figment of Hamlet's imagination?

• Is the ghost truly King Hamlet's spirit?