Hamlet - Introduction

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• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Let's refresh your memories

Which literary period did Shakespeare belong to?

1. Old English period
2. Middle English period
3. Renaissance
4. I didn't pay attention during Literary history ;)

What is William Shakespeare
famous for?

Name as many plays by Shakespeare
as you can remember.

What is Shakespeare famous for?

1. Tragedies
2. Comedies
3. Sonnets
4. All of the above

Hamlet

What's the difference between a monologue and a soliloquy?

A monologue and a soliloquy are both extended speeches given by a character in a play, but they differ in context and purpose:

Monologue:

Definition: A monologue is a long speech delivered by a single character, often directed to other characters or the audience. It can be delivered in the presence of others or as part of a conversation.

Purpose: It may serve to reveal a character's thoughts, emotions, or a situation, but it often involves interaction with others or is meant to communicate with an external audience.

Example: In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Polonius' speeches or the speeches of other characters in conversation with others are monologues.

Soliloquy:

Definition: A soliloquy is a specific type of monologue where the character speaks their thoughts aloud, typically when alone or unaware of being overheard. It reveals the inner workings of the character’s mind.

Purpose: The soliloquy is meant to express a character's inner conflict, reflections, or motivations, providing the audience with insight into their private thoughts.

Example: One of the most famous soliloquies is Hamlet’s “To be, or not to be” speech, where he reflects on life and death while alone on stage.

In short: All soliloquies are monologues, but not all monologues are soliloquies. The key difference is that soliloquies are typically given when the character is alone or believes they are alone, while monologues can be delivered in front of others.

Hamlet - an introduction

Full Title: The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Written: Likely between 1599 and 1602

Literary Period: Renaissance

Genre: Tragic play; revenge play

Setting: Elsinore Castle, Denmark, during the late Middle Ages

Protagonist: Hamlet

Antagonist: Claudius

Hamlet - structure

Plays are divided into Acts and Scenes

Hamlet is structured as follows:

Act 1 - 5 scenes

Act 2 - 2 scenes

Act 3 - 4 scenes

Act 4 - 7 scenes

Act 5 - 2 scenes

Hamlet - important characters 1

Hamlet - protagonist

Claudius - (main) antagonist, Hamlet's uncle

Gertrude - Hamlet's mother

Polonius - loyal advisor to Claudius 

Ophelia - Hamlet's love interest and Polonius' daughter

The Ghost - appears to be Hamlet's father

Hamlet - important characters 2

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern - Hamlet's old school friends, but working for Claudius to spy on Hamlet

Laertes - Ophelia's brother, obsessed with his family's honour

Horatio - Hamlet's closest friend and confidante

What have you learnt about
Hamlet so far?

www.ted.com