Extra Writing Assignment Essay

Submitted By mrgnwilliams
Words: 948
Pages: 4

Table Of Contents Interpretation……………………………….......2 3 4 Critical……………………………….................5

Interpretation

1. What is the setting of Hamlet?

The Setting of Hamlet is the late medieval period in Denmark. Despite the story's very specific location and time, the play has a distinct 16th century vibe because it was writing between 1599 and 1601.

2. What is the climax of the play? Explain your choice.

The climax of the play occurs at the point in the story when Hamlet and Laertes take place in a duel. Claudius had fixed the outcome of the duel so that Hamlet would die no matter what. I chose this because at this point after they had found out about Ophelia, the story starts to turn around for the absolute worse. Everybody dies.

3. What are the main conflicts in the play, and how are they resolved?

The internal conflict is man vs. conscience. Hamlet’s conflict is his constant self questioning about whether to avenge his father’s death and kill Claudius, as a result to this conflict, Polonius ended up dying. There is another conflict of man vs. man or in Hamlet’s case Hamlet vs. Claudius. This resulted in the death of them both.

Interpretation

4. Give a summary of the events in the plot.

The Ghost Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is visited by a mysterious ghost resembling his recently deceased father, the King of Denmark. The ghost tells Hamlet that his father was murdered by Claudius, the King’s brother, who then took the throne and married Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude. The ghost encourages Hamlet to avenge his father’s death by killing Claudius.

Hamlet’s Love

Polonius’ daughter, Ophelia, is in love with Hamlet, but their relationship has broken down since Hamlet learned of his father’s death. Ophelia is instructed by Polonius and Laertes to reject Hamlet’s love. Ultimately, Ophelia commits suicide as a result of Hamlet’s confusing behavior towards her.

A play-within-a-play Hamlet organizes for players to re-enact his father’s murder at the hands of Claudius in order to gauge Claudius’ reaction. He confronts his mother about his father’s murder and hears someone behind the arras , believing it to be Claudius, Hamlet stabs the man with his sword. Hamlet had actually killed Polonius.

“To be , or not to be”

Hamlet arrives back in Denmark just as Ophelia is being buried which made him to think about life, death and the weakness of the human condition.

Tragic Ending

Laertes returns from France to avenge the death of Polonius, his father. Claudius plots with him to make Hamlet’s death appear accidental and encourages him to anoint his sword with poison, putting a cup of poison, aside in case the sword is unsuccessful. In the action, the swords are swapped and Laertes is mortally wounded with the poisoned sword. He forgives Hamlet before he dies. Gertrude dies by accidentally drinking the cup of poison. Hamlet stabs Claudius but is himself fatally wounded. Hamlet's revenge is finally complete. In his dying moments, he gives the throne to Fortinbras.

Critical
5. Think of a different title for the play. Explain your choice.

I would choose , “The Tragedy of Hamlet”, simply because throughout this play there was a lot of tragedy. There was a lot of killing and sadness. I think there would be no better title.

6. Explain why Hamlet is a tragedy.

Hamlet’s tragic flaw is his inability to avenge his father’s death. When the ghost of his dead father appears to him and charges him with the arduous task of avenging his most foul murder, Hamlet accepts the challenge. But, as the play progresses, Hamlet finds it difficult to