Feedback for Act I Questions

Thank you all for contributing. Consider the questions for Act I closed. Everyone took the writing seriously so there was no need for me to assess the seriousness of your responses. If you answered at least 3 out of the 4 I have awarded you full credit. 

I also learned a lot about you from your answers.  Highlights certainly include Giselle novel for Act I, 1 and learning the name of Alexa's future son. I thank everyone for their honesty.

Couple of warnings:

1. There are at least 2 nameless entries. Don't lose points this way.
2. I will check the questions for Acts 2 and 3 later this week, so be careful not to fall behind.

Keep up the good work,

-Mr. Paul

I, 1

Even though the idea of seeing and believing in a ghost may seem absurd, most people during Shakespeare’s time did believe in them. For us, it’s like the idea of a UFO. Do you believe in the supernatural? Have you or anyone you have known ever seen or claimed to have witnessed some kind of supernatural being? Explain the circumstances surrounding it.

I, 2

What seems to be the emphasis in Hamlet’s first soliloquy--his father's death or his mother's remarriage? How is this emphasis evident: Does he spend more lines griping about Gertrude? Does he use stronger imagery for the marriage than for the death? What, if anything, dos he intend to about all of this?

And then, if you were in Hamlet’s position, what would you do?

I, 3

Summarize the advice Polonius gives to his son Laertes. Does he seem wise or a foolish? Does it remind you of any advice your parents or grandparents have ever given you?

I, 5 (and scene 4)

Chose one of the following:

In Scene 4, what facts emerge from Hamlet’s conversation with Horatio? How close are they? Do we have anyone in our lives who would stand by us like this?

OR

By the end of Act I, after Hamlet has spoken with the ghost, how would you assess the state of affairs in Denmark?

a. politically

b. morally

c. psychologically

II, 1

Have you ever had a good friend change dramatically? What was it like? Could you remain friends with them?

So, do you think Ophelia can maintain her relationship with Hamlet? Why or why not?

II, 2

To what extent do parents have the right to “spy” or check up on their children? What circumstance might allow or prevent this? Do Claudius and Gertrude have the right to spy on Hamlet?

III, 1

What is Hamlet's attitude towards women? Think of his earlier critique of Gertrude -- "Frailty thy name is woman" -- as well as the way he treats Ophelia in this scene.

III, 3

Have you ever been through a moment of severe indecision? Hamlet reproaches himself throughout the play for his inaction. Think about all the times he has mentioned it as well as his behavior at the play. Considering all he's been through, is Hamlet being too hard on himself?

III, 4

What is Gertrude’s responsibility for all that has taken place, according to Hamlet?

According to you?

IV, 5

Before the 20th Century, mental illness was not seen as a treatable medical condition, as it is today, but as a permanent problem (or worse, possession by the devil). What do you think of Ophelia's "treatment"?

IV, 7

Now, at the end of Act 4, make a prediction about how this play will end.

Act V, 1

Hamlet’s interaction with the gravediggers is one of my favorite scenes in al of literature. What does it reveal to us about Hamlet?

Also, knowing me as your teacher all year, why do you think I like it?

Act V, 2

The ending of Hamlet is very famous for it’s quantity of bloodshed. In all of this mess, is justice served?