Activities

Issue Two: Personal Relationships in Hamlet

• The play involves the interaction of three families, and the actions of three sons who have lost their fathers--Fortinbras, Hamlet, and Laertes. Each son seeks revenge. Hamlet and Laertes destroy the rest of their families. Fortinbras, the cool deliberate soldier, ends up in command of all. Discuss the varied relationships within and between these families, and especially among the three sons.
• Discuss Hamlet's feeling for his father, his mother, Ophelia, and his friends.
• How truly was Hamlet in love with Ophelia?
• Do Gertrude and her new husband love each other or do they marry simply for reasons of greed and ambition?
• Hamlet provides many examples of loyalty and many examples of its direct opposite, betrayal. Discuss these opposing traits in detail, being sure to provide specific examples of each.
• Hamlet greatly admires Horatio and tells him why. What aspects of Hamlet's own character make him admire Horatio for being the way he is?

Issue Three: Joy and Inspiration, and Doubt and Fear in Hamlet

• "The theme is evil, its contagion, and its self-destruction--evil breeding evil and leading to ruin" (L. C. Knight). Explain and provide examples to support this statement.
• To what extent is Hamlet's will free? "The time is out of joint," he cries. "O cursed spite/That ever I was born to set it right" (I, v, 189-190). How must the times be set right? Why does Hamlet think he is the only one who can rectify them?

Issue Four: Hamlet and the other Characters in this Unit

• How are Hamlet's concerns similar or different from those of other characters studied in this unit?
• How are Shakespeare's concerns the same as those of other writers studied in this unit?

As a result of their examination of these issues, students could prepare a research essay, a position paper, or a panel presentation. Whatever route students take, they must be prepared to probe the text carefully, reflect, discuss and consult secondary sources. Most importantly, they will be expected to take an informed stand.

It is essential that students be involved in their own assessment and evaluation. The student and teacher should confer to set objectives and criteria for assessment. The student should undertake some form of self-assessment to be used in conjunction with the teacher's assessment.

Culminating Activity

Involve students in the planning of an activity that will bring closure to learning around the issue of The Human Condition.