Hamlet!

Yes, we're reading Shakespeare and I'm super excited about it.  You may be worried about approaching Shakespeare from an AP perspective, but I hope you can trust in your increased reading skills since freshmen and sophomore years. =)

A few things to help:

• Use the act summaries I'll give you in class (or access this electronic copy). Read them BEFORE you read each act and they will allow you to understand the plot and characters so you can focus on the language, theme, structure--all the stuff you wouldn't normally notice until a reread.
• This is a one-page document by the Folger Shakespeare Library that might help you keep your characters straight.
• Use my reading journal questions to help you focus on items of importance.  My questions should guide you and give you some focus.
• Obviously you should also note in your reading journal any other details you notice, questions you have, or other strategies you have found to help you in your critical reading.

Reading Journal Questions:

1. Track evidence of Hamlet’s “pretend madness” and evidence that he may actually be mad. 
2. Pay attention to Shakespeare’s use of language.  Where does he use interesting images, plays on words, or surprising juxtapositions of words?  Note examples but then focus on WHY Shakespeare uses them and what their placement and usage contributes to the tone, effect on the audience, and overall meaning of the piece.
3. What do you make of the way Shakespeare uses poetry vs. prose?  What is his purpose?
4. “Who’s there?”  The first line of the play is a question.  Who is there?  Throughout the play, who’s there?  Who’s not there?  Who’s pretending to be there?  Who’s not supposed to be there?
5. Why doesn’t Hamlet kill the king when given the opportunity (Act III, scene iii, line 74)?
6. How does this tragedy compare to the tragedy of Oedipus Rex?  Compare and contrast the two plays, using what you know about Greek and Elizabethan drama as well as a critical reader’s response to each.