Hamlet (Signet Classics Edition)
Act I Journal Entry
What is Hamlet’s personality? Discuss the dilemma that the ghost creates for Hamlet. What two belief or value systems are coming into conflict within Hamlet and with what result? Can these two belief systems ever be reconciled? Is what the ghost is requesting of Hamlet for their (ghost’s and Hamlet’s) benefit or for the benefit of Denmark? What type of ethical thinker is Hamlet? What is your evidence?
OR
What is Hamlet’s personality? Discuss the dilemma that the ghost creates for Hamlet. What two belief or values systems are coming into conflict within Hamlet and with what result? Why is what the ghost is calling Hamlet to do incongruous with Hamlet’s personality? Does Hamlet rely on his reason or senses in trying to figure this dilemma out? Do you think this will help him? Does his behavior indicate that he is able to determine a set of beliefs to follow? Why/why not? (you will later interpret this according to Kierkegaard’s theory of self enlightenment).
Act 2 Journal Entries
Read 2.2. Analyze Hamlet’s Soliloquy in lines 560 - 617. Discuss how the language builds in emotional intensity and what interrupts this rage by the end. To whom does Hamlet compare himself? Is it a fair comparison? What is his plan? What side of Hamlet needs a plan such as this? How does this speech match his personality and tragic flaw? Has his ethical thinking changed? Why/why not? What is your evidence?
OR
Read 2.2. Analyze Hamlet’s Soliloquy in lines 476 – 533. Discuss how the language builds in emotional intensity and what interrupts this rage by the end. To whom does Hamlet compare himself? Is it a fair comparison? What is his plan? What side of Hamlet needs a plan such as this? How does this speech match his personality and tragic flaw? Has been able to commit to a course of action yet – ie: chosen to act or to deliberately ignore the ghost? Is Hamlet in the aesthetic or ethical stage according to Kierkegaard?
Act 3 Journal Entry
Compare and contrast Hamlet’s soliloquy “to be or not to be” (3.1.56ff) with Claudius' soliloquy (3.3.36 – 72). What are the similarities and differences in their decision-making – are they being consequentialist: egoistic or utilitarian or nonconsequentialist: acting under the categorical imperative or prima facie duties? Cite specific lines in your response that support your answer.
OR
Compare and contrast Hamlet’s soliloquy (3.1.58ff) with Claudius' soliloquy (3.3.36 – 72). What are the similarities and differences in not only their personalities, but also their levels of discourse? Defend your answer. What stage (according to Kierkegaard) would you say he is in? Cite specific lines to support your point.
Act 4 Journal Entry
In Hamlet's soliloquy in 4.4.32 ff, he compares himself with Fortinbras and later in the act Laertes is set up as a foil for him. Compare and contrast all 3 young men and their leadership styles. What ethical theories does each young man display? Which theory do you feel is the best for one to have in the world of the play? Why do you say this?
OR
In Hamlet's soliloquy in 4.4.34 ff, he compares himself with Fortinbras and later in the act Laertes is set up as a foil for him. Compare and contrast all 3 young men and their leadership styles. What stages (Kierkegaard) do you see each character in? Which character do you most admire? Most dislike? Be sure to explain why you feel this way.
Act 5 Journal Entry
How does Shakespeare introduce the conflict between religious and secular values systems again in this act? Does the conclusion the gravedigger comes to make sense to you? Why/why not? Does the ending of the play prove that we are shaped by society or that we shape society? What type of ethical thinker does Hamlet prove to be? What is your proof?
OR
Does Hamlet ever reach the Religious stage? What is your proof? Think about his epiphany and his discussion with Horatio before the duel with Laertes. Also, how does Hamlet deliver his final speech? What does this say about his inner turmoil? Shakespeare never knew Kierkegaard’s philosophy, but do you feel that Hamlet would be a good example to use when discussing Kierkegaard’s stages (even if you feel he never reaches the Religious stage)? Why/why not?