Hamlet: Language Analysis

(AO2)

Aims:

To complete reading Act II and

review the key quotes

To analyse how Shakespeare uses

imagery and language in Act II

Hamlet Act II Quiz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da7rXeDOjkQ
1. What does Polonius ask Reynaldo to do?
2. How does Ophelia describe Hamlet?
3. What does Polonius think is the cause of Hamlets madness?
4. Which country is Fortinbras going to invade?
5. Why would some say that Denmark is a prison in this Act?
6. Is Claudius more worried about Hamlet or Fortinbrass army?
7. What does Hamlet ask the players to do?
8. Shakespeare examines whether acting can evoke passionate
feelings- what dramatic technique is this?
9. Give an example of how Gertrude mocks Polonius
10. In this Act, which character is portrayed as an antithesis to
Hamlet

Hamlets
sense of
inadequacy
, fury at
himself

Important QUOTES!
I am but
mad north
north west

Happiness that
often madness hits
on, which reason
and sanity could
not

More matter,
with less art

Ophelia's
description of
Hamlets
appearance that
suggests
madness

"Though this be madness,

yet there is method in't."
(Act II, Scene II)

Homework Due after Monday

Half term
1.

2.
3.

Complete reading all of Act III and

type up a short summary of what
happens
Read the critical essay and
summarise the key points
Memorise key scenes from Act I &
Act II

Shakespeare's use of IMAGERY

Abstract vs Concrete
The beauty of the play is in
the language- sticks and
stone can break your
bones but WORDS can also
(and will) break your heart!
Limited props and lighting
at the time
Shakespeare helps us
connect and relate to new
experiences via imagery
He introduces abstract
ideas by comparing
them to concrete
examples

Example:
Abstract: I feel trapped
Concrete: Prison
Quote: Denmark s a prison

Annotating quotes for IMAGERY

Well, we shall sift him
2. In the most secret parts of Fortune?
O most true she is a strumpet
3. This goodly frame the earth seems
to me a sterile promontory
4. When the wind is southerly , I know
a hawk from a handsaw
5. O what a rogue and peasant slave
am I!
6. But I am pigeon-livered and lack gall
1.

Class Annotation of
imagery
He would drown the
stage with tears ,
And cleave the general
ear with horrid speech
Make mad the guilty and
appal the free

Who is speaking and to whom?

What is the surface/general gist of this quote?
What abstract emotion/idea is being expressed?
What concrete image or word is offered to help us measure or
understand the abstract emotion/thought?
What are the key words?
What are the connotations of the key word?
What could the image symbolise?
What do we learn about the character: emotions/state of
mind/attitude/personality/relationships/outlook?
Does your quote hint at any major themes that come up in the play?

Annotating quotes for IMAGERY

Instructions:

Copy out your quote

Who is speaking and to whom?

What is the surface/general gist of this quote?

What abstract emotion/idea is being expressed?

What concrete image or word is offered to help us measure or understand the abstract
emotion/thought?

What are the connotations of the key word?

What are the key words?

What could the image symbolise?

What do we learn about the character: emotions/state of
mind/attitude/personality/relationships/outlook?
Does your quote hint at any major themes that come up in the play?