BM1 - Introduction to Literature - Assignment 2: Hamlet/Model Solution

Assignment 2 – Hamlet

For each aspect we list a key word and the maximum points. How many points you will actually receive on a given aspect will also depend on the quality Complete content

QUESTION 1

10 points Hamlet is the dominant speaker in the dialogue (he has 42 lines as opposed to Ophelia’s 13)

10 points There is no single dominant idea. Hamlet jumps through a series of (apparently) heterogeneous ideas (viz. the relationship between ‘honesty’ and ‘beauty’; Ophelia reminding Hamlet of his former expressions of love which Hamlet denies; Hamlet’s self-accusations; Hamlet’s insulting remarks on Polonius; his insulting advice to Ophelia [‘marry a fool’] and near ‘curse’ [lines 37-40]; Hamlet’s misogynist statements).

[You may of course see a coherent underlying theme in Hamlet’s remarks on women and chastity]

10 points There is no ‘real dialogue’. Ophelia tries to assert herself and suggest viewpoints of her own at the very beginning (lines 12-16). But she is mainly responding to Hamlet’s speeches and behaviour and replying to his questions. In the second part (lines 30, 36, 45, perhaps also in line 41) she increasingly speaks about Hamlet rather than to him.

QUESTION 2

Hamlet’s characteristics in the dialogue: 18 points Figural implicit characterisation by verbal and non-verbal behaviour: Aggressive / harsh; erratic, unpredictable; misogynist

Explicit self characterization: “indifferent honest”, “prowde, ambitious, disdainefull” (ll. 21 and 24) “madde” (l. 52)

Explicit characterization by another character (i.e. Ophelia), in praesentia: used to behave to her like a lover

Ophelia’s characteristics in the dialogue: 12 points Figural implicit characterisation by verbal and non-verbal behaviour: Initially self-assertive, increasingly more confused and intimidated; but still affectionate towards Hamlet and worried about him

Explicit Problematisierung der merkmale beautiful and honest / chaste in bezug auf Ophelia im Dialog Lines 46-51: Ophelia is as bad (wanton, superficial etc.) as all women, according to Hamlet’s new misogynist views

Differences between the first and second Quartos: 10 points Ophelia more consistently passive, less self-assertive in Q2 than in Q1; she has only short speeches in Q2. Hamlet in Q2 is not only aggressive (recurrent nunnery insult) but also under more noticeable emotional pressure, torn between staying and going (cf. Q2’s three times “farewell”, ll. 29, 33, 35).

QESTION 3

Basic difficulty> 20 points:

Hamlet’s madness: Alternative A> Hamlet is mad (arguments in favour or against) Alternative B: Hamlet is not mad (arguments in favour and against)

Additional aspects,: 20 points: e.g. Ophelia’s passivity and obedience, her role in the play (and in the play of intrigues) Does Hamlet suspect that they are being watched, and does this influence his behaviour_ Does Hamlet assume that Ophelia will not keep any secrets from her father (since she already broke off contact with him, when her father olde her to), and that therefore he can no longer trust her? Does the behaviour of Hamet’s mother make him suspect the love and integrity of all women, does he project this on Ophelia?