Hamlet Act Five

1. Read and take notes on 5.1. Pay particular attention to how this scene deals with questions of human mortality (death). Notice how the scene deals with a range of responses to human mortality (death) by moving from sharp humor, to thoughtful consideration, to outward grief. How does each section work? Where do the shifts occur? Why might Shakespeare have structured the scene this way and why might he have placed this scene immediately before the tragic end? These are ideas and questions to consider while reading and taking notes. (Don't forget your motif/thread.) Due Friday (12/6)

2. Read and take notes on 5.2. Pay particular attention to how various plot, motif, and theme threads get woven together in the end. Consider the relationship of how people die to
Due Monday (12/9).

3. In a Google Document labelled "Following a Thread in Hamlet" do the following:

Write down your motif.
Write down the act, scene, line of every place you noticed your motif in the play. (If you'd like you can copy this from your notes. If you're thin on notes: Here you'll find searchable text. (Click on the act then search for words related to your motif within each act.)

Write down a quotation from act one that develops your motif. (Include act, scene, and line.)
Write a thorough explanation of what the quotation means (in context) and how the quotation develops the significance of the motif.

Write down a quotation from act two that develops your motif. (Include act, scene, and line.)
Write a thorough explanation of what the quotation means (in context) and how the quotation develops the significance of the motif.

Write down a quotation from act three that develops your motif. (Include act, scene, and line.)
Write a thorough explanation of what the quotation means (in context) and how the quotation develops the significance of the motif.

Write down a quotation from act four that develops your motif. (Include act, scene, and line.)
Write a thorough explanation of what the quotation means (in context) and how the quotation develops the significance of the motif.

Write down a quotation from act five that develops your motif. (Include act, scene, and line.)
Write a thorough explanation of what the quotation means (in context) and how the quotation develops the significance of the motif.

Then explain the development and significance of the motif in play overall. Use quotations and other details to support your explanation.(These were often underdeveloped in the act 1-2 responses.)

Due Monday (12/9) Tuesday 12/10.