Today we'll start with our reading time. Then we'll get into Hamlet by viewing 4.4 and reading 4.5 in smaller groups. Roles for 4.5 include Ophelia, Gertrude, Claudius, Laertes, Gentlemen, Messenger, Horatio.
Here are some pre-reading notes to help you:
Here are some pre-reading notes to help you:
- 4.5 begins with the revelation that Ophelia has gone mad. Consider what has driven her to this point.
- Don't be confused by Ophelia's words. She reverts to an almost child-like state in her madness, singing silly songs and nursery rhymes that sometimes seem to carry a deeper meaning (much like the "method" in Hamlet's earlier madness). Some of what she says is nonsense to the other characters on stage. Note how she alludes to her relationship with Hamlet and her father's death.
- Laertes heard of his father's death and the way it seemed to be covered up. When he returns, he has a band of supporters who, like him, feel there is some sort of corruption in Elsinore. He's here to figure out who is to blame for his father's death. His followers want to see him named king due to all this shady business they see at the castle.
- Poor Laertes learns that he not only lost his father, but he's also lost his sister to her apparent madness. As she rambles on about flowers and their meanings, he is devastated to see her in this condition.
- Note that in 4.5, Laertes is established as a FOIL to Hamlet. What element of his character seems to contrast that of Hamlet?