Hamlet Act 1 Scene 2 1 Drama Reflection

Hamlet Act 1 Scene 2 1. Drama Reflection 1

Scene 2 ACT 1 Drama Reflection Benedict Cumberbatch – Hamlet interview by Melvyn Bragg Extract (0. 00– 6. 25) NOTE There is no definitive version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Over the past 400 years, the text of the play has been printed in several formats. Directors of theatrical productions such as this one often make changes for dramatic effect. As a result, stage versions can differ in many ways from the written text that is being studied in school, and lines are sometimes omitted. 2

Scene 2 ACT 1 A play for all ages … ‘For more than 400 years the role of Hamlet has beguiled and upset the greatest actors. ’ Having listened to Cumberbatch’s response to this statement, write down two reasons why you think the character of Hamlet still has relevance to today’s audiences. (100 words approx. ) 3

Scene 2 ACT 1 Not Belonging • At almost 1, 500 lines, Hamlet is the biggest role in Shakespeare. • The emotionally confused Hamlet is reluctant to return to the court of Denmark to join the wedding celebrations. • The setting in this production shows a huge dinner table. • How is Hamlet’s feeling of not belonging shown here? Consider position, dress, facial expression and gestures. • Write a paragraph (100– 150 words) about a production of this scene (Act 1, Scene 2) which you have seen, and comment on how Hamlet’s feeling of not belonging is portrayed. 4

Scene 2 ACT 1 Transgenerational Trauma • Cumberbatch refers to ‘transgenerational trauma’: the youth of the play end up dead due to the decisions and actions of the older generation. • List the young characters who end up dead. • Why, in your opinion, do so many young characters end up dead? • What young character survives? Is this character part of the court of Denmark? • Who oversees the establishment of the new order at the conclusion of the play? 5

Scene 2 ACT 1 Everything is Not Alright • Claudius is portrayed as a ‘brilliant king’ who is negotiating peace after a savage war between Hamlet’s father and Norway. • Hamlet remains deeply unhappy and refuses to be reassured by Claudius’s flattering words, ‘my cousin Hamlet and my son’. • The obstinate prince replies, ‘ A little more than kin and less than kind’. • In your opinion, why is Hamlet so discontented? Write a paragraph (100– 150 words) outlining your response. 6

Scene 2 ACT 1 Pretence • Gertrude, like Claudius, also infuriates Hamlet with her question to her son: ‘Why seems it so particular with thee? ’ • In your opinion, why does Hamlet strongly object to her use of the word ‘seems’? Write a paragraph (100– 150 words) in response. 7