Hamlet

"refer to your responses to these questions and keep track of any changes in your opinions, or any surprises you find."

1. Write about whether or not you think Polonius is a good father. In your post, explain which of his actions were right and which were wrong.
2. Create your own description of a good father.
3. Write a letter to Polonius offering him advice about ways in which he could become a better parent.

1. Do you think Rosencrantz and Guildenstern deserved to be put to death? What alternatives might Hamlet have taken? Examine Hamlet's reasoning and consider whether you think Hamlet was seeking justice or revenge?
2. Why does Horatio tell Hamlet he will lose the contest? Why is Horatio correct?
3. Throughout most of the play Hamlet has seemed unwilling to do what he knows he must do. Is it only in the final scene that Hamlet seems fully willing to accept his destiny?

• What puzzles me most about Hamlet's behaviour is . . .
• I don't understand why Shakespeare included (didn't include) . . .
• My first impression of _________ has changed because . . .
• I'm not sure whether . . .
• There seems to be a contradiction . .

1. (30-1)"I know not seems." In I, ii, 76, Hamlet claims that his grief is real, not just a show. Make a chart of all the occasions in this act when there is a difference between the way a character seems to be and the way he or she really is.