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HAMLET – William Shakespeare Answer all of the questions - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2012
Question 1
HAMLET – William Shakespeare Answer all of the questions. 1. (a) What does the ghost of Hamlet’s father tell Hamlet when he appears to him on the battlements of El... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:HAMLET – William Shakespeare Answer all of the questions - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2012
Step 1
What does the ghost of Hamlet’s father tell Hamlet when he appears to him on the battlements of Elsinore Castle?
Answer
The ghost of Hamlet's father reveals the truth about his murder. He tells Hamlet that he was murdered by his brother, Claudius, who now wears the crown. The ghost expresses the urgency of Hamlet's vengeance and demands that Hamlet remember him and his fate, warning him not to let his mother, Gertrude, be consumed by Claudius's false kindness. In doing so, the ghost sets in motion Hamlet's quest for revenge, highlighting themes of responsibility and moral obligation.
Step 2
What is your opinion of Gertrude? Support your answer with reference to the text.
Answer
Gertrude is a complex character whose actions can be seen as both misguided and morally ambiguous. She appears to be affectionate towards Hamlet but is also perceived as fickle due to her quick remarriage to Claudius after King Hamlet's death. This relationship complicates her character, as her motivations can be interpreted as rooted in a desire for security and stability. In Act III, Scene 4, her confrontation with Hamlet reveals her struggle with guilt and her aim to maintain peace in the court, showing her as both a flawed mother and a victim of circumstance.
Step 3
Explain what you find most interesting about Claudius.
Answer
Claudius is an intriguing character who embodies the theme of duality. As the ruler of Denmark, he is charismatic and politically savvy; however, he is also a murderer and manipulative. His ability to maintain power while grappling with guilt sets him apart. Claudius’s soliloquies reveal his internal conflict, particularly in Act III, Scene 3, where he recognizes the hellish nature of his crime yet feels unable to repent sincerely. This layered portrayal makes him a compelling antagonist, representing the complexities of human ambition and morality.
Step 4
Imagine your school is staging a version of this play. Which character would you most or least like to play on stage? Explain your choice with detailed reference to the text.
Answer
If my school were staging Hamlet, I would most like to play the character of Hamlet himself. His rich emotional landscape and profound existential dilemmas present a unique challenge for any actor. Hamlet’s struggle with his father's death, his confrontation with mortality, and his quest for revenge reflect a deep engagement with themes of life and death, making the role not only compelling but also cathartic. Key moments such as the 'To be, or not to be' soliloquy illustrate Hamlet's inner turmoil, allowing for an exploration of vulnerability and the human condition.
Step 5
Write a piece beginning with one of the following statements: I would find it exciting to live in Elsinore in Hamlet’s time because...
Answer
I would find it exciting to live in Elsinore in Hamlet’s time because it was a place teeming with political intrigue and philosophical discourse. The court of Denmark, with its layers of deception and manipulation, offers a vibrant backdrop for exploring human behavior. The tensions between characters like Hamlet and Claudius create an electric atmosphere where every encounter could change the course of events. Additionally, the historical context of corruption and revenge would deepen my understanding of human nature and power struggles.