Reading Guide: “The Plays” from Bill Bryson’s
Shakespeare
Preview:
Read this chapter from Bill Bryson’s book Shakespeare as an attempt to deconstruct
Shakespeare’s reputation only to build it back up again. Bryson attempts to orient
Shakespeare as a man, a brilliant and flawed man, of his time—the Renaissance. Bryson
begins by elaborating on how little we know about Shakespeare (a major idea earlier in
his book), specifically the order of Shakespeare’s plays. He then goes on to elaborate on
Shakespeare’s interesting use of source material. Bryson continues on, expounding on the
development of theatre during the Elizabethan era, Shakespeare’s ambiguous language,
Shakespeare’s supposed “learning,” and a few other topics. Towards the end of the
chapter, Bryson starts building towards some of the more legitimate “genius” aspects of
Shakespeare—mainly his ability to create words, spin phrases, and accurately display
human truths and emotions.
Marginalia:
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know
Facts that make Shakespeare look bad (according to Bryson)
Elements of Shakespeare’s genius (according to Bryson)
Details that describe the Renaissance
Elements and norms of theatre that Shakespeare followed or broke
Elements of language that Shakespeare followed or broke
Questions:
-
What is significant about Shakespeare’s play Love’s Labor’s Won?
What does it mean that “Shakespeare’s particular genius was to take an
engaging notion and make it better yet” (100)?
Which of Shakespeare’s play had the most lines? (pg. 104)
Provide a specific example of how spelling was lax during Shakespeare’s
lifetime.
What is significant about the languages used to record Shakespeare’s birth
and death?
Reading Guide: Hamlet
Act I, Scene I
Preview:
Shakespeare’s play starts atop a wall of the Elsinore Castle in Denmark. Often, this scene
is referred to as “The Watch Scene.” Paying attention to the opening dialogue between
two watchmen, we learn that it is late at night and cold. All of these elements are
supposed to combine together to create a spooky atmosphere. The opening line of the
play is a question, which sets the stage for all the many of questions that follow in this
play. The watchman Barnado arrives to replace Francisco. Quickly after, Barnado is
joined by Horatio and Marcellus. We soon learn that Marcellus and Barnado have
recently seen a ghost atop that very castle wall. Horatio is doubtful, but has come to see
for himself. As they are speaking, the ghost appears a couple of times, which sends them
into quite a stir. The ghost is that of the recently deceased King Hamlet. To the ghost and
amongst themselves, Horatio and the guards ask a lot of questions. Once the ghost
disappears, Horatio and the guards decide that they need to tell young Hamlet of its
existence.
Marginalia:
-
Track major questions and possible answers
Horatio’s transition from doubt to belief
Different theories for the ghost’s appearance
The conflict with Fortinbras
Questions:
-
What is the opening line of the play?
How is the ghost dressed?
What answers does Horatio get from the ghost?
What sound occurs right before the ghost disappears?
Why does Horatio suggest that they tell Hamlet about the ghost?
Reading Guide: Hamlet
Act I, Scene II
Preview:
This scene begins inside the Castle of Elsinore. Claudius, the King; Gertrude the Queen;
Hamlet; Polonius, advisor to the King; Polonius’s son Laertes; Polonius’s daughter
Ophelia; and a handful of attending lords enter. Imagine this as the Royal Family along
with their most important helpers and servants. They are gathered together in the morning
to discuss the important tasks of the day. King Claudius begins the discussion in an odd
way; he addresses the recent death of his brother and his own recent marriage. Then
Claudius begins to discuss the Fortinbras issue. Once that has been sorted out, Laertes has
a request of the King. After Laertes, Claudius begins to address Hamlet, specifically the
gloom and depression that seems to have a hold over Hamlet. Gertrude also chimes in on
this issue, trying to cheer up her melancholy son. As you can see, this morning meeting
combines both the personal and the political issues. After the meeting, everyone leaves
the stage except Hamlet, who provides his first of four major soliloquies. In the soliloquy
Hamlet explains the emotions he is feeling and contemplates giving in to them fully.
After the soliloquy, Marcellus and Horatio arrive and tell Hamlet about the appearance of
his father’s ghost.
Marginalia:
-
Duplicity of language, especially in Claudius’s opening speech
Characterization and personality of the main characters.
Odd familial relationships
The emotions and views expressed in Hamlet’s soliloquy (lines 129 – 159)
Questions:
-
Who specifically does the King send a letter to in order to stop Fortinbras?
How is Hamlet both cousin (nephew) and son to Claudius?
What does Laertes request of the King?
How are Hamlet and Horatio close friends? (Hint: Wittenburg)
Reading Guide: Hamlet
Act I, Scene III – Scene V
Preview:
Scenes III, IV, and V of Act I are all rather short and bounce a bit between characters.
- Scene III takes place at the home of Polonius, Laertes, and Ophelia as
Laertes is about to head back to France. Laertes first has a conversation
with Ophelia regarding her recent romantic involvement with Hamlet.
Polonius then enters and bombards Laertes with a string of fatherly advice,
some of which you have probably heard. Once Laertes departs, Polonius
also offers advice to Ophelia regarding Hamlet.
- Scene IV takes place late at night with Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus
waiting for the ghost to appear. They converse and Hamlet expresses
some of his disdain for the King. When the ghost appears, Hamlet’s
emotions soon begin to get the best of him. The ghost beckons Hamlet to
follow it; and against the advice of his friends, Hamlet follows.
- Scene V mostly takes place with just Hamlet and the ghost of his dead
father on stage. The ghost finally speaks and tells Hamlet of its murder,
which Hamlet is now obligated to avenge. When the ghost leaves and
Hamlet’s friends find him, Hamlet is acting strange. He, along with the
shouting voice of the ghost from under the stage, makes Horatio and
Marcellus agree not to speak of what they have seen.
Marginalia:
-
The tone Laertes and Polonius both seem to be taking with Ophelia.
Where do we see Hamlet’s emotions causing him to behave erratically?
Details of the ghost’s story to Hamlet
Questions:
-
What advice does Laertes offer Ophelia about Hamlet?
What does Polonius command Ophelia to do regarding Hamlet?
What worries do Horatio and Hamlet have about Hamlet following the
ghost?
Who murdered the former King Hamlet? Where did the murder occur?
How was he murdered?
What does it mean that Hamlet says he will put “an antic disposition
on” (Scene V, line 173)?
Reading Guide: Hamlet
Act II, Scene I – Scene II
Preview:
It is important to remember that everything that happens from here on must be put in to
the context of Hamlet possibility acting with “an antic disposition.”
- Scene I takes place in Polonius’s residency again. Polonius is sending his
servant Reynaldo to France in order to check up (spy) on Laertes. It is
entertaining to read this scene with Polonius as a rambling old man and
Reynaldo as an annoyed but polite servant. Once Reynaldo leaves,
Ophelia bursts in to report some odd behavior by Hamlet.
- Scene II is one of the longest scenes in all of Shakespeare and takes place
back in the heart of Elsinore Castle. Two of Hamlet’s other college friends
show up by request of the King. News then comes from the ambassadors
about Fortinbras. Throughout this whole scene everyone is talking openly
about Hamlet’s “mad” behavior, providing different possibility reasons for
the behavior. The scene then continues with many different characters
speaking to Hamlet. Hamlet seems to bounce back and forth between
lunacy and sanity. The later portion of the scene involves a troupe of
traveling actors that have been brought to the castle for entertainment.
Hamlet is very excited by their arrival.
Marginalia:
-
All the different secrets and spying
Where does Hamlet seem crazy?
Where does Hamlet seem sane?
Hamlet’s behavior with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
Questions:
-
What odd behavior does Ophelia report to her father?
Why did the King request the visit of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
What does Polonius believe to be the source of Hamlet’s madness?
What plan do Claudius and Polonius make to test the source of Hamlet’s
madness? (Scene II, lines 162 – 167)
What request does Hamlet make of the First Player? (Scene II, lines 517519)
Reading Guide: Hamlet
Act III, Scene I
Preview:
The following scene is brief but critical to the development of the play’s plot. We begin
with a quick conversation between Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, Claudius, and Gertrude,
wherein the two college boys report back to the King on Hamlet’s behavior. The main
topic around the castle still seems to be Hamlet’s supposed madness. Once Rosencrantz
and Guildenstern exit, Polonius’s plan to spy on Hamlet and Ophelia is put into action.
The King and his advisor hide behind a curtain while Hamlet enters. Remember, one of
the necessities of reading this scene is to decide whether or not Hamlet knows the King
and Polonius are hiding nearby. Upon his entrance, Hamlet gives the “To be or not to be”
soliloquy, which is now the most famous set of lines in all of Shakespeare. Once Hamlet
and Ophelia begin talking, Hamlet’s words and intentions are all over the place, leaving
Ophelia upset and confused. When Hamlet exits, Claudius is also disturbed by what he
has heard. Polonius still hopes to test his theory further.
Marginalia:
-
How different characters describe Hamlet’s ‘madness’
Lines of Hamlet’s soliloquy that are poetic
Lines of Hamlet’s soliloquy that reveal his emotions
Clues showing whether or not Hamlet knows the King and Polonius are
nearby
Hamlet’s feelings towards Ophelia
Ophelia’s feelings towards Hamlet
Questions:
-
What entertainment later in the evening has Hamlet requested the King
and Queen attend?
What plan does Claudius make to Hamlet? Where is he sending him? (pg.
146)
What plan does Polonius request for later that night after the play? (pg.
148)
Reading Guide: Hamlet
Act III, Scene II
Preview:
In this scene, Hamlet’s plan to prove Claudius guilty by reenacting the death of King
Hamlet is put into action. Throughout the scene Hamlet also jumps back and forth
between sanity and lunacy, and the lunacy is often hard to detect as genuine or feigned.
The scene begins with Hamlet basically functioning as a director, telling the actors what
to do. Horatio enters the scene and Hamlet tells Horatio the importance of their
friendship. When the King and Queen arrive, Hamlet begins to act odd, speaking
nonsensical lines to the King and speaking crude lines to Ophelia. When the play begins,
go ahead and read the players’ lines in the modern English. Pay attention to the dialogue
in the play within a play, as it seems that Hamlet is attempting to do more than make his
uncle feel guilty. The play ends abruptly as the King angrily leaves, displaying his guilt.
Then Hamlet and Horatio discuss the King’s reactions. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
soon enter and Hamlet reveals to them the insincerity of their friendship with a metaphor
about playing pipes. At the very end of the scene, Hamlet expresses his upcoming actions
regarding his mother in a soliloquy.
Marginalia:
-
Plot points in the mini-play where Hamlet seems to be attempting to trap
the King and Queen
Hamlet’s emotions and behavior (sane vs. insane)
Hamlet’s move from mistrust to trust in the ghost
Hamlet’s treatment of those around him: who does he trust and value?
Questions:
-
What is the name of play within a play?
Who else is Hamlet trying to make feel guilty by the play within a play?
How do we know this?
(True or False) Horatio knows about the supposed murder of King Hamlet
by Claudius.
How does Hamlet intend to treat his mother as he goes to her chamber?
(Be specific)
Reading Guide: Hamlet
Act III, Scene III
Preview:
Scene III is a brief scene that takes place during the time Hamlet is walking from where
the play was performed to his mother’s chambers. However, the scene begins with a short
conversation between Claudius, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern. Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern express their devotion to the King and then leave at the King’s orders to
prepare for the voyage to England with Hamlet. When Claudius is left alone, he is racked
with guilt and even falls to his knees to begin confessing. While this is taking place,
Hamlet walks on stage but cannot fully hear the words of his uncle. Hamlet speaks
(Claudius cannot hear him. Claudius is never aware of Hamlet’s presence) and debates on
whether or not to assassinate Claudius now. For a very particular and hateful reason,
Hamlet decides to wait and kill his uncle at a later time.
Marginalia:
-
Lines that express Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s devotion to the King
Lines that express Claudius’s guilt
Lines that express Hamlet’s anger
Questions:
-
Why does Claudius feel like he can’t actually repent of his sins?
Why does Hamlet decide to not kill his uncle at this time?
Reading Guide: Hamlet
Act III, Scene IV
Preview:
The scene begins with a single set of lines by Polonius to remind us that he will be hiding
behind the curtains in the Queen’s “closet,” which is a type of private sitting room. After
leaving the play and passing by his Uncle supposedly repenting of his sins, Hamlet
finally arrives at his mother’s sitting room and behaves according to his earlier
proclamation in Scene II to “speak daggers” to his mother “but use none.” Hamlet works
himself up into a heightened emotional state trying to make his mother understand the
wickedness of her behavior. He gets so aggressive with his mother that she shouts out for
help. Polonius answers but his aid is short lived. Hamlet continues to make Gertrude feel
guilty and seems to be successful. However, he also convinces Gertrude that he is in fact
insane though he states that he is only “mad in craft.” The ghost of dead King Hamlet
appears in Gertrude’s closet, but only in such a way that Hamlet can see. To Gertrude
Hamlet speaks to and looks at empty air. On the whole, this scene is pivotal to the rest of
the play and possesses a high but false peak of emotion. Hamlet leaves in a very “mad”
way. Gertrude is left an emotional wreck.
Marginalia:
-
Track the seeming sanity or insanity of Hamlet. This scene is crucial to the
debate.
Hamlet’s accusations against his mother
Gertrude’s guilt or lack of
The ghost’s instructions to Hamlet regarding his mother
Questions:
-
Who is killed in this scene? How?
What action is Hamlet performing as he exits the scene?
What two things does Hamlet ask his mother to do? (Lines 185 – 192)
Reading Guide: Hamlet
Act IV, Scene I – Scene IV
Preview:
Act IV begin with four brief scenes that start by jumping all around the Elsinore castle as
people try to track down Hamlet and the dead body of Polonius.
- Scene I: After Hamlet left Gertrude’s sitting room dragging away
Polonius’s body, Gertrude leaves to tell Claudius about Hamlet’s deed.
Does this seem to contrast with the emotions we saw Gertrude expressing
with Hamlet in the previous scene? Claudius openly expresses how
dangerous and mad Hamlet now is and that quick action must be taken to
get him to England. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are sent off to find
Hamlet and the dead body. Claudius and Gertrude go to seek advice from
their closest friends.
- Scene II is a comical scene in which Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and a few
others finally catch up with Hamlet and ask where the body is. Hamlet is
either out of his mind here, or is making light of a very serious matter.
Enjoy the jokes Hamlet makes.
- Scene III continues the comedy as Hamlet is brought before Claudius.
Hamlet in no way takes Claudius seriously though Claudius is viewing
Hamlet as a very serious threat to Denmark. Claudius views Hamlet as
such an extreme threat that his agenda in sending Hamlet to England has a
devastating angle.
- Scene IV takes places as Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern are
heading to their boat for England. Just arriving is Fortinbras and his army.
Hamlet learns from the army’s captain that they are going to fight for a
small and worthless piece of land in Poland. Being the scholar that he is,
this notion sets Hamlet off on another of his philosophical and selfcondemning soliloquies.
Marginalia:
-
Questions:
Gertrude’s emotions and seeming loyalty to the King
Hamlets behavior: mad or crafted?
Track Hamlet’s emotions and thoughts in his soliloquy in Scene IV
-
According to Hamlet, how is Claudius his mother?
How may a King pass through the guts of a beggar?
What does Claudius have planned for Hamlet in England?
At the end of Scene IV as Hamlet is heading off to England, what does he
say he will set his thoughts on?
Reading Guide: Hamlet
Act IV, Scene V
Preview:
In this scene, a Gentleman (servant) approaches Gertrude and begins to discuss madness,
but this time the madness is not Hamlet’s. Given everything that has been going on
Ophelia is now “distracted,” meaning she has gone crazy. Ophelia enters hopping and
singing and shouting words that are bizarre but seem to hold some bit of truth that makes
everybody wonder and guess as to why she has become insane. Claudius and Horatio also
enter and witness Ophelia as well. Once Ophelia leaves with Horatio keeping an eye on
her, Claudius reveals an important piece of information about Laertes. Then, suddenly, a
commotion is heard outside of the main room. Laertes is storming the castle with a group
of rebels to avenge his father’s death (sound like a familiar plot line?). Laertes enters,
believing the King to be responsible, and is ready to kill; but Claudius is able to talk
Laertes’s anger down. Then Laertes experiences a whole different emotion when his
sister enters the room again in such a way that Laertes immediately recognizes that her
sanity has been lost.
Marginalia:
-
What bits of truth or reason do you see buried in Ophelia’s mad words?
What do the other characters think?
Laertes’s emotional experience
The smooth talk of Claudius
Questions:
-
(True/ False) Gertrude immediately desires to see Ophelia when the
Gentleman tells her what is going on? (Hint: first line of the scene)
Why is Laertes upset about his father’s funeral? (pg. 252)
When Ophelia enters the scene a second time, what is she carrying that she
then hands out?
What do the other characters believe to be the sole reason behind
Ophelia’s insanity?
Reading Guide: Hamlet
Act IV, Scene VI – Scene VII
Preview:
-
-
Scene VI: Scene six is incredibly short and only serves to explain what has
happened off stage. In the scene, Horatio receives a letter from Hamlet
that tells an interesting and fortunate tale of his journey to England.
Scene VII: In this Scene Laertes is informed about the true circumstances
surrounding his father’s death, which ignites a hatred for Hamlet in
Laertes chest. Claudius and Laertes then plot how to best kill Hamlet in a
manner that seems accidental. They are so determined to Kill Hamlet they
come up with a plan A and B. At the end of the scene, Gertrude interrupts
the murderous planning and delivers some devastating news.
Marginalia:
-
Where is Claudius’s smooth tongue manipulating Laertes?
Where could Gertrude have overheard the King and Laertes?
The details of Gertrude’s devastating news
The tone by which Gertrude delivers the news
Questions:
-
Explain what happened to Hamlet on his journey to England. (Be specific)
What are the two reasons why Claudius says they cannot kill Hamlet in a
public manner? (Pg. 258)
What are the two plans Laertes and Claudius make to kill Hamlet?
What is the “unction” that Laertes has purchased?
Reading Guide: Hamlet
Act V, Scene I
Preview:
After all the chaos and murderous plotting of the last few scenes, Act five begins with a
much slower pace and develops the philosophical interests of the play, but that isn’t to
say that it is a completely serious scene. The scene begins with two Gravediggers digging
a grave and discussing the death of the person who will soon be buried in the grave. One
of the gravediggers has an interesting sense of humor, taking things said to him quite
literally and making jokes off of the literal meaning. Hamlet and Horatio stumble upon
the comical gravedigger, and Hamlet begins talking to him. Their conversation serves an
interesting meditation on life and death during which Hamlet seems sane, serious, and
meditative. What realizations do you think Hamlet is coming to?
The scene then takes a change of pace as Hamlet and Horatio secretly watch the funeral
party come forth to bury the deceased. Hamlet recognizes Laertes, Claudius, and
Gertrude, but it takes him a minute to realize that the funeral is for Ophelia. When he
realizes this, the scene starts to get weird. Soon, Laertes jumps down in the grave and
grabs the body of his sister to express his grief. Hamlet bursts out from hiding and also
jumps down in the grave proclaiming that he is more grieved than Laertes. Naturally, the
two start to wrestle in the grave (possibly with the dead body between them), but they are
broken apart and the scene dissolves.
Marginalia:
-
Hamlet’s philosophical thoughts on death
Where does Hamlet seem sane?
Where does Hamlet seem mad?
Tension and comparison between Hamlet and Laertes
Questions:
-
Who was Yorick?
What other two events took place on the day the gravedigger began his
current occupation?
Why is Laertes upset at the priest’s handling of his sister’s funeral rites?
Reading Guide: Hamlet
Act V, Scene II
Preview:
The concluding scene of Hamlet is quite long, and it is helpful to break the scene down
into three distinct parts:
1) A conversation between Hamlet, Horatio, and eventually Osric: In this
conversation, Hamlet tells a little more about his brief voyage for England.
Horatio is astounded by the information. Here, Hamlet also seems
unusually composed, especially when compared to his behavior at
Ophelia’s funeral. Hamlet is apologetic, sober, and introspective. Osric, a
fool of a character, enters to challenge Hamlet to a fencing competition
against Laertes. After having a little fun at Osric’s expense, Hamlet agrees
though he doesn’t feel at peace about the situation.
2) The swordplay: After a conversation between Hamlet and Laertes in which
Hamlet may or may not express genuine apology and Laertes may or may
not express genuine forgiveness, the two have a few rounds of swordplay.
Hamlet wins the first few points, so a nervous Claudius puts the back up
plan into action by poisoning a cup for Hamlet. From here, everything
quickly falls apart. Before long, there are many characters dying on the
ground.
3) Fortinbras as King: As soon as all the dying is over, Fortinbras enters the
scene. Horatio begins to tell Fortinbras the tragic story of Hamlet and how
all the madness of the final scene came to be.
Marginalia:
-
Lines overtly expressing Christian ideas
Tension and release between Hamlet and Laertes
Ending lines that bring the whole play together
Questions:
-
How was Hamlet able to reseal the letter he read about his impending
doom in England?
Which characters die? How do they die?
-
What are Hamlet’s dying wishes? (Two things)