Hamlet…
By William Shakespeare…
Analysis and “translation”
by L. Krieger
Hamlet – according to the “rules” of
Module B
• This module requires students to explore and
evaluate a specific text and its reception (how
people respond to it) in a range of contexts
(historical, social, cultural)….
or… in other words…
• How does an audience respond to Hamlet in
different social – cultural – and historical (time
AND place) perspectives / interpretations / and
values/opinions
This is you!
These are what you need to
wear when you “explore”
(not just read) a text in
English.
HAMLET
Module B lenses (from English syllabus –
Critical Study of Text))
Time and place (history) lens
Culture lens
Social lens
When you ïnvestigate a text,
looking through your Module B lens,
you will focus on finding all the clues
– phrases – words – structures –
images and language style that
shows the culture, society and
historical time and place of the text
– and (usually) of the composer
too!!
Cultural “context”…
• Shown by:
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Language
Food
Clothing
Music
Art
Architecture
Religion
Family structure
Social “context”
• Shown by ideas and
images of:
– rich : poor
– Educated :un-educated
– Profession : unemployed
– Hobbies – interests –
– “demographic” (NOT agegroup)
– Language style
– Leisure activities
Historical (time AND place) “context”
• Shown by images and
ideas of:
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Language style
Fashion
Technology
Family structure
Women’s roles
Men’s roles
Education institutions
“religious” expectations
Module B: Critical Study of Texts
• Students explore the ideas expressed in the text
through analysing its construction content and
language.
or… in other words
• You must search through the play / production and
“discover”
what ideas… values… opinions… bias (etc…)
are created by the language techniques – dramatic
techniques - and - structure - used by the composer
/ director
Module B: Critical Study of Texts
• develops students’ understanding of questions of
textual integrity (whether or not the text –
characters – settings are consistent and believable…
within the context of the text and the responder).
or… in other words…
• Are the characters, events, values, ideas and
opinions in the text “believable” and consistent …in
the time and place of the particular production of
Hamlet?
Module B: Critical Study of Texts
• They research others’ perspectives of the text and test these
against their own understanding and interpretations of the text.
or… in other words
• You must analyse other people’s perspectives of the text and see if
they work with your opinion of the characters, ideas, events,
values and beliefs. (Rhetorical questions would be a good way to
show your “test” results).
Module B: Critical Study of Texts
• Students discuss and evaluate the ways in which the set work
has been read, received and valued in historical and other
contexts.
or… other words…
• You have to figure out how Hamlet has been interpreted and
how important Hamlet has been in different societies…
cultures… and… times & places
Module B: Critical Study of Texts
• They extrapolate (infer, estimate value, predict) from this
study of a particular text to explore questions of textual
integrity and significance.
or… in other words
• You must predict how much the different productions of
Hamlet will be enjoyed… understood… believed… and
“appreciated” by different audiences.
Section II — Module B: Critical Study of Texts
20 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 3–9 Allow about 40
minutes for this section
Answer the question in a SEPARATE writing booklet.
Extra writing booklets are available.
In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:
__________________________________________
• demonstrate an informed understanding of the ideas
expressed in the text
• evaluate the text’s language, content and construction
• organise, develop and express ideas using language
appropriate to audience, purpose and form
__________________________________________
Shakespeare’s, Hamlet
Through its portrayal of human experience,
Shakespeare’s Hamlet reinforces the
significance of loyalty.
To what extent does your interpretation of
Hamlet support this view?
In your response, make detailed reference to
the play.
Re-write the question in the simplest “words” you can – but - make sure
you don’t change the meaning of the question
Through its portrayal of human experience,
Shakespeare’s Hamlet reinforces the
significance of loyalty.
In it’s interpretation (opinions / values / beliefs) of “life” (in
particular – relationships among people)…
the play Hamlet highlights (supports / believes-in / emphasises)
the great importance of loyalty (trustworthiness, faithfulness,
devotion, fidelity, dependability and reliability)
To what extent does your interpretation of
Hamlet support this view?
How have the language and dramatic techniques, in different
productions of Hamlet, influenced (changed / prejudiced / affected
/ controlled) you… to agree – or disagree – with the idea - that
Hamlet assumes that loyalty is an important part of the success of
relationships among people.