Lesson Three - Hamlet

Introduction

Lesson Four - Hamlet
Duration - 8 blocks (8 x 80 min + homework)

"We all sympathize with Hamlet, and that is understandable, because almost every one of us recognizes in the prince, our own characteristics." - Ivan Turgenev (1818-1883) Russian novelist and playwright

Students often ask, "Why do we have to read Shakespeare?" It's a valid question, as, after all, his writing is over 400 years old. But, are the ideas he explored still valid today? Another valid question! What does Shakespeare have to say to a 21st-century audience?

We have all procrastinated about something important that we had to do, sometimes disappointing other people and often disappointing ourselves. Why do we procrastinate?
Most people have purposely "played the fool" at some time. Why do people do this? If a person, for some reason, plays the fool or pretends to be disturbed for a long time, do you think the person eventually can become truly disturbed?
Isolation and loneliness are feelings common to most people at one time or another. Sometimes external circumstances create this situation, and sometimes people deliberately withdraw from those around them. What can friend or relatives do when someone has purposely withdrawn and chosen to be alone with his or her problems?
Disillusion is a common experience of growing up. We find that people in the adult world whom we once idealized are less than ideal, and that situations we considered innocent are actually corrupt. How do young people encountering the "real world" for the first time handle these discoveries?
In Shakespeare's time, insane people were regarded as sources of entertainment. What is our society's attitude toward mental illness?
What is the difference between "taking revenge" and "getting justice"?
Privacy is highly valued in our society. How would you feel if you found out that you were "under surveillance" at school, at your job, at home, or among friends because of some change in your behaviour?

Once you've thought about this wide range of topics, you're ready to explore Hamlet.