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Hamlet

Hamlet, Part 1: An Introduction to Elizabethan Theater

February 18, 2021 by Essay Writer

To understand in a drama, the reader must weigh a character’s words against other information in the text.
characterization

In a drama, how do audiences learn about a character? Check all that apply.

through the character’s own words
through what other characters say
through narration about the character
through the actions the character takes
through the way others behave toward the character

1,2,4&,5

What best describes characterization?

the way a character should be performed
how a main character meets his or her downfall
how a main character overcomes a tragedy
the way a character is presented and developed

d

Claudius: Take thy fair hour, Laertes; time be thine,
And thy best graces spend it at thy will.

But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son,—

Hamlet: [Aside.] A little more than kin, and less than kind.

The aside reveals to the audience Hamlet’s

respect for Laertes.
affection for Claudius.
jealousy of Laertes.
dislike of Claudius.

d

Horatio: My lord, I came to see your father’s funeral.

Hamlet: I pray thee, do not mock me, fellow-student;
I think it was to see my mother’s wedding.

Horatio: Indeed, my lord, it follow’d hard upon.

Hamlet: Thrift, thrift, Horatio! the funeral bak’d meats
Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables.

In the excerpt, Shakespeare characterizes Hamlet as

amused that he was able to attend his own mother’s wedding.
disgusted that Gertrude and Claudius married so quickly.
grateful that his mother did not have to remain a widow for long.
resentful that Gertrude and Claudius wasted so much food.

b

In Hamlet, Act I, Scene i, which character does Shakespeare use most to create suspense?

Bernardo
Francisco
Ghost
Horatio

C

[Hamlet:] Must I remember? why, she would hang on him,
As if increase of appetite had grown
By what it fed on; and yet, within a month,
Let me not think on ‘t: Frailty, thy name is woman!
A little month; or ere those shoes were old
With which she follow’d my poor father’s body,
Like Niobe, all tears; why she, even she,—
O God! a beast, that wants discourse of reason,
Would have mourn’d longer,—married with mine uncle,
My father’s brother, but no more like my father
Than I to Hercules . . .

In this excerpt, Hamlet characterizes his mother as

eager.
fickle.
loyal.
sickly.

B

Which are structural elements that are unique to dramas? Check all that apply.

acts
scenes
sentences
stage directions
rising actions

1,2&4

In Hamlet, Act I, Scene ii, which dramatic convention does Shakespeare employ most?

He inserts unexpected humor.
He introduces a major conflict.
He hints at a happy ending.
He resolves the earlier suspense.

B

Claudius: Take thy fair hour, Laertes; time be thine,
And thy best graces spend it at thy will.
But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son,—

Hamlet: [Aside.] A little more than kin, and less than kind.

Claudius: How is it that the clouds still hang on you?

Hamlet: Not so, my lord; I am too much i’ the sun.

What is the most likely reason that Shakespeare chose this point in the play to give Hamlet his first aside?

Shakespeare is alerting the audience to the conflict between Claudius and Hamlet.
Shakespeare is making sure the audience knows early on that Hamlet is a tragic hero.
Shakespeare is contrasting Hamlet with Laertes to create suspense for the audience.
Shakespeare is hinting to the audience that Claudius will cause an unhappy ending for Hamlet.

A

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