Due Monday, September 16th - "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, Act I, scenes iv and v

Overview:  In class, we read, performed, and viewed William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act I, scenes iv and v.  Now, I would like you to re-examine the text using study questions, below.

Directions:  Attend to one or more of the following questions using 2-3 direct quotations/passages from the text.  If the question is merely asking you about a plot point, please go further and think about the how and why attached to the question.  Further, make psychological and metaphorical connections to the ideas we expressed in class.  When you come into class, we will read each other's responses, respond on the blog and discuss as a class.  I look forward to your thoughts and insights.

Study Questions for Exploration

When Hamlet sees the ghost, how does he react?

Summarize the ghost's description of the murder.

What does Hamlet write in his journal ("my Tables") after his conversation with the ghost?

To what does Hamlet (and the the ghost) make the others swear?

What does Hamlet tell the others he may do if he thinks it meet?

How do Hamlet's last sentences serve to diminish the sense of resolve with which he seems to approach the obligations he has assumed in the rest of the act?