Act II Rising Action.pptxVIP

Act II: Rising Action Scene 1: Polonius Room Peculiar parenting and Ophelias new relationship with Hamlet Scene 2: Elsinore Extremely Long! 5 parts: King and Queen ask Hamlets childhood friends for help (1-40) News from Norway (62-90) Polonius and Hamlets madness (91-237) Hamlet talks to friends (240-340) A troupe of players (actors) arrive at Elsinore, players Hamlet intends to use against his uncle (340-570) Act II: Scene 1 Polonius, Reynaldo, Ophelia Polonius, for all his advice and apparent trust in Laertes, is not really letting Laertes be his own man. How so? What does it tell you about Polonius as a person and his parenting skills? What theme arises from the above? Ophelia seems to look for comfort from her father. Does he offer comfort to her? Act II Scene 2 (Lines 1-40) Claudius and Gertrude seem legitimately upset about Hamlet: after Hamlets interactions with the Ghost, do you trust them and their instincts? Do you think that Claudius is guilty? Do you think that Gertrude is complicit in Claudius betrayal? What could be the king and queens motives in digging up Hamlets distress? Are they being good parents? Or are they being shrewd politicians? Act II Scene 2 (Lines 62-90) Norway has just learned of Fortinbras intentions against Denmark (as a result of the diplomatic mission embarked upon by Cornelius and Voltemand): Fortinbras has been stopped. Do you think that Fortinbras is sincere in stopping his revenge? This part of the scene is, in many ways, besides the point of Hamlets revenge, but why might Shakespeare have included it? Act II Scene 2 (Lines 91-182) Polonius has a letter from Hamlet as proof of Hamlets madness originating in unrequited love. Do you think that the letter confirms what Polonius believes? Is Hamlet sick with love over Ophelia? Is this part of Hamlets antic act? Consider the plan that evolves from Poloniuss insights: Same questions as before... What could be the king and queens motives in digging up Hamlets distress? Again…Are they