Hamlet's encounter with the Ghost

Homework: 3rd October 2008 (Happy birthday Dr Milne!)

"I am thy father's spirit,
Doomed for a certain term to walk the night" (Hamlet 1.5).

Task 1:

Re-read Act 1 scene 4 in which Hamlet first sees the Ghost of his dead father. Look especially at lines 20-39 starting "Angels and ministers of grace defend us!"

1. What evidence is there in Hamlet's speech of his uncertainty about the Ghost?
2. How should we explain this?

Task 2:

Re-read the Ghost's story in Act 1 scene 5 from lines 9-91.

1. What is the Ghost's explanation for his death?
2. What imagery in the Ghost's speech suggests the corruption at the heart of the Danish court?
3. What examples of religious imagery can you find in the Ghost's speech?

Task 3:

Read at least to the end of Act 2 of "Hamlet" (more if you can). Check out the links I have provided about studying Shakespeare to help you (scroll down left hand side of the page to see these Shakespeare hotspots).

Get a google account then send me your email address (to thepapist@live.co.uk) and I'll make you a member. Post any questions you have or requests for help!

Hand in next week, 10th October on A4 paper, answers word-processed please!