The play's the thing: Hamlet, Ophelia and the conscience of the King

In this lesson we will watch Kenneth Branagh's version of Act 3 of "Hamlet". Before doing so, however, you will present your ideas about Act 2 and language from the first two acts of the play.

Task 1: Presentations about sequences on Act 2

In your groups, present your ideas about this part of the play.

Task 2: "O what a rogue and peasant slave am I!"

Hamlet ends Act 2 with a soliloquy comparing himself to the Player who has just spoken about King Priam. In pairs, after we have watched and read this soliloquy, discuss how the soliloquy communicates:

• Hamlet's self-examination
• Hamlet's emotions about his own situation
• Hamlet's decision making

Be prepared to support your ideas from the script (annotate your own copy).

Task 3: Watching Branagh's "Hamlet"

Homework 1: Essay

Discuss how Shakespeare uses at least two soliloquies to communicate to the audience about Prince Hamlet. You may focus on Acts 1-3 alone but make sure you refer closely to the script.

Present your work as word processed and double-spaced with 800 words.

Homework 2: Hamlet and Ophelia

Re-read Act 3 scene 1 lines 58-164, the soliloquy "To be or not to be" and dialogue between Hamlet and Ophelia. Make notes on what we learn in this sequence about Hamlet and Ophelia and their relationship.

Bring to next week's lesson on A4 paper for discussion.