With a partner, translate the lines into a language that is understandable to you.
You may use any sort of style that is suitable for you and your partner.
When complete, think about the overall mental state of Claudius.
Answer: What does this speech reveal about his mental state?
O, my offence is rank it smells to heaven;
It hath the primal eldest curse upon't,
A brother's murder. Pray can I not,
Though inclination be as sharp as will:
My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent;
And, like a man to double business bound,
I stand in pause where I shall first begin,
And both neglect. What if this cursed hand
Were thicker than itself with brother's blood,
Is there not rain enough in the sweet heavens
To wash it white as snow?
Whereto serves mercy
But to confront the visage of offence?
And what's in prayer but this two-fold force,
To be forestalled ere we come to fall,
Or pardon'd being down? Then I'll look up;
My fault is past. But, O, what form of prayer
Can serve my turn? 'Forgive me my foul murder'?
That cannot be; since I am still possess'd
Of those effects for which I did the murder,
My crown, mine own ambition and my queen.
May one be pardon'd and retain the offence?
In the corrupted currents of this world
Offence's gilded hand may shove by justice,
And oft 'tis seen the wicked prize itself
Buys out the law: but 'tis not so above;
There is no shuffling, there the action lies
In his true nature; and we ourselves compell'd,
Even to the teeth and forehead of our faults,
To give in evidence. What then? what rests?
Try what repentance can: what can it not?
Yet what can it when one can not repent?
O wretched state! O bosom black as death!
O limed soul, that, struggling to be free,
Art more engaged! Help, angels! Make assay!
Bow, stubborn knees; and, heart with strings of steel,
Be soft as sinews of the newborn babe! All may be well.
2. Act Three, Scene Four
Polonius
Gertrude
Hamlet
Ghost
Discussion Questions
Describe your reaction to the scene between Hamlet and Polonius.
Characterize Gertrude based on the conversation between her and Hamlet.
Evaluate Hamlet's current mental state.
Evaluate the role of the ghost.
We will watch scenes three and four.
Consider the characterization through inner thoughts, tone, mood, etc.
We will discuss your reactions as a class.
4. Skits
Within small groups, you will create a 3-5 minute skit that represents the major ideas in act three.
You may select both your group members and the role of each person.
The Roles:
Director- Determines the scenes, props, and stage movement. Focuses on artistic and dramatic elements.
Co-Director- Works with the director to make sure artistic and dramatice elements are fluid and relevant.
Writer- Creates the script of the scene.
Co-Writer- Works with the writer to create the script.
Editor- Reviews the script of the plot to ensure accuracy and evaluates effectiveness of director's decisions.
Before you begin creating your skit, make sure that you know the main idea you want to convey.
Make a graphic organizer with Act Three as the topic and scenes one-four branching off of it.
For each scene, identify the major idea and provide at least one quote.
Once this is complete, you may begin creating the play.
You can set this in any time and any place.
Just make sure your major ideas relate!
Break a leg!
Closure:
What do you still need to do in order to present these skits tomorrow?
