1. Words, Words, Words A Closer Look at Language

2. Hamlet Attack Polonius2.2.185-237 • If you were directing a movie version of the scene, what would you do? • What would the set look like? • Where in Elsinore would you place it? • What furniture, props, costumes, music, and special effects would you use • Watch two versions of the scene • What do you think of the choices made? How does the choices made by the director contribute to the play? What do they add? What do they take away?

3. Hamlet Attacks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern 2.2.238-338 • If you were directing a movie version of the scene, what would you do? • What would the set look like? • Where in Elsinore would you place it? • What furniture, props, costumes, music, and special effects would you use • Watch two versions of the scene • What do you think of the choices made? How does the choices made by the director contribute to the play? What do they add? What do they take away?

4. Exploring the Language- Reciprocal Read xiii-xxiii The Process: • Read a section • Write a summary of the section • Write a connection to your knowledge of the play for xiii-xiv then the “On Dialogue” handout for xiv-xiii • Write a question: what do you need clarified? or what do you wonder? • Reciprocal teach: • Partner 1 reads the summary, then 2 adds any other information that wasn’t mentioned • Partner 1 shares connects, then 2 adds • Both share and discuss questions • Write in log any lingering questions • Repeat for next section switching roles each time- If lingering questions are answered in the reading, then write those answers in the log.

5. Exploring the Language in these Scenes Let’s explore: • The use of double entendre: the trick whereby authors set up words or phrases so that they have two meanings—a clean one and a bawdy one. Search for double entendres in 2.2.187-237. • Look at 2.2.240-254. There is a series of double entendres in the exchange between Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who claim to live about the waist of Lady Fortune. • Why do you think Hamlet might be using these words? Does he mean to be bawdy? • Use of pun: Like double entendres but the sexual connotation is not a requirement. Search 2.2.187-237 for puns. • Purpose?

6. Loosed with Language • Look at 2.2.295-338 • Notice all the language tricks Shakespeare uses in this passage. • Metaphors, similes, alliteration, anastrophe (reversals), parallel construction, etc. • Have fun…enjoy the discovery • Overall • WheredoesHamlet stop playing with Polonius or Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and talks straight from the heart? What happens to the language tricks?

7. What’s Hecuba? • Read the rest of 2.2 • Look for classical allusions in this passage (your edition should help you through this; like Ilium, Cyclops, Mars.) • Summarize the tale of Pyrrhus, Priam, and Hecuba. • What emotion does the player create? Why does Hamlet have such a strong response? • Why would Hamlet be interested in the relationships in this trio? • How does and doesn’t their relationship mirror the plot of Hamlet?