Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Time to study! After you have finished reading Hamlet, the first task is to collectively agree on an interpretation of Hamlet's "To be, or not to be" monologue. Read it, analyze it, and reasearch it. Ask yourself questions as you read it. What is Hamlet trying to say? What does he mean? This will help your team to develop your interpretation of Hamlet's monologue and help you to interpret Shakespeare's play. It will also help you to think outside the box about the other characters of the play and to analyze their characteristics, their flaws, and their connection to today's world. Use the following questions to help with your research and interpretations: 1. Discuss the characters of the play. What are the conflicts of the main characters (Hamlet, Ophelia, Laertes, King Claudius, Queen Gertrude) and main conflicts of the play? Do you have any similar conflicts in your life? What are they? 2. What is your interpretation of Hamlet's monologue? Discuss how the time frame between Hamlet's time period and today would make this scene different. Explain and use examples. 3. Select another scene and present your interpretation of it. Update the scene as if it were presented in the 21st century. What differences would there be? 4. Be prepared to present your team's interpretation for each scene in front of the class.