This course focuses on all the key characters in perhaps Shakespeare's greatest work, including Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia and Laertes. By close study of the characters, students will gain confidence in discussing the text as a whole.
Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Laertes: students studying 'Hamlet' recognise these names, but how well do they know them? This course will focus on the major characters in 'Hamlet' in order to provide students with knowledge of their specific attributes and motivations. Students will develop an understanding of how Shakespeare portrays these characters through the use of language. This knowledge will also be directed towards a wider understanding of Shakespeare's great tragedy as students are asked to consider characters' relations to each other. By thoughtfully approaching each role in this way, students will be better prepared and feel confident to speak and write about 'Hamlet'.
Course Content
6 LESSONS
6 HOURS Total Length
Lesson 1
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: Getting to Know the Titular Role
60 minutes
Lesson 2
Claudius: Usurping Menace or Misunderstood King?
60 minutes
Lesson 3
Gertrude: Hamlet's Mother and the Oedipus Complex
60 minutes
Lesson 4
Ophelia: What to Make of Ophelia's 'Madness'
60 minutes
Lesson 5
Polonius: Elsinore's Master Manipulator or Pathetic Court Fool?
60 minutes
Lesson 6
'Minor' Roles: Laertes, Fortinbras, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. How Important are the Periphery Characters?
60 minutes
Key Skills
Interpretations
Character Analysis
Close Reading
Essay Writing
Educator
Angus I
English, Maths and History Educator
After completing his degree at Oxford, Angus is now teaching privately whilst pursuing a degree in law.
