Hamlet

exposition = background (basic situation)exposition = background (basic situation)

complication/rising action = cause/escalation complication/rising action = cause/escalation of conflict of conflict

climax = leads to the demise of the tragic hero

falling action = things fall apart

resolution = final explanation; order restored

o pun = pun = playplay on words with on words with multiplemultiple meanings or meanings or similarsimilar words with words with differentdifferent meanings meaningsExample:Example:

o Simile= Simile= comparisoncomparison of two or more things using of two or more things using LikeLike and/or and/or asas

o rhetorical question = question stated rhetorical question = question stated withoutwithout needing an needing an answeranswerExample:Example:

o metaphor = metaphor = comparescompares two things two things withoutwithout using like or as using like or as

o parallel structure = parallel structure = sentencesentence structure alike in structure alike in formform and and functionfunctionExample:Example:

o aside = aside = shortshort statement to statement to audienceaudience or other characters but not or other characters but not overheardoverheard by others on by others on stagestage

o soliloquy = speaks soliloquy = speaks directlydirectly to to audienceaudience; ; alonealone of stage; reveals character's of stage; reveals character's thoughtsthoughts to the to the audienceaudience Example:Example:

o verbal irony = saying the verbal irony = saying the oppositeopposite of what you of what you meanmean in order to in order to produceproduce an effect an effect

o dramatic irony = dramatic irony = audienceaudience or or otherother characters know something that the characters know something that the main character main character does notdoes not

o theme = the theme = the messagemessage of the play of the play

protagonist = protagonist = centralcentral character in the play character in the play

antagonist = works antagonist = works againstagainst the protagonist the protagonist

stock characters = stock characters = typicaltypical characters reused in characters reused in multiplemultiple Shakespearean plays Shakespearean plays* * ghostghost, , cruel tyrant, loyalcruel tyrant, loyal servantservant, , female confidantefemale confidante

foils = characters foils = characters contrastcontrast other characters in order to other characters in order to emphasizeemphasize particular particular TraitsTraits

o Definition: A tragic hero is the Definition: A tragic hero is the centralcentral character in a character in a tragedytragedy for whom events for whom events end end disastrously. disastrously.

o A tragic hero has all of the following characteristics:A tragic hero has all of the following characteristics:

o Tragic flaw = a fatal error in judgment that leads to the tragic hero's demise. This flaw is traditionally considered an admirable quality carried to excess.

o Goodness = to arouse pity in the reader

o Superiority = makes his fall seem that much more tragic, his destruction that much greater (but he does represent the common lot)

o Tragic realization = tragic hero understands what he must endure and how he has helped to bring about own destruction.

o Internal struggle- beyond normal

o Power of expression- equal to power to endure (questions struggle while on the brink of chaos)

o Strength to match the violence pitted against him; can endure everything but the thing that ultimately destroys him

o Strength serves as an inspiration to the readers and other characters and helps to restore order

o Faces destiny with courage and nobility of spirit

o Falls from happiness to misery (chaos) to death

o Becomes increasingly isolated and left to place his problems alone

Focuses on a tragic hero who goes astray by committing Focuses on a tragic hero who goes astray by committing some fatal mistakesome fatal mistake

Recounts an important series of events in the life of a Recounts an important series of events in the life of a person of significance, ending in an unhappy catastropheperson of significance, ending in an unhappy catastrophe

Must be violence (wicked people, treason, etc.)Must be violence (wicked people, treason, etc.)

Presence of the supernaturalPresence of the supernatural

Deals with an instance of human evilDeals with an instance of human evil

Deals with revenge and retributionDeals with revenge and retribution

Political struggle and disillusionment in Political struggle and disillusionment in societysociety

Poses questions:Poses questions:What is a good leader?What is a good leader?What is a good follower?What is a good follower?

Followers are fickleFollowers are fickle

Unlike many of Shakespeare's plays, Unlike many of Shakespeare's plays, there's no Christian God for divine there's no Christian God for divine supportsupport

The End!The End!

Thank you!Thank you!