How do the scene with the gravediggers and Hamlet’s scene with Yorick’s skull illustrate the broader theme of Hamlet’s preoccupation with death?

Question #1 (1 paragraph)

Next, read act IV of Hamlet, and then answer the following question.

In literature, a foil is a character who serves as a contrast to the protagonist or another important character. This contrast often helps to emphasize certain traits in the central character. How does Laertes serve as a foil for Hamlet in act IV, scene V, of Hamlet?

Question #2 (2 paragraphs)

Read act V of Hamlet and answer the following question.

How do the scene with the gravediggers and Hamlet’s scene with Yorick’s skull illustrate the broader theme of Hamlet’s preoccupation with death?

Question #3
Part A – The table lists the major characters in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Briefly describe each character in the table. Make sure you note the relationships between the characters.

Part B

Examine the theme of moral corruption in Hamlet and write an essay of about 200 words on the subject. Be sure to include examples of moments in the play when this theme is apparent, and state why it is one of the central themes of the play.

Question #4 (short response)

Many interpretations of Hamlet exist, from long to short, from serious to humorous, and each calls

attention to different aspects of the work. Watch this one-minute video, which has a decidedly comic tone. Describe what elements of the play the video captures, as well as the ones it omits.

Question #5

Part A

Use your knowledge of the elements of a plot diagram and your reading of Hamlet to fill in the play’s major plot elements in the table.

Part B (short answer)

It is often debated at what exact point the play Hamlet reaches its climax. Some people believe that the climax is the play that Hamlet presents to test his uncle. Others believe that it is the moment when Hamlet kills Polonius. Take a stance on which of these events you feel is the true climax and support your answer with details from the text.