Hamlet is a play that has caused quite a bit of confrontation between literary scholars over the years. Several issues have been particularly contentious, and the purpose of this forum assignment is to delve into some of those discussions. Please remain respectful as you “have at” your fellow students in this discussion.
Complete a 200-250 word forum post. Your post should address one of the following questions:
- Was Hamlet actually “mad” or merely pretending? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your position.
- What was the nature of Hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship? Did Hamlet actually love her or not? Had they been intimate or not? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your belief.
- How old is Hamlet in the play? Is he 16 or 30? If he is 16, how do you explain the conversation with the gravedigger? If he is 30, why was he not made king when his father died? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your belief.
- Would Hamlet have been a good king? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your belief.
- Was Gertrude guilty of anything at all, or is Hamlet’s rage at her misguided? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your belief.
- Did Ophelia commit suicide, or was her death a tragic accident? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your belief.
- Who is the most honourable character in Hamlet and why? Provide specific examples from the text in order to support your belief.
