Curated Video
Hamlet 1.5 Word Nerd: Fat
In Shakespeare's England, an agricultural society with expensive food and prevalent manual labor, it was uncommon for people to become overweight, with the character Falstaff being a notable exception. The term "fat" was often applied to...
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Hamlet 1.5 Why It's Cool
In this scene, Hamlet receives the mission to avenge his father's untimely death—a murder that deprived the elder Hamlet of last rites, adding a layer of religious and ethical complexity to the act of revenge. This encounter not only...
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Hamlet 1.5 What the Critics Say
Shakespeare's realistic portrayal of the ghost in Hamlet was unique and likely unexpected compared to the traditional theatrical ghosts that were more fantastical and less emotionally nuanced. This video also touches on new historicism,...
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Hamlet 1.5 The Ghost Speaks
The ghost hints at its origins and state, with references to tormenting flames suggesting purgatory to Shakespeare's contemporary audience. This aligns with Catholic views of a transitional state where souls of sinners are purified...
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Hamlet 1.5 Performance: Hamlet Speaks with the Ghost
The ghost reveals to Hamlet that he is the spirit of his father, doomed to roam due to the sins of his life until they are purged. He tells Hamlet of his murder by his brother, Claudius, who poisoned him while he slept in his orchard,...
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Hamlet 1.5 Language: Spheres
The ghost suggests that an accurate description of purgatory would deeply terrify Hamlet, causing extreme physical reactions like his blood turning cold, hair standing on end like porcupine quills, and eyes popping out. This description...
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Hamlet 1.5 Language: Falling-off
This video analyzes the complex portrayal of Queen Gertrude, focusing on the ghost's perspective of her dual nature. It suggests that Gertrude possesses an inherently virtuous side, impervious to corruption, yet ultimately succumbs to...
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Hamlet 1.5 Interview with Hamlet
In this interview with an actor playing Hamlet in character, we learn that a ghostly figure, implied to be Hamlet's father, recently revealed he was murdered by his brother Claudius, who now wears the crown. This ghost charges Hamlet...
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Hamlet 1.5 Discussion: The question of Gertrude’s Adultery
In this transcript, a discussion revolves around the meaning of the term "adulterate" as used by the Ghost in Shakespeare's "Hamlet." The dialogue explores whether it implies actual adultery between Claudius and Gertrude before the...
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Hamlet 1.5 Discussion: The Ghost Departs
Even though the ghost orders Hamlet to take revenge against Claudius, he also specifies that Hamlet should not take any action toward his mother but rather let her own conscience punish her. As morning approaches the sky begins to become...
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Hamlet 1.5 Discussion: Shall I Couple Hell?
Hamlet is profoundly unsettled by his encounter with the ghost, unsure of its origins—alternating between considering it a spirit from heaven, earth, or even hell. His hesitation to fully embrace the notion that it could be a malevolent...
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Hamlet 1.5 Discussion: Hamlet's Nonchalance
Hamlet, aware of the danger he faces if Claudius learns of his knowledge and intentions, swears Horatio and Marcellus to secrecy about the ghost's revelation. The scene turns peculiar as the ghost's voice prompts Hamlet to act seemingly...
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Hamlet 1.5 Discussion: Fatherly Advice
Hamlet resolves to purge his mind of all distractions, focusing solely on his father's command to seek revenge. This singular dedication contrasts sharply with the broader, socially conforming advice Polonius offers Laertes, highlighting...
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Hamlet 1.5 Discussion: Antic Disposition
Hamlet informs Horatio and Marcellus of his plan to feign madness, intending to appear harmless to Claudius and incapable of seeking revenge for his father's murder. This tactic, while critical to the play's plot, raises questions among...
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Hamlet 1.5 Discussion: Adulterous
Hamlet had previously described his mother's relationship with his uncle as incestuous, and the ghost adds to this by implicating them in adultery, suggesting Claudius had an affair with Gertrude while King Hamlet was still alive. The...
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Hamlet 1.5 Discussion: "Swift"
Hamlet expresses a desire to swiftly enact his revenge, invoking the proverbial expression "as swift as thought" to highlight the speed with which he intends to act, contrasting sharply with the more contemplative aspects of his...