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QUESTION 11 – HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 11 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 11
QUESTION 11 – HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow. EXTRACT E CLAUDIUS And can you by no drift of confer... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:QUESTION 11 – HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 11 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
11.1 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's Purpose
Answer
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been sent by Claudius and Gertrude to investigate the cause of Hamlet's strange behavior. They are tasked with spying on Hamlet, but when he realizes their true intentions, he refuses to cooperate. Their ultimate goal is to understand Hamlet's mental state and convey that information to Claudius.
Step 2
11.2 Claudius's Perception of Hamlet's Madness
Answer
Claudius is suspicious of Hamlet's behavior. He believes that Hamlet's madness is assumed rather than genuine and sees Hamlet as a potential threat to his rule. Claudius suspects that Hamlet may be aware of his own illicit actions, particularly regarding the murder of King Hamlet.
Step 3
11.3 Claudius's Thoughts on the Players
Answer
Claudius is pleased with Hamlet's involvement in the play, believing it will distract him from the murder of King Hamlet. However, Claudius underestimates Hamlet's intent; he is actually planning to expose Claudius’s guilt through the performance of the play within the play.
Step 4
11.4 The Role of Spying in the Play
Answer
Spying serves as a major theme throughout the play, used by characters to protect their own interests. Hamlet uses the play to observe Claudius's reaction, hoping to confirm his guilt regarding King Hamlet's murder. The atmosphere of deceit leads to tragic outcomes, as trust is undermined among characters.
Step 5
11.5 After the Death of Polonius
Answer
After Hamlet kills Polonius, he is shipped off to England by Claudius under the guise of a diplomatic mission. However, Claudius secretly orders Hamlet's execution upon his arrival. This illustrates Claudius's manipulative nature and his determination to eliminate threats.
Step 6
11.6 Hamlet's Feelings for Ophelia
Answer
Hamlet's love for Ophelia is a significant theme; he expresses feelings of betrayal due to her father’s involvement in espionage. His harsh treatment of her reflects his broader disillusionment with the world and his intent to create an appearance of madness as a strategy to cope with his grief.
Step 7
Step 8
11.8 Claudius's Corruption
Answer
Claudius's corrupt influence over Rosencrantz and Guildenstern is evident. He manipulates them into spying on Hamlet and betraying their friendship. This corruption highlights the broader moral decay within the court of Denmark and sets the stage for the ensuing tragedies.