Hamlet, Part 4: Comparing And Contrasting Interpretations

29 August 2022
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question
In a well-known adaptation of Hamlet, one actor plays both Hamlet and the ghost. What is the effect of this adaptation? It establishes Hamlet's madness and that the ghost is not a figment of his imagination. It emphasizes the idea that the ghost is not real, but rather imagined by Hamlet. It complicates the plot and makes it more difficult for a modern audience to understand it. It simplifies the plot of the play and makes it easier for a modern audience to understand it.
answer
b
question
Based on this section of the soliloquy, which best describes Hamlet's view of death? He is confident that things will be better after death. He is uncertain about what will happen in the afterlife. He believes that death is like taking a very long nap. He believes that his soul is lost if he kills himself.
answer
not c

Explanation: He is uncertain about what will happen in the afterlife.
question
What does Hamlet mean by "shuffled off this mortal coil"? dying living dreaming sleeping
answer
not b

Explanation: Hamlet is saying that death is the end of life, and that once a person dies, they are gone forever.
question
What does Hamlet mean when he refers to the "pangs of dispriz'd love"? courtship romance passion heartache
answer
d

Explanation: Hamlet is referring to the pain and suffering that comes from being rejected in love. This can be a very difficult and emotionally devastating experience for anyone to go through.
question
What effect do these images have on Olivier's adaptation of Hamlet? They show that Olivier's Hamlet is very angry and forceful. They show that Olivier's Hamlet is very thoughtful and analytical. They show that Olivier's Hamlet is very sorrowful and pained. They show that Olivier's Hamlet is very funny and comedic.
answer
not c
question
A performance of a play with changes in important elements, such as scenery, language, and ethnicity of characters, is called an .
answer
adaptation

Explanation: A performance of a play with changes in important elements, such as scenery, language, and ethnicity of characters, is called an adaptation.
question
What does this part of the soliloquy reveal about Hamlet? He still loves Ophelia. He believes the ghost was real. He is planning his revenge. He is contemplating suicide.
answer
not c

Explanation: The part of the soliloquy that says To be, or not to be: that is the question" reveals that Hamlet is contemplating suicide. He is wondering if it would be better to just end his life rather than to continue living in a world that is full of pain and suffering."
question
How do the actors' physical appearances affect their adaptations of Hamlet? Both actors appear to be well-groomed, which emphasizes the idea that Hamlet has not fallen into madness. Both actors appear disheveled, which emphasizes the idea that Hamlet has fallen into madness. Price appears well-groomed, which emphasizes the idea that Hamlet is rational, while Olivier is disheveled, which emphasizes the idea that Hamlet is irrational. Price appears disheveled, which emphasizes the idea that Hamlet is irrational, while Olivier is well-groomed, which emphasizes the idea that he is rational.
answer
d
question
Which words does Hamlet use to describe the afterlife? a weary life undiscover'd country puzzles the will those ills we have
answer
b

Explanation: The afterlife is often described as a undiscover'd country" full of mystery. It is a place where the soul goes after death, and it is often seen as a final resting place. Hamlet describes it as a "weary life" full of ills that we have not yet solved."
question
How does an adaptation where the ghost and Hamlet are played by the same actor differ from an adaptation where the ghost and Hamlet are played by two separate actors? By having the same actor play both parts, the existence of the ghost is proven and Hamlet's madness is confirmed. By having the same actor play both parts, the need for vengeance is emphasized and Hamlet's lack of madness is confirmed. By having the same actor play both parts, the two characters are separated and Hamlet's lack of madness is confirmed. By having the same actor play both parts, the two characters become one and Hamlet's madness is confirmed.
answer
d

Explanation: An adaptation where the ghost and Hamlet are played by the same actor differs from an adaptation where the ghost and Hamlet are played by two separate actors in a few ways. For one, it confirms the existence of the ghost, as well as Hamlet's madness. It also emphasizes the need for vengeance, as well as Hamlet's lack of madness. Additionally, it separates the two characters, making it clear that Hamlet is not possessed by the ghost. Finally, it brings the two characters together, making it clear that Hamlet is mad.