HumanitiesHamlet, Part 6: Applying Literary Criticism example #42771
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Hamlet, Part 6: Applying Literary Criticism

Zoya Hayes avatar Zoya Hayes
29 August 2022
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question
Which lens is the student most likely viewing the text through? A student makes an observation about Hamlet. The focus on succession to the throne in Hamlet would have been interesting to an Elizabethan audience because their own queen had no heir.
answer
historical

Explanation: The student is most likely viewing the text through the lens of historical context.
question
How does the repeated idea in this excerpt reflect an important theme in this play? Read the excerpt from Act III of Hamlet. And melt in her own fire: proclaim no shame When the compulsive ardour gives the charge, Since frost itself as actively doth burn, And reason panders will.
answer
The repeated use of "hot" and "cold" words supports the theme "Passion is a powerful force."

Explanation: The repeated idea in this excerpt is proclaim no shame." This reflects an important theme in the play, which is the idea that there is no shame in being passionate. This is seen throughout the play, as Hamlet is a very passionate character."
question
Which line would most likely be written by a reader analyzing Hamlet through a formalist lens?
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The play includes repeated references to death and decay.

Explanation: A reader analyzing Hamlet through a formalist lens would most likely write a line like The play is a tragedy because the main character, Hamlet, dies at the end.""
question
Formalist criticism focuses upon a text's
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structure.

Explanation: internal features and its relationship to literary traditions, rather than making extra-textual or social references.Formalist criticism is a critical approach that focuses on the internal features of a text, such as its structure, language, and style, rather than making extra-textual or social references. This approach is based on the belief that a text is an autonomous work of art that should be evaluated on its own merits, without reference to outside factors such as the author's biography or the historical context in which it was produced. Formalist critics often use close reading techniques to analyze a text in depth, paying close attention to its form, structure, and style in order to better understand its meaning.
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Both historical and feminist criticisms
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connect literature to the society it was written in.

Explanation: are based on the same basic principlesBoth historical and feminist criticisms are based on the same basic principles of close reading, textual analysis, and contextualization. However, feminist criticism also emphasizes the importance of understanding how gender affects the production, reception, and interpretation of texts. In addition, feminist critics often focus on analyzing works by women authors and works that deal with women's experiences.
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connect literature to the society it was written in.
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gender and stereotypes.

Explanation: Literature is often seen as a reflection of the society it was written in. This is because the ideas and values that are presented in literature often reflect the beliefs and values of the people in the society at the time. For example, a novel that was written during the Industrial Revolution is likely to reflect the change and upheaval that was happening in society at that time. Similarly, a book that was written during a time of war is likely to reflect the feelings of fear and anxiety that were present in society at that time.
question
How do his words reflect politics in Shakespeare's day? Read the words of King Claudius in Act IV of Hamlet. Come, Gertrude, we'll call up our wisest friends; And let them know both what we mean to do, And what's untimely done: so, haply, slander, Whose whisper o'er the world's diameter, As level as the cannon to his blank Transports his poison'd shot, may miss our name, And hit the woundless air. O! come away;
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Explanation: My soul is full of discord and dismay.King Claudius is worried about the political repercussions of his actions. He is worried that people will find out about what he has done and that they will spread rumors about him. He is also worried that people will think badly of him because of his actions.
question
Which factors are to be considered when using historical criticism to analyze a text? Select 3 options.
answer
political events of the time the original audience common beliefs of the period

Explanation: There are a number of factors to be considered when using historical criticism to analyze a text. These include:1) The historical context in which the text was produced. This includes considering the time period in which the text was written, as well as the specific circumstances and events that may have influenced its production.2) The author of the text. This includes considering their biography, their social and political context, and their likely motivations for writing the text.3) The text itself. This includes close analysis of the content of the text, in order to identify its main ideas and arguments.
question
This exchange reflects Shakespeare's time because Read the excerpt from Act IV of Hamlet. Rosencrantz: Take you me for a sponge, my lord? Hamlet: Ay, sir, that soaks up the king's countenance, his rewards, his authorities. But such officers do the king best service in the end: he keeps them, like an ape, in the corner of his jaw; first mouthed, to be last swallowed: when he needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you, and, sponge, you shall be dry again.
answer
rulers gained power by surrounding themselves with loyal officers.

Explanation: This exchange reflects Shakespeare's time because it was a time when people were very suspicious of anyone in a position of authority.
question
Which is a feminist analysis of these lines? Read the excerpt from Hamlet, Act III, scene iv. Gertrude: Why, how now, Hamlet! Hamlet: What's the matter now? Gertrude: Have you forgot me? Hamlet: No, by the rood, not so: You are the queen, your husband's brother's wife; And,—would it were not so!—you are my mother.
answer
Hamlet defines Gertrude only by her relationship to men.

Explanation: One feminist analysis of these lines might be that Hamlet is holding his mother accountable for her actions, namely marrying his uncle so soon after his father's death. He acknowledges her as the queen but also points out the incestuous nature of her relationship with his uncle. This could be interpreted as Hamlet critiquing the patriarchal system that allows men to control women's lives and bodies.