Analysis of Laertes' Attitudes in Shakespeare's Hamlet Extract
In this analysis of an extract from Shakespeare's Hamlet, we explore how Laertes' attitudes towards Ophelia and Prince Hamlet are presented. Laertes is depicted as controlling and disapproving of their relationship, viewing it as trivial and immature. Through close examination of language and imagery, Shakespeare portrays Laertes as superior and critical of the affection between Ophelia and Hamlet, emphasizing its fleeting and insincere nature.
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WJEC A LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE UNIT 4 SHAKESPEARE CPD AUTUMN 2016
Section A Shakespeare Extract Points to note 45 marks : AO1 (15) AO2 (30) Timing advice 45 minutes Question will only require focus on the specified point of the play No reward for context and different interpretations
Section B Shakespeare Essay Points to note 75 marks: AO1 (15) AO2 (15) AO3 (30) AO5 (15) 30 marks for context Timing advice 1 hour 15 minutes Context related material must be integrated and not added in randomly Different interpretations must similarly be embedded into the argument
Trialled responses to specimen Unit 4 Section A Shakespeare extract: Hamlet Q 3 AO1 AO2 With close reference to the language and imagery in this extract, analyse how Shakespeare presents Laertes s attitudes towards Ophelia and Prince Hamlet.
Extract from Trialled Response 1 Laertes has a very opinionated view on Ophelia and Hamlet s relationship. His initial attitude is a want to control his sister as he tells her not sleep but let me hear from you. This has a slightly hostile sound sounding like a command rather than a request, by wanting her to update him regularly whilst she s away. Laertes goes on to almost mock their relationship calling it the trifling of his favour , assuring his sister that their affection for one another is trivial and unimportant. Shakespeare presents Laertes s disapprobation towards Ophelia and Prince Hamlet through a series of images presenting it as an unimportant love affair. He refers to it as a fashion and a toy in blood emphasising that he believes it to be youthful yet childish and therefore nothing serious. Through comparing it to something a child would use for entertainment, Shakespeare suggests that Laertes views himself as superior to his sister and more mature than both her and Hamlet. Through the metaphor A violet in the youth of primy nature , Shakespeare shows the audience that Laertes believes their relationship will be short-lived just like a violet only lives for a brief amount of time, will not last. In addition to this he says it s forward, not permanent, sweet not lasting which implies it is happening too soon and emphasises the short, unmaintainable image that Shakespeare creates throughout this passage. Finally, he refers to their relationship as perfume highlighting that it is something false and fabricated. Through using a chain of similar images in a short passage, Shakespeare makes it clear that Laertes is strongly against their relationship and is unafraid to state so clearly to his sister.
Extract from Trialled Response 2 This extract takes place as Laertes is about to leave for France and the question of Hamlet s affection towards Ophelia is raised. Laertes s use of end-stop lines when saying that his necessaries are embark d and Farewell conveys a sense of longing on Laertes s behalf; which clearly indicates that Laertes cares for his sister. This idea is further enforced when he says But let me hear from you which emphasises that Laertes wishes for his sister to write to him. However, the use of imperative language suggests that Laertes seems to have a degree of control over Ophelia, as the words But let me are more of a direct order than a request. He also says that Ophelia must not sleep which almost acts as a warning towards Ophelia; almost conveying a sense of vulnerability on Ophelia s behalf as Laertes is hinting that she must weary of Hamlet at all times. Perhaps this also hints at Laertes s attitude towards Hamlet as well, because it suggests that Laertes believes that Hamlet and the threat of his love will be an ever-present threat when he is gone. This perhaps foreshadows Laertes s language later in the extract, as Laertes s attitude towards Hamlet is one of uncertainty suspicion. Structurally the extract is also interesting, because for one, Laertes talks far more than Ophelia does, and also, Ophelia is the uncertain one who s asking her brother all the questions, such as Do you doubt that? This again reinforces the idea that Laertes sees himself as the sibling who s in charge and senses that he has a duty to take care of his sister, and perhaps he also senses a certain vulnerability and naivety in his sister.
Examples of integrating context and different interpretations into extended writing tasks for Unit 4 Shakespeare Section B 1. Examination responses to legacy specification LT4 question 8 Hamlet and The Revenger s Tragedy It is Hamlet s indecision and delay which make him a convincing character. Consider Shakespeare s presentation of Prince Hamlet in the light of this remark. In the course of your writing, show how your reading of The Revenger s Tragedy has illuminated your ideas.
Candidate response to legacy Q 8 integrating context Shakespeare s Hamlet detaches itself from other revenge tragedies of the Elizabethan and Jacobean age like the early Titus Andronicus and later The Revenger s Tragedy for the protagonist s lack of action. Hamlet has doubts of the accused and conviction in the immorality of his father s murder and yet his role as a thinker mars his ability to carry out, or even plot the revenge tasked upon him. His indecision in the fields of religion, morality, life and death starkly contrast the conviction of Vindice, who stops at nothing to get his revenge. While Hamlet is not the typical revenger, his questioning nature and lack of barbaric nature make him a more relatable character for audiences at all times.
Candidate response A continued Shakespeare presents doubts in religion throughout the play. With a Protestant queen on the throne but a ruthless Catholic one not long before her, Shakespeare s time was one of great religious uncertainty. We see this in Hamlet . Laertes studies in Paris, typically Catholic and Horatio in Wittenberg, home of Luther s Reformation . Hamlet s uncertainty whether to trust the Catholic Ghost or distrust the Protestant devil is reason for his inaction until The Mousetrap.
Candidate response B to legacy question 8 First performed in 1603, Hamlet is set in Denmark and in fact Shakespeare took his inspiration for the writing of this play from true events, although he incorporated a more modern spin into this dated occurrence. Shakespeare portrays Hamlet as an ideological character and perhaps more feminine in terms of physical capability and mental attributes. He is not the warlike figure that his father, Old Hamlet, once was and his cunning actions are more intellectual rather than brutish and upfront . Shakespeare was commissioned to produce Hamlet by the monarchy..
Integrating different interpretations into the Shakespeare essay Section B AO5: Explore how literary texts are informed by different interpretations Example C: responding to legacy question 6 King Lear and Oedipus Rex Some critics have argued that Shakespeare has presented Goneril, Regan and Edmund as victims rather than villains. With comparative reference to Sophocles presentation of Oedipus family circumstances, show how far you sympathise with this view.
Extract from candidates response to legacy Q 6 Feminist schools of thought have been known to argue that Shakespeare saw men and women as equal in a world which declared them as unequal. Personally, I would challenge this comment because although some aspects of Goneril and Regan are presented as those of victims, the two women are demonised and portrayed as extremely villainous in comparison with their sister Cordelia, whom John Danby described as virtue in Shakespeare s eyes. ..The pair are Elizabethan/Jacobean England s worst nightmare outspoken, violent women, contrasting to the pure Cordelia whose only act of rebellion is to love, and be silent.
Example D: responding to question 7 King Lear and Oedipus Rex A study of selfishness. Consider some of the ways this remark might be applied to the play King Lear and show how your reading of Oedipus Rex has illuminated your ideas. Extract from candidate s response: Critics argue that Edgar is essential to the theme of division and is a device that provokes Lear to question whether is man no more than this? , a realization which arguably comes too late. Hence, a study into Lear s treatment of the poor reveals his neglectful and selfish nature... Felicity Currie describes the Fool as the most effective truth teller in the play which can be seen in how his witty insults and aphorisms both mock and reassure Lear guiding him throughout the play and only appearing when needed. This is mirrored in how the Chorus is the only one left with Oedipus and are significantly referred to as friend Hence the Chorus selfless nature and the Fool s loyalty help to ground, rationalize and reform their selfish kings.
RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS Supporting teaching and learning wjec.co.uk/qualifications/english Free subject specific resources available for all to download from our website resources.wjec.co.uk Free digital resources to support the teaching and learning of a broad range of subjects oer.wjec.co.uk Our free Online Exam Review allows teachers to analyse item level data, critically assess sample question papers and receive examiner feedback wjec.co.uk/shop A vast range of educational resources, specifications, past papers and mark schemes to support the teaching and learning of subjects offered by WJEC Teacher's Guide wjec.co.uk/qualifications/english Free subject specific resources available for all to download from our website resources.wjec.co.uk Free digital resources to support the teaching and learning of a broad range of subjects oer.wjec.co.uk Our free Online Exam Review allows teachers to analyse item level data, critically assess sample question papers and receive examiner feedback wjec.co.uk/shop A vast range of educational resources, specifications, past papers and mark schemes to support the teaching and learning of subjects offered by WJEC Teacher's Guide
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