Lessons 49 · 1 lessons · Q. Yo‘ldoshev, V. Qodirov, J. Yo‘ldoshbekov. Literature: textbook for Grade 9 of general secondary schools. Revised and expanded 4th edition. “O‘zbekiston” NMIU, Tashkent, 2019
49
About the tragedy “Hamlet”
Textbook: pp. 325–328
GoalExplain the main theme of the tragedy “Hamlet”, the features of Hamlet’s character and the reasons for his hesitation, following the textbook’s interpretation.
New words
good and evil · ezgulik va yovuzlikhumanist · gumanist (insonparvar)hesitation · ikkilanishthe Renaissance · Uyg‘onish davri
Explanation
The textbook says “Hamlet” depicts the struggle between good and evil, treachery and loyalty, crime and punishment. Like the humanists of his age, Shakespeare wished to see the human being as perfect and honourable. Claudius, driven by lust for power, kills his brother and within a month marries his widow – self-interest demands more and more. Evil resembles a spider’s web: it draws into its net not only the victim but also the one who spun it. Hamlet is a sincere, thoughtful, self-demanding young man; despite the ghost’s words, he fears making a mistake, punishing an innocent person and shedding blood unjustly. For that reason he does not hurry and looks for proof, but at the same time he tortures himself, blaming himself for slowness. The textbook judges him not a reckless fighter but a man of thought, a humanist representative of the Renaissance.
Worked examples
Example: Hamlet senses that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are spies and calls Denmark a “prison”. This shows he sees not only his personal grief but also the injustice in the country.
Example: testing Claudius through the actors is a search for a sensible way to take revenge. The textbook regards this as a sign of Hamlet’s wisdom.
Class activity
Choose two of Hamlet’s traits (for example, sincerity, thoughtfulness) and link one episode of the play to each; then write a 4–5 sentence answer to the question “Is Hamlet a coward?”
Practice
1
By the textbook, what struggle of forces is depicted in “Hamlet”?
The struggle between good and evil, treachery and loyalty, crime and punishment.
2
What else does Claudius do after taking the throne?
Within a month of the king’s death he marries his brother’s widow, the queen.
3
Why does Hamlet delay revenge?
Because he fears punishing an innocent by mistake and seeks proof; he is a thoughtful man, not a reckless one.
4
Why does the textbook call Hamlet a humanist representative of the Renaissance?
He reflects on the meaning of life and death, strives to establish justice and truth, and relies on reason.