January 28, 2016:  Act 3, Scene 2: “The Mousetrap”

Activity 1) Hand in log # 6

Activity 2) Watch performances “Of get thee to a nunnery” by groups 2 and 3.

Activity 3) With a partner and your books, answer the following from Act 3, Scene 2: Prelude to “The Mousetrap” (3.2.96-175) and “The Mousetrap” and rest of scene (3.2.176-321). 
The scene is jarring. Let’s take a look at it. As you and your partner respond to these, use a combination of your own words and snippets of properly cited lines (act, scene and line #’s) from the text.  Whatever you don’t finish in class, finish this evening, for discussion. Tomorrow, you and your partner, will read aloud/act out Ophelia and Hamlet’s dialogue in lines 3.2.116-175

1)      What rude remarks does Hamlet say to Ophelia? (make sure you read the note on page 292)

2)      How rude are they? What is he actually saying?

3)      Does he insult anyone else? How?

4)      What actually happens in “The Mousetrap” which might elicit a response of shame or guilt from King Claudius?  Be somewhat specific, without going so far as to retell the entire plot.

5)      At this point in the play, what is driving Hamlet?

6)      Is he taking a risk with the play experiment?

7)      What are the results?

8)      Who verifies them?

9)      What important information does Hamlet have at the end of the scene?