Hamlet Literary Criticism Flashcards

Questions and Answers

This exchange reflects Shakespeare's time because

Rulers gained power by surrounding themselves with loyal officers. (correct)

Sponges were new and popular in Elizabethan society.

Common people felt that they were ignored by their royal leaders.

Scientists in the 1600s were studying the human body.

Repeated references to ears and hearing in Hamlet are an example of a literary

Pattern

Action

Theme

Motif (correct)

Feminist criticism focuses on

Power dynamics

Which factors are to be considered when using historical criticism to analyze a text? Check all that apply.

The original audience Signup and view all the answers

Formalist criticism focuses upon a text's

Structure Signup and view all the answers

Which fact about Hamlet would be most important to a student analyzing the play through a historical lens?

It was written during a time when kings and queens had absolute power. Signup and view all the answers

Both historical and feminist criticisms

Connect literature to the society it was written in. Signup and view all the answers

Feminist criticism is most interested in

Gender and stereotypes. Signup and view all the answers

Which line would most likely be written by a reader analyzing Hamlet through a formalist lens?

The play includes repeated references to death and decay. Signup and view all the answers

How do his words reflect politics in Shakespeare's day?

Royal leaders were concerned with their public image. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Literary Criticism in Hamlet

The exchange between Hamlet and other characters highlights societal themes prevalent in Shakespeare's time, including the neglect of common people by rulers.
Repeated references to ears and hearing signify a motif in Hamlet, emphasizing the importance of listening and perception within the play.
Feminist criticism examines power dynamics, particularly how gender influences roles and relationships in literature.

Historical Criticism Factors

Analyze political events of Shakespeare's era, which provide context for the themes in Hamlet.
Consider the original audience's perceptions and beliefs to gain insights into the play's impact.
Explore common beliefs during Shakespeare's time to understand cultural relevance in the text.
Evaluate the language structure to appreciate the literary techniques and choices made by Shakespeare.

Formalist Criticism Focus

Formalist criticism prioritizes a text's structure, analyzing how its form contributes to overall meaning and themes.

Understanding Hamlet's Historical Context

Hamlet was crafted during an era of absolute monarchy, making the reflection on power significant for historical analysis.
The play's composition coincided with a growing interest in philosophy, influencing its themes and characters.

Shared Aspects of Historical and Feminist Criticism

Both criticisms strive to connect literature with its societal context, understanding how the text reflects the issues of its time.

Feminist Criticism Emphasis

Feminist analysis particularly focuses on gender and stereotypes within the text, scrutinizing how female characters are portrayed.

Formalist Lens Analysis

A formalist reader might note the play's recurring themes of death and decay, illustrating Shakespeare’s craftsmanship and thematic focus.

Politics Reflected in Speech

Common people's political fears are reflected in the dialogue, indicating their apprehension towards expressing dissent against authority during Shakespeare's time.

Description

Explore key concepts in literary criticism through these flashcards based on Shakespeare's Hamlet. Each card delves into the historical context and literary devices used in the play. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of literature analysis.