Hamlet:

I need to look at the passages from Acts IV and V and assess their impact within the context of the whole play. I have already done so and it's giving me these questions using a passage. I need some help, please. :)

Passage 1:
" Now, whether it be
Bestial oblivion, or some craven scruple
Of thinking too precisely on the event,-
A thought which, quarter’d, hath but one part wisdom
And ever three parts coward,-I do not know
Why yet I live to say ’This thing’s to do;’
Sith I have cause, and will, and strength, and means
To do’t.
Hamlet: IV, iv, 38-46 "

Passage 2:
" It must be se offendendo; it cannot be else. For here lies
the point: if I drown myself wittingly, it argues an act: and an
act hath three branches; it is to act, to do, and to perform:
argal, she drowned herself wittingly.
Gravedigger / Clown: V, I, 8-13 "

Questions for both passages:
1 How does this passage serve to develop character, plot, or conflict? (5 marks)
2 How does this passage serve to develop theme? (5 marks)
3 Give an explication of the lines, focusing on literary devices and / or ways in which the lines targeted the Elizabethan audience. (5 marks)

Thannks!

First of all, let me give you some websites to bookmark -- be sure to bookmark them all!

Here's the best website I've found to help students read Shakespeare's plays:
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/
Click on the title of the play you want, then click on the act and scene. You'll find original Shakespearean language on the left and a modern-day "translation" on the right.

Here are several other really good websites about Shakespeare and his works and his times. Be sure to add ALL THESE to your favorites so you can find them again.

http://shakespeare.palomar.edu/

http://www.shakespeare-online.com/

http://www.bardweb.net/

http://www.enotes.com/william-shakespeare/

http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/

Now, go into the No Fear Shakespeare site (the first link above) and find Hamlet >> Act IV scene 4. My suggestion is that you read ALL of Act IV so you understand the passage you've quoted in context.

IV.4.38-46: -- Hamlet has been dilly-dallying for over 3 acts now! He knows what he must do; his father told him very specifically. Now he seems to understand that he needs to get in gear and take the revenge that his father's ghost told him to do.

Do you see the character and plot development taking place by means of this soliloquy?

What theme is being furthered here? How?

Explicate the lines -- that is, line-by-line, explain what he's saying and point out literary devices Shakespeare used that the Elizabethan audience would definitely connect with.

Same with V.1.8-13 --

To what drowning are the two characters referring? How does this drowning fit into the entire plot? What theme is this furthering? Explicate ...

If you need ideas regarding themes in this play -- http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/hamlet/themes.html

If you need help with literary devices, here are some good websites to help you:

http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/allam/general/glossary.htm

http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/

http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/lit_terms_A.html

To assess the impact of the passages you provided from Acts IV and V of Hamlet within the context of the whole play, you need to analyze how they contribute to the development of character, plot, conflict, and theme. Additionally, you should assess the literary devices used and consider how they might have targeted the Elizabethan audience.

Let's tackle Passage 1 and then move on to Passage 2.

Passage 1:
" Now, whether it be
Bestial oblivion, or some craven scruple
Of thinking too precisely on the event,-
A thought which, quarter’d, hath but one part wisdom
And ever three parts coward,-I do not know
Why yet I live to say ’This thing’s to do;’
Sith I have cause, and will, and strength, and means
To do’t.
Hamlet: IV, iv, 38-46 "

1. Character, Plot, or Conflict Development:
In this passage, Hamlet contemplates his hesitation and indecisiveness with regards to taking action against his uncle, Claudius. It sheds light on his internal conflict, showcasing his inability to act decisively despite having ample reason, will, strength, and means to carry out his revenge. This deepens the complexity of Hamlet's character and his inner turmoil, which drives the plot forward.

2. Theme Development:
This passage contributes to the theme of indecision and the consequences of overthinking. Hamlet's thoughts on "thinking too precisely" highlight the internal struggle faced by many characters in the play. It explores the theme of the human condition, specifically the difficulties of decision-making and the consequences of inaction.

3. Explication of the lines and Literary Devices / Audience Targeting:
The lines in this passage exhibit a rhetorical device called "antithesis" by contrasting "thinking too precisely" with "bestial oblivion" and "craven scruple." The use of antithesis emphasizes the struggle between reason and cowardice within Hamlet's mind.

Additionally, the repetition of the phrase "This thing's to do" emphasizes Hamlet's determination to carry out his revenge, highlighting his conviction. Shakespeare's use of iambic pentameter, a poetic rhythm typical of his plays, would have resonated with the Elizabethan audience, enhancing the emotional impact of the lines.

Now let's move to Passage 2:

Passage 2:
" It must be se offendendo; it cannot be else. For here lies the point: if I drown myself wittingly, it argues an act: and an act hath three branches; it is to act, to do, and to perform: argal, she drowned herself wittingly.
Gravedigger / Clown: V, I, 8-13 "

1. Character, Plot, or Conflict Development:
This passage occurs during the gravedigger's scene, where Hamlet observes two gravediggers discussing the burial of Ophelia. The conversation adds a layer of dark humor, providing a contrast to the somber tone of the play. It also highlights the inevitability of death, enhancing the play's underlying theme of mortality.

2. Theme Development:
The passage contributes to the exploration of mortality and suicide. The gravediggers' discussion reflects on the consequences of someone intentionally causing their own death. It raises questions about the nature of suicide, the morality surrounding it, and its impact on individuals and society as a whole.

3. Explication of the lines and Literary Devices / Audience Targeting:
In this passage, the gravedigger employs a play on words using Latin legal terminology: "se offendendo." This term translates to "self-defense" and is used humorously to discuss Ophelia's apparent suicide. Shakespeare's use of wordplay, along with the use of puns and irony, would have entertained the Elizabethan audience while also adding depth to the play.

By examining these passages and answering the questions related to character, plot, conflict, theme, and literary devices, you can provide a comprehensive analysis of their impact within the context of the whole play, Hamlet.