The Rotten State of Denmark - a Study of Shakespeare’s Hamlet

Seminar - "I will speak daggers"

In your group you will prepare to deliver a seminar to your class in which you explore ONE aspect of the theme of corruption on which so much of this play is based. 

The topics are:

	Claudius - a corrupt king?
	Revenge - is it the right thing to do in this play?
	Hamlet - to what extent is he affected by the corruption which surrounds him?
	Ophelia - how far is she a victim in this play?
	Polonius - how does he represent the immorality at court?
	Madness - how is this presented in the play?
	Spying - how do deceptive appearances add to the mistrust in the play?
	The language of Hamlet - how does this emphasise the misery of this corrupt court?
	Act 5 Scene 2 - a satisfactory solution?

Preparing for your seminar:

1.	Brainstorm initial ideas and look back through notes on the play.
2.	Research the aspect in greater depth:  read key scenes again, brainstorm your own response; find useful quotations to support your points; look at notes on the Internet and your own class notes. 
3.	Come to a judgement on your topic - they are all evaluative titles, much like exam essay questions, and you should be ready to present evidence on both sides of your argument before concluding.
4.	Each person in the group must speak, from notes.
5.	Prepare an OHT / Powerpoint / dramatic performance or poster which refers only to the headings or key points of your seminar
6.	Prepare one A4 sheet which summarises your notes - this will be given out to the class afterwards.

© Ministry of Education, Wellington, New Zealand (First published 1998)