Problem
1) Like Hamlet, Laertes is a son confronted with a father's death. To what extent does he function as a foil to Hamlet? What do they have in common? How do they differ?
2) Analyze the use of comedy in Hamlet. Does comedy serve merely to relieve the tension of the tragedy, or do the comic scenes serve a more serious thematic purpose as well?
3) Analyze Hamlet's "antic disposition." Is his madness feigned or real? What purpose does it serve him? Does he ever slip from his "acts" of madness into true insanity?
4) Discuss Hamlet's treatment of and ideas about women. How might these help to clarify some of the interpretative issues of the play? You might want to consider carefully the way he talks about sexuality. He treats Ophelia and Gertrude harshly in certain scenes but for quite different reasons. Explain his motives in each case. Ultimately, what is suggested about the roles of women based on their appearance and treatment within Hamlet?