Hamlet Key and Peter realised that the father’s death must have been due to murder rather than natural causes, as it was first believed. James started to contemplate who might have done this to his father. He became very troubled and neglected his life and people around him. His depression became so marked that one day his stepfather openly questioned him about it and they got into an argument. James rashly accused his stepfather of having a hand in his father’s death and keeping what was rightfully due to him. By the manner in which his stepfather spoke and treated him, it seemed obvious that he hadn’t been as innocent as he had made everyone believe. One night James had a dream in which he saw his stepfather murder his father. He told his friend, Peter, who also didn’t trust the new person in James’ life. He urged James to approach his mother with what he knew. James’ mother brushed off his accusations, telling him they were nonsense. Then one day a near fatal accident occurred on the farm, which almost killed James. When his friend looked at the evidence at the scene afterwards, he informed James and they both agreed that something needed to be done quickly or James’ and his mother’s life might be in danger. James and Peter decided to go to the local constable, who listened to them but also brushed it off as nonsense, as James’ stepfather was a pillar of society and they had no real evidence either. They realised that without something to connect the stepfather with the death of the father they could do nothing. One evening, as James’ mother began to contemplate the possibility that her husband might have been murdered, she took several sleeping pills to help her calm her nerves so she could sleep. The stepfather noticed this and slyly threw extra pills in the water when she wasn’t looking; he then woke her up to have her take more in the middle of the night, when she was too groggy to be aware of what was happening. James had a strange feeling and went to his mother’s room, just in time to see what his stepfather was doing. Catching him in the act, he rushed in to save his mother, but confronted his stepfather. They quarrelled, as the stepfather tried to fake a story, but James carried his mother out of the room and to the local doctor. When the constable became aware of this new evidence, he took action by accusing the stepfather of attempted murder against the mother. While in custody, the stepfather admitted that he had murdered the father, remained in jail throughout his trial and was subsequently incarcerated for life. James’ mother recovered and returned to the family residence to see her son regain control of the family estate.
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Topics For Further Discussion (Suggested Answers) Episode 1 1 Claudius takes great pains to balance the situation to his benefit by using his words very carefully. On the one hand, he mourns his brother’s recent death and on the other he celebrates his marriage to his dead brother’s wife. These two contradictory facts are likely to cause public disapproval. However, Claudius aims at two things: appealing to popular sentiment, by remembering his brother, and proving that he is ready to take on his new role as King, by marrying the Queen. Moreover, he appears to take decisive action by securing Denmark’s safety against Norway. Regardless of whether he makes a good or bad impression, Claudius certainly appears to be confident and in command. 2 The kind of balance Claudius tries to achieve is unnatural. Throughout his speech he uses contradictory words and ideas. Even if the common people are convinced, because they need something to believe in after their old king’s death, it seems unlikely that Hamlet will be convinced too. To him, it is unthinkable how the sorrow of losing a brother can be balanced with the happiness of marrying a dead brother’s wife. When Claudius assumes a fatherly role toward him, Hamlet’s disbelief in the new king is even greater. He knows that the real motive behind Claudius’ affection and advice is to keep Hamlet under control since he is the legitimate heir to the throne. 3 Hamlet feels devastated by his father’s death and betrayed by his mother’s remarriage. On the one hand, his deep sorrow and disgust make him feel that the world is not worth living in. On the other hand, his mother’s dishonesty affects his opinion about womanhood in general. The way he reacts reveals a highly intelligent and particularly sensitive man, the only honest character in the royal court and the only person of high morals, who feels offended by injustice and dishonesty. 4 The atmosphere presented at the beginning of the episode is rather ominous. There is a general sense of uncertainty and anxiety as a beloved king has died and the throne has been inherited not by his son but by his brother. There is still grief for the old king’s death, and the presence of a new king who lacks