Hamlet 2.1 Dig Deeper: Hamlet's Madness

The video discusses Hamlet's strategy of feigning madness, known as an antic disposition, to deceive others while plotting against a tyrant. This tactic is compared to the historical figure Lucius Junius Brutus, who used a similar strategy to overthrow the Tarquin rulers in ancient Rome. The video explains that Shakespeare's audience would have been familiar with this strategy from legends and literature, enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of Hamlet's actions.

What does Hamlet ask his friends to do when he behaves oddly at court?

• Leave the court immediately.

• Join him in his madness.

• Report his behavior to the king.

• Ignore his behavior and act as if they know nothing.

What is the meaning of the term 'antic' as used by Hamlet?

• Angry and violent

• Calm and peaceful

• Absurd and bizarre

• Serious and thoughtful

Who was Lucius Junius Brutus and what did he accomplish?

• He was a philosopher who taught in Athens.

• He was a poet who wrote about the Roman Republic.

• He was a Roman general who expanded the empire.

• He was a Roman who feigned madness to overthrow the Tarquins.

What event triggered Brutus's decision to seek revenge against the Tarquins?

• The rape of his cousin Lucretia.

• The destruction of his home by the Tarquins.

• The exile of his family from Rome.

• The assassination of Julius Caesar.

Why would Shakespeare's audience likely understand Hamlet's strategy?

• They were familiar with the legend of Brutus.

• They had experienced similar events in their own lives.

• They had read about it in the Bible.

• They had seen it in other plays by Shakespeare.