Claudius

Question 1

(Gregory Doran) Tennant is Hamlet

Answer 1

• Claudius further conveys his villainous qualities through his selfish desire to dispose of Hamlet to gain political security.
• conveys the ease to which he can manipulate through flattery and welcoming gestures - Playing Claudius as a ‘smiler’
• heightens the dramatic impact of his performance as he utilises this false facade to manipulate and lead Hamlet’s naive companions into a web of corruption and betrayal

Question 2

Act 4 Scene 5

- Claudius manipulating Laertes

Answer 2

Addressing Laertes as “a good child and a true gentlemen”

• L is comforted by Claudius’ warm nature, unknowingly becoming a victim of Claudius dark and selfish intentions
• Claudius = a deceitful character, apparent in his ability to manipulate Laertes into killing Hamlet.
• Claudius’ ability to control is reinforced by his calm and fatherly approach to Laertes’ rage.

Question 3

(Franco Zeffirelli) Mel Gibson is Hamlet.

- during Act 4 Scene 5 Claudius manipulating Laertes into killing Hamlet

Answer 3

• Claudius during this scene brings Laertes immediately to the walkway below Hamlet’s room where he and Polonius earlier discussed sending Hamlet to England
• Claudius treating Laertes as a trusted counsellor and assuming the parental role
• This portrayal of Claudius highlights his ruthlessness in deceiving gullible characters

Question 4

Maxine Peake Hamlet

- first scene of C and G

Answer 4

Claudius drapes necklace around G’s neck and kisses her neck as he says “my wife”

Question 5

“O heavy burden!”

Answer 5

Claudius’ admission of guilt

Question 6

“My crown, …

Answer 6

“My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen”

Question 7

“O villain,…

Answer 7

“O villain, villain, smiling, damned villain!”

Question 8

Branagh - chapel scene

Answer 8

“My words fly up, My thoughts remain below.” spoken in head = genuine (unlike Tennant version)