Reading Journal for Wm. Shakespeare's Hamlet

Reading Journal of

NB. The page numbers shown in italics refer to the Penguin Popular Classics edition of Hamlet. ISBN 978-0-140-62337-6

Hamlet Reading Journal

as belonging to:

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Contents:

About This Journal i

Dramtis Personae ii

Character Map iii

Journal Book

Act I Scene 1 1 (p. 25)




Act 1 Scene 5 5 (p. 48)

Act II Scene 1 6 (p. 55)

Act II Scene 2 7 (p. 59)

Act III Scene 1 8 (p. 79)



Journal Book


Act IV Scene 1 12 (p. 110)







Act V Scene 1 19 (p. 133)

Act V Scene 2 20 (p. 142)

Vocabulary List 21

Notes 22

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Hamlet Reading Journal Page i

About This Journal

You are about to embark on an exciting adventure into the world of Hamlet as created for us by William Shakespeare. The enigmatic Hamlet - having endured the ages – is many things to many people. No two readers connect in the same way with the situations and the characters presented in the play. It is for this reason that the play Hamlet is a favorite among readers, students and teachers alike. During your reading you will be able to sympathize with and relate to the circumstances encountered as the story unfolds. This journal will help you record the play in your own words as well as reflect on the major themes and messages conveyed by Shakespeare. You will also take control of the Elizabethan English thereby increasing your vocabulary and improving your comprehension of contemporary English.

Note on the Journal.

This journal was created using the Penguin Popular Classics edition of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (ISBN 978-0-140-62337-6). In turn the editor has chosen the First Folio (1623) as basis for the text adopting the language from the First and Second Quartos when desirable. However, it’s important to note that this journal can easily be used with ANY version of Hamlet.

How to use this Journal.

Begin with the Character Map (page iii). The relationships between the characters can be very complex. Knowing these relationships is important for the comprehension of the play. On this page you’re invited to write a description of each of the major characters and to draw lines illustrating their connections to each other.

Now on to the journal entries…

Each page corresponds to a scene in the play, marked by Act and Scene number. Naturally some scenes are longer than others and if you require additional space feel free to use an extra sheet of paper and attach it to the corresponding page in the journal. However, in the words of the bard himself “Brevity is the soul of wit.” so try to use only the space provided.

Many of the sections are self-explanatory such as “Date Read”, “Time Spent Reading”, and “Characters Present in the Scene”. These may seem unimportant initially however this information will prove vital for future reference.

“Keywords” In this section you are invited to choose 5 keywords from the scene. These words or phrases can be either vocabulary you find important for the comprehension of the scene, or words or phrases that are pivotal to the plot. Remember much of the vocabulary will be explained in the “Notes” section of the book, so limit yourself to only 5 words or phrases to enter into your journal. Once you have selected the terms, enter them into the left column then use the right column to provide an explanation or translation of these terms.

“Summary” Here is where you’ll have the opportunity to open a dialogue with the text. Begin by briefly summarizing the scene in your own words concentrating on the crucial plot developments and then continue by adding your own thoughts. “Things to Ponder” - You’ll notice in the left column some key questions to keep in mind while contemplating the scene.

Finally, you’ll see the last section is “Favorite Line(s)”. Shakespeare’s writing is rich with poignant phrases some of which you might find have special meaning. This is the best way for you to relate with the words of Shakespeare, so don’t leave this section blank!

Now it’s up to you to begin your expedition to Elsinore Castle in old Denmark, let this journal serve as your memoire on this edifying journey.

Hamlet Reading Journal Page ii

Dramatis Personæ

Claudius, king of Denmark.

Hamlet, son to the former, and nephew to the present king.

Polonius, lord chamberlain.

Horatio, friend to Hamlet.

Lærtes, son to Polonius.

Voltemand

Cornelius

Rosencrantz

Guildenstern

Osric

A Gentleman

A Priest.

Marcellus

Bernardo

Francisco, a soldier

Reynaldo, servant to Polonius.

Players.

Two Clowns, gravediggers.

Fortinbras, Prince of Norway.

A Norwegian Captain.

English Ambassadors.

Gertrude, Queen of Denmark, mother to Hamlet.

Ophelia, daughter to Polonius.

Lords, Ladies, Officers, Soldiers, Sailors, Messengers, and other Attendants.

Ghost of Hamlet's Father.

SCENE: Denmark

courtiers.

officers.

Hamlet Reading Journal Page iii

Character Map

Write a brief description for each character in their box, then draw lines to indicate their interactions or

relationship with Hamlet and each other. (See the example using the Ghost and Hamlet.)

Laertes

Fath

er

Son

Hamlet

Prince of Denmark

Main character

The Ghost

Former king of Denmark

Gertrude

Claudius

Polonius

Horatio Rosencrantz &

Guildenstern

Ophelia

Hamlet Reading Journal Page 1

Act I, Scene 1: Elsinore, a platform in front of the castle.

Date read: Time spent reading:

Characters present in this scene:

Key words: Choose only FIVE key vocabulary words

from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Summary: Briefly summarize the text here.→

Things to ponder:

“How do Horatio and Marcellus

know that the ghost is that of the

recently deceased king?”

“Who will Horatio tell about the

sighting of the ghost?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):

What was your favorite line(s) or

passage(s) from this scene in Hamlet?


Act I, Scene 2: A room in the castle.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“How does Hamlet feel about

Claudius?”

“How does Hamlet feel about his

father?”

“How does Hamlet feel about his

mother?”

“What does Hamlet resolve to do?”

.

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act 1, Scene 3: A room in Polonius’ house.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“What advice does Laertes give

Ophelia?”

“What advice does Polonius give

Laertes?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act I, Scene 4: Again on the platform.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“Why do Horatio and Marcellus

warn not to go with the ghost?”

“What is Hamlet’s reason for not

abiding?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act I, Scene 5: Another part of the platform.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“Of what does the Ghost accuse

the Queen?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act II, Scene 1: A room in Polonius’ house.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“What do Ophelia and Polonius

assume about Hamlet?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act 2, Scene 2: A room in the castle.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“What news does Voltemand bring

the king?”

“Why does Hamlet ask the actor to

recite ‘The Death of Priam’?”

“What does Hamlet hope to

accomplish with the play, ‘The

Murder of Gonzago’?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act III, Scene 1: A room in the castle.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“What does Claudius confess to the

audience?”

“In the ‘To be, or not to be’

soliloquy, what is Hamlet’s choice

and what reason brings him to this

choice?”

“What is the change in Hamlet and

Ophelia’s relationship?”

“What ‘advice’ does Hamlet give

Ophelia?”

“For what reasons does Hamlet

deny Ophelia’s affections?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act III, Scene 2: A hall in the castle.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“What is Hamlet’s reaction when

Claudius stops the play?”

“What does Hamlet indicate that

he’s ready to do to the King?”

“What feelings does Hamlet reveal

about his mother?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act III, Scene 3: A room in the castle.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“Why, at this point, does Hamlet

decide not to kill the King?”

“Is Hamlet correct in his

reasoning?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act III, Scene 4: The queen’s closet.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“Why does Hamlet deny that his

mother could have chosen Claudius

for romantic reasons?”

“Of what does Hamlet suspect

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act IV, Scene 1: A room in the castle.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“According to Claudius, what are

the repercussions of Hamlet killing

Polonius?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):








from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“What does Hamlet call

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?”

“Why?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act IV, Scene 3: Another room in the castle.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“What is the reason Claudius is

sending Hamlet to England?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act IV, Scene 4: A plain in Denmark.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“What does Hamlet discover?”

(2nd

Quarto only.) After reflecting

on the reasons the soldiers fight,

and their ‘fate’ to what does

Hamlet turn his mind?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):








from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“What do Claudius and Laertes

‘negotiate’?”

“What’s happening to Ophelia?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):








from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“What request does Hamlet make

of Horatio?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):








from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“What are the plans of Claudius

and Laertes?”

“What news does Gertrude bring?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act V, Scene 1: A churchyard.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“For whom is the Gravedigger

preparing the grave?”

“What further insights does Hamlet

gain about death?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):




Act V, Scene 2: A hall in the castle.




from the text.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Things to ponder:

“Who plots to kill whom and how?”

“What is the outcome of these

plots?”

“How does the relationship

between Hamlet and Laertes

change?”

“Who is the new king of

Denmark?”

1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

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Favorite Line(s):



Reading Journal Page 21

List of Vocabulary Words

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

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13

14

15

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18

19

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100

Reading Journal Page 22

NOTES

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Documents

Reading Journal for Wm. Shakespeare's Hamlet