The document provides guidance for students on exploring William Shakespeare's play Hamlet based on the NSW Board of Studies HSC Advanced English syllabus. It explains that students must analyze how audiences have responded to and interpreted Hamlet across different historical, social, and cultural contexts. Students are also instructed to investigate the ideas, values, and opinions expressed in the play through its language, construction, and content. They must then discuss how Hamlet has been read and valued over time in different societies and cultures.

1. Hamlet…
By William Shakespeare…
“translation” of the
Board of Studies HSC Advanced English Syllabus
2015
by L. Krieger

2. Hamlet – according to the “rules” of
Module B
• This module requires students to explore and evaluate a
specific text and its reception (how people respond to
it) in a range of contexts (historical, social,
cultural)….
or… in other words…
• How does an audience respond to Hamlet in different
social – cultural – and historical (time AND place)
perspectives / interpretations / and values/opinions

3. This is you!
These are what you need to
wear when you “explore”
(not just read) a text in
English.
HAMLET

4. Module B lenses (from English syllabus –
Critical Study of Text))
Time and place (history) lens
Culture lens
Social lens

5. When you ïnvestigate a text,
looking through your Module B lens,
you will focus on finding all the clues
– phrases – words – structures –
images and language style that
shows the culture, society and
historical time and place of the text
– and (usually) of the composer
too!!

6. • Students explore the ideas expressed in the text through
analysing its construction content and language.
or… in other words
• You must search through the play and “discover”
what ideas… values… opinions… bias etc…
are created by the language techniques – dramatic
techniques - and - structure - used by the composer
Module B: Critical Study of Texts

7. • develops students’ understanding of questions of textual
integrity (whether or not the text – characters – settings are
consistent and believable… within the context of the text and
the responder).
or… in other words…
• Are the characters, events, values, ideas and opinions in the
text “believable” and consistent …in the time and place of the
particular production of Hamlet?
Module B: Critical Study of Texts

8. • They research others’ perspectives of the text and test these
against their own understanding and interpretations of the text.
or… in other words
• You must show that you have considerd other people’s perspectives
of the text… and see if those perspectives work with your opinion of
the characters, ideas, events, values and beliefs.
(Rhetorical questions would be a good way to show your “test”
results).
Module B: Critical Study of Texts

9. • Students discuss and evaluate the ways in which the set work has
been read, received and valued in historical and other contexts.
or… in other words…
• You have to figure out how Hamlet has been interpreted and
how important Hamlet has been in different societies…
cultures… and… times & places.
Module B: Critical Study of Texts

10. • They extrapolate (infer, estimate value, predict) from this
study of a particular text to explore questions of textual
integrity and significance.
or… in other words
• You must predict how much Hamlet will be enjoyed…
understood… believed… and “appreciated” by different
audiences.
Module B: Critical Study of Texts

11. Section II — Module B: Critical Study of Texts
20 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 3–9 Allow about 40 minutes for this
section
Answer the question in a SEPARATE writing booklet.
Extra writing booklets are available.
In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:
__________________________________________
• demonstrate an informed understanding of the ideas expressed in
the text
• evaluate the text’s language, content and construction
• organise, develop and express ideas using language appropriate to
audience, purpose and form
__________________________________________

12. Shakespeare’s, Hamlet
Through its portrayal of human experience,
Shakespeare’s Hamlet reinforces the
significance of loyalty.
To what extent does your interpretation of
Hamlet support this view?
In your response, make detailed reference to
the play.

13. Re-write the “thesis quote” and the question in the simplest “words”
you can – but - make sure you don’t change the meaning of the
question
Through its portrayal of human experience,
Shakespeare’s Hamlet reinforces the
significance of loyalty.
“In it’s interpretation (opinions / values / beliefs) of “life” (in
particular – relationships among people)…
the play Hamlet highlights (supports / believes-in / emphasises)
the great importance of loyalty (trustworthiness, faithfulness,
devotion, fidelity, dependability and reliability)”
To what extent does your interpretation of
Hamlet support this view?
How have the language and dramatic techniques, in different
productions of Hamlet, influenced (changed / prejudiced / affected
/ controlled) you… to agree – or disagree – with the idea - that
Hamlet assumes that loyalty is an important part of the success of
relationships among people.