Can someone lease explain this question? (1 Viewer)

[leesh95]

An inherent tension between confrontation and resolution is revealed through characterisation in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. To what extent does your interpretation align with this view?

This is the 2012 Hamlet question and I have no idea what it's talking about. Can someone explain in simple language what the question demands?

 

[ClaraZH]

'Inherent tension' -characteristic/conventional conflict- think of themes, conventions to revenge tragedy, etc

'between confrontation and resolution'- you can look at this a number of ways. You could talk about the structure (Freytag's), Hamlet's inconsistency in character (which would bring up themes such as 'seeming' or political corruption), foils, etc. Basically it wants you to examine two opposing forces.

'Revealed through characterisation'- how do the characters and their traits represent and reinforce this? For a forty minute essay, you'd want to focus on two. It's easier of you use either foils (like Hamlet and Laertes or Ophelia, or those who directly oppose each other about a certain theme or issue (like Hamlet and Claudius or Gertrude)

'Your interpretation'- your own perspective- agree or disagree.