In which John Green teaches you MORE about Bill Shakespeare's Hamlet. John talks about gender roles in Hamlet, and what kind of power and agency Ophelia and Gertrude had, if they had any at all (spoiler alert: we think they did). You'll...

In which John Green teaches you about Hamlet, William Shakespeare's longest and most-performed play. People love Hamlet. The play that is, not necessarily the character. Hamlet is a Tragedy with a capital T (I guess I don't have to point...

"You're a fishmonger!" By taking a closer look at Shakespeare's words--specifically his insults--we see why he is known as a master playwright whose works transcend time and appeal to audiences all over the world.

This video explores a pivotal scene in "Hamlet" where the protagonist, sensing the presence of eavesdroppers, suddenly asks about Polonius's whereabouts. This moment in the play is rich with dramatic irony and potential manipulation, as...

This video discusses a complex interaction between Hamlet and Polonius, where Hamlet uses the metaphor of the sun breeding maggots in a dead dog to illustrate concepts of decay and creation. The term "carrion," which typically means dead...

This video examines Shakespeare's use of the word "pregnant" in "Hamlet" to describe Hamlet's replies as rich with hidden meanings. It contrasts this with Hamlet's claim of being "unpregnant" regarding his lack of motivation,...

This video segment highlights Shakespeare's skillful use of language through puns, innuendos, and satire in "Hamlet," particularly examining the dual roles played by characters who must be both actors and observers within the story. It...

This video dissects a key sequence in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" where the title character's actions raise suspicions at the court. The focus is on Hamlet's interactions with Ophelia, Polonius, and his old friends Rosencrantz and...

This video features a creative interview format where characters from Shakespeare's Hamlet—Hamlet, Polonius, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern—discuss a key scene. The characters reflect on the motivations and dynamics at play as Claudius...

This video delves into a scene from Act 2, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's Hamlet, where Hamlet's wordplay confuses Polonius during a farewell. Hamlet pretends to misunderstand Polonius, using the opportunity to subtly insult him and express...

This video examines a moment in Shakespeare's Hamlet where Hamlet twists Polonius's words about stepping out of the cold air into a metaphorical suggestion about going to his grave. Hamlet's dark humor illustrates his deeper existential...

This video delves into a scene from Shakespeare's Hamlet, where Hamlet delivers a subtle yet cutting remark to Polonius. By denying that Polonius is a fishmonger, yet wishing he were as honest as one, Hamlet implies that Polonius is less...

This video analyzes a segment from Act 2, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's Hamlet, focusing on the use of the word "pregnant." Initially, Polonius describes Hamlet's replies as "pregnant," meaning they are full of hidden meaning. Later, Hamlet...

This video examines a scene from Act 2, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's Hamlet, where Hamlet discusses the content of a book he's reading with Polonius. Hamlet cleverly mocks Polonius by describing an old man lacking wit, paralleling Polonius's...

This video examines a scene from Act 2, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's Hamlet, where Polonius tries to understand Hamlet's puzzling behavior. Hamlet uses wordplay to confuse Polonius, particularly when asked about his reading material,...

This video explores a scene from Act 2, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's Hamlet, focusing on the dramatic irony as Gertrude, Claudius, and Polonius watch Hamlet under the false belief that he is mad. It discusses Hamlet's interactions with...

This video analyzes the nuanced language used by Polonius in Act 2, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's Hamlet, particularly focusing on his references to Ophelia's chastity. It examines Polonius's use of the verb "to lose" in the context of his...

This video delves into the etymology and usage of the word "ecstasy" in the context of Shakespeare's "Hamlet." It explains how Polonius uses the term to describe Hamlet's intense emotional state, suggesting a frenzy or madness brought on...

This video highlights a moment of realization for Polonius in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," where he reflects on his previous actions toward Ophelia and Hamlet. Polonius acknowledges his mistake in misjudging Hamlet's feelings for Ophelia and...

This video explores a scene in "Hamlet" where the focus is on Hamlet's reported actions rather than his direct presence. It delves into how characters discuss Hamlet's antic disposition, pondering whether it's genuine madness or a...

This video covers the start of Act 2 in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," where Polonius sends a servant to Paris to spy on his son Laertes, illustrating Polonius's meddlesome nature. The scene transitions to discuss Hamlet's state of mind...

This video discusses the varying interpretations of Hamlet's behavior in the scene where Polonius attributes his madness to love for Ophelia. It explores differing scholarly opinions on whether Hamlet's actions are due to heartbreak, a...

This video explores a scene where Polonius acknowledges his earlier misjudgment about Hamlet's intentions and his own overly suspicious nature. It delves into Polonius's decision to inform King Claudius about the supposed reasons for...

This video examines Polonius's quick assumptions about Hamlet's behavior in Act 2, Scene 1, and how these contradict his earlier beliefs about Hamlet's intentions towards Ophelia. It highlights Polonius's tendency to blame others and the...