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 2006, a movie took on authoritarianism and the violent aftershocks of the Spanish Civil War—all through the eyes of an innocent young girl and the fairy tale world she discovers in the woods. Pan's Labyrinth is both a beautifully...

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 explores the symbolic act of Ophelia returning Hamlet's gifts and love letters, which in the Elizabethan era, could signal the end of an engagement. The discussion highlights the cultural significance of such an act and its...

This video focuses on Ophelia's perspective in Act 3 as she reflects on her own sorrow and the alienation of Hamlet. It highlights her observations of Hamlet's dramatic transformation from the man she once knew—characterized by his...

This video examines Hamlet's harsh and cynical tirade against Ophelia in Act 3, Scene 1, where he presents marriage and fidelity in a negative light. It delves into his use of intimate and formal language, suggesting a broader critique...

This video dissects a critical scene in Act 3 where Hamlet's discourse turns dramatically as he suggests Ophelia enter a convent to prevent the propagation of sinners, reflecting his deep-seated concerns about virtue and sin. The segment...

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 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 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 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 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 features a unique interview format where characters Hamlet and Ophelia discuss their experiences and perspectives directly with the audience, following a recap of the dramatic scenes from Act 1 and the beginning of Act 2 of...

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 discusses Ophelia's recounting of her encounter with Hamlet, which occurs offstage but is vividly described to the audience, functioning like an "instant replay" in theater. It particularly focuses on Ophelia's description of...

This video analyzes a scene where Hamlet's dramatic gestures mimic those of a conventional lover, highlighting his silent and sorrowful demeanor. By examining his actions, which include a deep sigh and an intense gaze without verbal...

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...

This video explores the intriguing parallels between Hamlet and the ghost in Act 2, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's play, focusing on the themes of identity, alienation, and the haunting impact of secrets. Viewers will gain insights into...

This video covers the events of Act 5, Scene 1 in Shakespeare's Hamlet, where Hamlet returns to Denmark and encounters two gravediggers. The scene offers comic relief while delving into themes of death. The funeral procession for Ophelia...