As a classic play, Hamlet by William Shakespeare is considered one of the most challenging pieces in English literature to teach. Whether teaching in high school or college, it can be challenging to engage students and encourage them to take an interest in a play that is more than 400 years old.
One of the most effective ways teachers can spark some interest is to break down the story into more manageable chunks. The play is divided into acts and scenes, so it’s essential to teach students the structure of the play and how it evolves over time. One critical teaching aspect of Hamlet is how many acts it has.
Hamlet is a five-act play, with each act technically representing a different part of the story. However, the play’s arrangement can vary depending on the production or editor, but the general structure remains the same: Act I sets the stage and introduces the characters; Act II builds the plot and adds to the drama; Act III contains the conflict and drama climax; Act IV brings in the play’s tragic elements; and Act V brings the story to its end.
By teaching students how Hamlet is structured, teachers can help students better understand the play’s storyline, characters, and their motivations. Act by act analysis of Hamlet’s narrative and themes can lead to a deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s skills as a writer and the story’s underlying messages.
Another essential aspect of teaching students about the play’s structure is its relatability to their lives. Even though the play is set in an entirely different era, the themes and conflicts presented in it are entirely relatable to modern times. Students will quickly pick up on the play’s most prominent themes around love, betrayal, conflict, trust, and honor.
In conclusion, when teaching students about Hamlet, teachers must take their students on a journey that explores the play’s structure, characters, and themes. Breaking down the story into more manageable chunks can help students build a deeper understanding of the play and the era it was written in. By teaching students about how many acts the play has and what each act represents, students can analyze the play’s storyline, characters, and underlying messages more effectively. As a result, students will come to view Shakespeare’s plays as living things that continue to inspire even in modern times.
