Examining Shakespeare’s Text                     

Using Soliloquies from Hamlet

Overview: You will be working in teams to examine the differences between the editions we will compare

 one speech in each of the two editions Q1, and F1. Each team will be assigned one of the soliloquies below.

Click on the link below for a basic understanding of the speech.

Team 1 O, that this too too solid flesh would melt (1.2.131-61).

Team 2 O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I! (2.2.555-612).

Team 3 Tis now the very witching time of night (3.2.380-391)

Team 4 Now might I do it pat, now he is praying (3.3.77-100).

Team 5 How all occasions do inform against me (4.4.35-69)                                                        .  

1. Click on this link to go to Quarto 1 to locate the text of your speech. Quarto 1       

2. Click on the following link to access the folio text Hamlet Folio: Table of Contents

Use the links and toggle back and forth and back and forth using the minimize button.        

TEAM ASSIGNMENT:  Answer the following questions:  

1. What differences exist between the two speeches?                                                           

2. Do the changes make differences in meaning? If so, what are they?                                

3. Pretend that you are editing a new edition of the play. Make decisions about what you think is the best choice of words and explain why you made your decisions.