Grade 12 Literature Setwork

NSC and SC Examination

Question Papers and Memoranda
(Marking Guidelines)

English Home Language:

Drama – Hamlet

All Examination Question Papers and Marking Guidelines:

©Department of Basic Education
English Home Language/P2 17 DBE/2021
SC/NSC

SECTION C: DRAMA

Answer ONLY on the play you have studied.

HAMLET – William Shakespeare

Answer EITHER QUESTION 10 (essay question) OR QUESTION 11 (contextual

question).

QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

The play explores the destructive consequences of revenge.

Critically discuss the validity of the above statement.

Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words
(2–2½ pages). [25]

QUESTION 11: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow.

EXTRACT E

CLAUDIUS
And can you by no drift of conference
Get from him why he puts on this confusion,
Grating so harshly all his days of quiet
With turbulent and dangerous lunacy?
ROSENCRANTZ
He does confess he feels himself distracted, 5
But from what cause he will by no means speak.
GUILDENSTERN
Nor do we find him forward to be sounded,
But with a crafty madness keeps aloof,
When we would bring him on to some confession
Of his true state. 10
GERTRUDE
Did he receive you well?
ROSENCRANTZ
Most like a gentleman.
GUILDENSTERN
But with much forcing of his disposition.
ROSENCRANTZ
Niggard of question, but of our demands
Most free in his reply. 15
GERTRUDE
Did you assay him
To any pastime?

Copyright reserved Please turn over

English Home Language/P2 18 DBE/2021
SC/NSC

ROSENCRANTZ
Madam, it so fell out that certain players
We o'er-raught on the way. Of these we told him,
And there did seem in him a kind of joy 20
To hear of it. They are here about the court,
And as I think, they have already order
This night to play before him.
POLONIUS
'Tis most true,
And he beseeched me to entreat your majesties 25
To hear and see the matter.
CLAUDIUS
With all my heart, and it doth much content me
To hear him so inclined.
Good gentlemen, give him a further edge,
And drive his purpose into these delights. 30
ROSENCRANTZ
We shall, my lord.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern off
CLAUDIUS
Sweet Gertrude, leave us too,
For we have closely sent for Hamlet hither,
That he, as 'twere by accident, may here 35
Affront Ophelia.
Her father and myself, lawful espials,
Will so bestow ourselves, that seeing unseen,
We may of their encounter frankly judge,
And gather by him as he is behaved, 40
If't be th'affliction of his love or no
That thus he suffers for.
[Act 3, Scene 1]

11.1 Place the above extract in context. (3)

11.2 Refer to lines 1–4: 'And can you … and dangerous lunacy?'

Explain what these lines suggest about Claudius's feelings toward Hamlet's
behaviour. (3)

11.3 Refer to lines 27–30: 'With all my … into these delights.'

Discuss the irony of Claudius's reaction to Hamlet's interest in the players. (3)

11.4 Refer to lines 37–42: 'Her father and … he suffers for.'

Comment on the significance of spying in the context of the play. (3)

AND

Copyright reserved Please turn over

English Home Language/P2 19 DBE/2021
SC/NSC

EXTRACT F

HAMLET
What, the fair Ophelia!
GERTRUDE
(Scattering flowers) Sweets to the sweet. Farewell!
I hoped thou shouldst have been my Hamlet's wife.
I thought thy bride-bed to have decked, sweet maid,
And not have strewed thy grave. 5
LAERTES
O, treble woe
Fall ten times treble on that curséd head
Whose wicked deed thy most ingenious sense
Deprived thee of! Hold off the earth awhile,
Till I have caught her once more in mine arms 10
Laertes leaps in the grave
Now pile your dust upon the quick and dead,
Till of this flat a mountain you have made
T'o'ertop old Pelion, or the skyish head
Of blue Olympus. 15
HAMLET
(Comes forward) What is he whose grief
Bears such an emphasis? Whose phrase of sorrow
Conjures the wand'ring stars, and makes them stand
Like wonder-wounded hearers? This is I,
Hamlet the Dane. 20
Hamlet leaps in after Laertes
LAERTES
(Grappling with him) The devil take thy soul
HAMLET
Thou pray'st not well.
I prithee take thy fingers from my throat,
For though I am not splenitive and rash 25
Yet have I in me something dangerous,
Which let thy wiseness fear. Hold off thy hand!
CLAUDIUS
Pluck them asunder.

CLAUDIUS
(Aside to Laertes) Strengthen your patience in our last night's speech,
We'll put the matter to the present push … 30
[Act 5, Scene 1]

11.5 Refer to line 1: 'What, the fair Ophelia!'

Explain why Hamlet is unaware of Ophelia's death. (3)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

English Home Language/P2 20 DBE/2021
SC/NSC

11.6 Refer to line 16–21: '(Comes forward) What is he … in after Laertes'.

Discuss why Hamlet's attitude toward Ophelia changes during the course of
the play. (3)

11.7 Refer to lines 9–12: 'Hold off the ... quick and dead'.

If you were the director of a production of Hamlet, how would you instruct the
actor to deliver these lines? Pay specific attention to body language and tone.
Motivate your instructions. (3)

11.8 Using EXTRACT E and EXTRACT F as a starting point, comment critically on

Claudius's corrupting influence on other characters in the play. (4)
[25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

English Home Language/P2 14 DBE/2021
SC/NSC – Marking Guidelines

SECTION C: DRAMA
HAMLET – William Shakespeare
QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

 Below is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only.
However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of
critical thought and interpretation.
 A range of examples should be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
 Refer to page 26 for the rubric to assess this question.

 King Hamlet's ghost demands that Hamlet avenge his 'foul and most unnatural
murder' by Claudius who has usurped the throne and married Queen Gertrude.
 Hamlet assumes an antic disposition to investigate the truth of the ghost's claims.
To convince others of his 'madness', his behaviour toward Ophelia is cruel and
destructive; his rejection of her and his killing of Polonius contribute to her
madness and eventual death.
 Despite the ghost's telling Hamlet to leave his mother to her own conscience,
Hamlet's treatment of Gertrude is harsh and disparaging.
 Hamlet procrastinates because he questions the validity of the ghost and the
information it has provided. He is caught between his duty to avenge his father's
death and his own moral belief that unjustified revenge results in self-damnation.
His delay also contributes to the destruction/deaths of many characters.
 After receiving confirmation of Claudius's guilt during the performance of The
Mouse-trap, Hamlet has an opportunity to wreak vengeance while Claudius is
apparently praying. However, his desire to ensure that Claudius suffers the same
damnation as his father, causes him to defer taking revenge. His actions are
vindictive and deliberate. This delay gives Claudius time to plot treachery against
Hamlet, also resulting in the destruction of other characters, including his and
Hamlet's deaths.
 Hamlet vindictively sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their deaths.
 After returning to Denmark, Hamlet is more focused and acknowledges that
vengeance is necessary. He accepts whatever fate has in store for him, even if it
results in his death.
 Fortinbras seeks to avenge his father, who was killed by King Hamlet, by
preparing to invade Denmark to reclaim his father's lands. Fortinbras's
decisiveness causes more angst for Hamlet as he berates himself for
procrastinating in avenging his own father's death.
 Laertes also desires to avenge Polonius's murder. He rashly charges into the
palace to kill Claudius whom he assumes is responsible. When Claudius
persuades him that Hamlet is the culprit, Laertes resorts to treachery and deceit to
achieve his goal. His honour and integrity are destroyed by his actions.
 Laertes deceives Hamlet by insincerely reconciling with him. His perfidious
poisoning of the rapier ultimately causes Hamlet's and his own deaths.
 Hamlet realises that vengeance is not a worthy/constructive way of achieving
justice. Fortinbras's setting aside his desire for revenge and subsequent elevation
to king of Denmark is evidence of this.
[Credit responses that make reference to the context of the play i.e. divinity of
revenge; Hamlet is forced against his better nature to take revenge to restore order in
the kingdom.]
[Credit valid alternative/mixed responses.] [25]
Copyright reserved Please turn over
English Home Language/P2 15 DBE/2021
SC/NSC – Marking Guidelines

QUESTION 11: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

11.1 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet's school friends, have been sent for by
Claudius and Gertrude to discover the cause of Hamlet's strange behaviour.
When Hamlet discovers that their loyalties have shifted to Claudius and that
they are in fact spying on Claudius's behalf, he refuses to co-operate with
them. Hamlet becomes excited by a group of players who have arrived and is
planning for them to perform a play at court.

[Award 3 marks for any three distinct points.] (3)

11.2 The lines suggest that Claudius is suspicious of Hamlet's behaviour and
believes that his madness is assumed. He regards Hamlet as a threat and he
suspects that Hamlet might know of his vile deeds.

[Award 3 marks for two ideas well discussed.] (3)

11.3 Claudius is pleased with Hamlet's involvement with the players as he thinks it
will distract him from pursuing his investigation into King Hamlet's murder.
However, what Claudius does not realise, is that Hamlet is using the play to
discover the truth about his father's death. Hamlet has asked the players to
insert a special speech into the play, The Murder of Gonzago. The play
resembles the events of King Hamlet's death and Hamlet is convinced that
Claudius's reaction will reveal his guilt.

[Award 3 marks only if irony is well discussed.] (3)

11.4 Throughout the play, spying is used by characters to protect themselves or

their honour, or to disguise their ulterior motives. This creates an
atmosphere of deceit, deception and distrust. Hamlet decides to put on an
antic disposition to help him expose Claudius and avenge his father's death.
He uses The Mouse-trap to secretly observe Claudius's reaction, which he
hopes will confirm Claudius's guilt.

Polonius orders Reynaldo to spy on Laertes in Paris to protect the family

honour. Polonius and Claudius use Ophelia as bait to confirm Polonius's
belief that Hamlet's madness is due to his unrequited love for Ophelia.
Claudius has his own motives for agreeing to the spying, as he suspects that
Hamlet's madness is feigned and that Hamlet is a threat to him.

Gertrude and Claudius summon Hamlet's closest friends, Rosencrantz and

Guildenstern, to spy on Hamlet. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern betray Hamlet
in exchange for gaining the King's favour.

The characters' spying contributes to the tragic ending of the play.

[Credit valid alternative responses.]

[Award 3 marks only if significance is well discussed.] (3)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

English Home Language/P2 16 DBE/2021
SC/NSC – Marking Guidelines

11.5 After Hamlet has killed Polonius, he is shipped off to England by Claudius
who has given Rosencrantz and Guildenstern letters ordering Hamlet's
execution as soon as he arrives in England. Hamlet escapes from the ship
and returns to Denmark in secret. He has not yet returned to court and so is
unaware of Ophelia's death.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)

11.6 Hamlet has been loving toward Ophelia, as evidenced by the love tokens and
letters he has sent her. Because of his mother's hasty remarriage and
Ophelia's betrayal, Hamlet regards all women as fickle and duplicitous.
Hamlet becomes harsh, and cruelly rejects Ophelia, callously condemning
her to a nunnery. Hamlet's rejection of Ophelia is also intended to make his
antic disposition more convincing.

In this extract Hamlet's true feelings for Ophelia are evident. He is

overwhelmed by shock and grief at the news of her death and proclaims his
love for her.

[Award 3 marks only if the change in attitude is discussed.] (3)

11.7 Laertes might hold up his hands to stop the grave diggers from filling the
grave before jumping into the grave himself. Thereafter he beckons them to
come forward to cover him with earth. His tone might be grief-
stricken/distraught/dramatic/impassioned to convey how devastated he is by
Ophelia's death.

[Accept valid alternative responses.]

[The candidate's response should be convincing in context.]

[Award 3 marks only if the candidate refers to body language and tone, and
includes a justification.] (3)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

English Home Language/P2 17 DBE/2021
SC/NSC – Marking Guidelines

11.8 In Extract E, Claudius's corrupting influence on Rosencrantz and

Guildenstern is evident. He has manipulated them into spying on Hamlet and
later, escorting Hamlet to England. They betray their friendship with Hamlet to
gain Claudius's favour.

In Extract F, Claudius's reminder to Laertes of their plot against Hamlet

indicates that Laertes has succumbed to Claudius's corruption. Claudius has
convinced Laertes that Hamlet is their mutual enemy and has persuaded him
to prove his love for his father by killing Hamlet. Laertes's suggestion that the
sword point be dipped in poison to ensure Hamlet's death is further evidence
that he has been corrupted by Claudius.

Gertrude is possibly corrupted by Claudius when she commits adultery and

later incest. She also unwittingly colludes with Claudius to spy on Hamlet.
Ophelia is a pawn who is manipulated by Claudius and her father into spying
on Hamlet.

The comment that 'something is rotten in the state of Denmark' conveys how
far-reaching Claudius's corrupting influence has been. His corruption has
devastating consequences for the characters in the play.

[Candidates might argue that characters are already corrupt and thus
Claudius cannot be held responsible for their actions.]

[Accept valid alternative/mixed responses.]

[Award 4 marks only if reference is made to both texts.] (4)

[25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

English Home Language/P2 17 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC

SECTION C: DRAMA

Answer ONLY on the play you have studied.

HAMLET – William Shakespeare

Answer EITHER QUESTION 10 (essay question) OR QUESTION 11 (contextual

question).

QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

Loyalty to others and allegiance to King and country are central to the play.

Critically discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement.

Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words
(2–2½ pages). [25]

QUESTION 11: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow.

EXTRACT E

POLONIUS
Ophelia, walk you here. Gracious, so please you,
We will bestow ourselves … Read on this book,
He takes a book from the faldstool
That show of such an exercise may colour
Your loneliness. We are oft to blame in this, 5
('Tis too much proved) that with devotion's visage
And pious action we do sugar o'er
The devil himself.
CLAUDIUS
(Aside) O, 'tis too true,
How smart a lash that speech doth give my conscience. 10
The harlot's cheek, beautied with plast'ring art,
Is not more ugly to the thing that helps it,
Than is my deed to my most painted word:
O heavy burden!
POLONIUS
I hear him coming, let's withdraw, my lord. 15
They hide themselves behind the arras. Ophelia kneels at the
faldstool.
Enter Hamlet, in deep dejection
HAMLET
To be, or not to be, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer 20
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,

Copyright reserved Please turn over

English Home Language/P2 18 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC

And by opposing, end them? To die, to sleep,

No more, and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache, and the thousand natural shocks 25
That flesh is heir to; 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep,
To sleep, perchance to dream. Ay there's the rub,
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil 30
Must give us pause. …
Soft you now,
The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remembered!
OPHELIA
(Rises) Good my lord, 35
How does your honour for this many a day?
HAMLET
I humbly thank you, well, well, well.
[Act 3, Scene 1]

11.1 Refer to lines 9–10: 'O, 'tis too true … give my conscience.'

Account for Claudius's feelings in these lines. (3)

11.2 Refer to the stage direction in line 16: 'They hide themselves behind the
arras.'

Explain both Claudius's and Polonius's motives for spying on Hamlet. (3)

11.3 Refer to lines 19–31: 'To be, or … give us pause.'

Discuss how these lines convey the dilemma that Hamlet faces. (3)

11.4 Refer to lines 32–34: 'Soft you now … my sins remembered!'

Discuss whether Hamlet's attitude toward Ophelia in these lines is consistent

with his attitude toward her from this point onward. (3)

AND

EXTRACT F

HORATIO
Why, what a king is this!
HAMLET
Does it not, think thee, stand me now upon–
He that hath killed my king, and whored my mother,
Popped in between th'election and my hopes,
Thrown out his angle for my proper life, 5
And with such cozenage–is't not perfect conscience
To quit him with this arm? And is't not to be damned,
To let this canker of our nature come
In further evil?

Copyright reserved Please turn over

English Home Language/P2 19 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC

HORATIO
It must be shortly known to him from England 10
What is the issue of the business there.
HAMLET
It will be short. The interim is mine,
And a man's life's no more than to say 'One'.
But I am very sorry, good Horatio,
That to Laertes I forgot myself, 15
For by the image of my cause I see
The portraiture of his. I'll court his favours.
But sure the bravery or his grief did put me
Into a towering passion.
HORATIO
Peace, who comes here? 20
Enter Young Osric, a small and foppish courtier, wearing a doublet
with padded shoulders and a fashionable hat
OSRIC
(Doffs his hat and bows low) Your lordship is right welcome back to
Denmark.
HAMLET
I humbly thank you, sir … (Aside) Dost know this water-fly? 25
HORATIO
(Aside) No, my good lord.
HAMLET
(Aside) Thy state is the more gracious, for 'tis a vice to know him. He
hath much land, and fertile. Let a beast be lord of beasts, and his crib
shall stand at the king's mess.
[Act 5, Scene 2]

11.5 Place the extract in context. (3)

11.6 Refer to lines 2–7: 'Does it not … with this arm?'

If you were the director of a production of Hamlet, how would you instruct the
actor to deliver these lines? Refer to both body language and tone, and
motivate your instructions. (3)

11.7 Refer to lines 14–17: 'But I am … court his favours.'

Comment on the irony in Hamlet's words in these lines. (3)

11.8 Osric represents the hypocrisy that exists in Claudius's court.

Using this extract as a starting point, discuss how hypocrisy plays a role in
maintaining Claudius's power. (4)
[25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

English Home Language/P2 14 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC – Marking Guidelines

SECTION C: DRAMA

HAMLET – William Shakespeare

QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

 Below is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only.
However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of
critical thought and interpretation.
 A range of examples may be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
 Refer to page 24 for the rubric to assess this question.

AGREE
 Loyalty to his father's memory and allegiance to his country make Hamlet
determined to seek revenge. However, his loyalty to his own values is in conflict
with his desire for revenge. His actions ultimately lead to his own death and the
deaths of others. Nevertheless, he succeeds in restoring order in Denmark.
 Horatio is loyal when he informs Hamlet about King Hamlet's ghost. He helps
Hamlet to uncover the truth and he serves as a confidant to Hamlet. Hamlet
entrusts Horatio with the task of clearing his name.
 Laertes's loyalty to his father prompts his desire for revenge. He conspires with
Claudius to kill Hamlet, leading to the tragic outcome of the play. Laertes's
allegiance shifts when he confesses his betrayal, leading to Hamlet's stabbing
Claudius.
 Gertrude shows a lack of loyalty to King Hamlet when she remarries with undue
haste. Their marriage allows Claudius to usurp the throne. Gertrude is loyal to
Claudius and does not object to his decision to send Hamlet to England.
 However, Gertrude is also loyal toward Hamlet. She protects him by lying to
Claudius about Hamlet's state of mind after he has killed Polonius. She warns
Hamlet about the poison, prompting him to force Claudius to drink the wine.
 Ophelia is torn between her love for Hamlet and her loyalty toward her father. She
obeys her father's commands and allows herself to be used as a tool to spy on
Hamlet. This causes Hamlet to brutally reject her and ultimately leads to her own
madness and death. Ophelia's betrayal reinforces Hamlet's distrust of women.
 Polonius's loyalty to Claudius leads to his own death.
 Fortinbras's desire to avenge his father's death and reclaim the lands his father
has lost, results in his being named King of Denmark.

DISAGREE
 Claudius's murder of King Hamlet and his usurpation of the throne proves that he
lacks loyalty or allegiance, resulting in the tragedy of the play.
 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern prove their disloyalty to Hamlet by allowing
themselves to be used as Claudius's spies. Their betrayal causes Hamlet to
send them to their deaths in England.

[Credit valid alternative/mixed responses.] [25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

English Home Language/P2 15 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC – Marking Guidelines

QUESTION 11: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

11.1 Polonius's words remind Claudius of the immoral deeds he has committed
and he has a moment of self-reflection. Claudius is troubled by his guilty
conscience and he is forced to admit his culpability in killing King Hamlet and
usurping his throne.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well-discussed OR three ideas.] (3)

11.2 Claudius and Polonius have different motives for spying on Hamlet. Claudius
wants to find out whether Hamlet is a threat to him and his position as king.
He is also determined to ascertain whether Hamlet is aware of Claudius's evil
deeds. Polonius wants to discover whether Hamlet is really in love with his
daughter and if his madness is as a result of Ophelia's rejection of Hamlet's
affections. Polonius is ambitious and has hopes that his colluding with
Claudius will put him in the king's favour.

[Award 3 marks only if both characters are discussed.] (3)

11.3 Hamlet's dilemma is linked to the difficult choices that he faces. He has
promised to avenge his father's murder, but vengeance is in conflict with
Hamlet's morality. He ponders whether to kill himself as a means of escaping
this difficult choice. However, suicide is considered to be a sin. He realises
that suicide might be regarded as cowardly and an indication of his failure to
act decisively. While the thought of the peace that death will bring is
appealing, Hamlet acknowledges that there is an uncertainty with what the
after-life might hold; this makes him cautious.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well-discussed.] (3)

11.4 In these lines Hamlet admires Ophelia. He uses terms of affection and
responds tenderly toward her. However, when Ophelia rejects him and he
realises that she is lying to him, he becomes cruel, cynical, insensitive and
mocking. Hamlet's rejection of Ophelia reflects his anger toward her and his
distrust of women in general. While watching the play, he is condescending,
and treats her disrespectfully. Later, when he learns of her death, he is
distraught and expresses his love for her.

[Award 3 marks only if the shift in attitude is fully discussed.] (3)

11.5 Hamlet has returned to Denmark and has recounted his experiences on the
ship to Horatio. While secretly meeting with Horatio in the graveyard, Hamlet
learns of Ophelia's death. He becomes involved in an altercation with Laertes
at Ophelia's graveside. Claudius pacifies Laertes by reminding him of their
plot against Hamlet. Hamlet is determined to expose the extent of Claudius's
perfidy to Horatio.

[Award 3 marks for any three distinct points.] (3)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

English Home Language/P2 16 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC – Marking Guidelines

11.6 Hamlet might pace in agitation/hit his palm/raise his arm to convey his
outrage. Hamlet might express anger/shock at discovering the full extent of
Claudius's treachery. Hamlet's tone might be of
anger/outrage/indignation/disgust because of Claudius's vile actions and
Hamlet's desire to kill him.

[Accept valid alternative responses.]

[The candidate's response should be convincing in context.]

[Award 3 marks only if the candidate refers to body language and tone, and (3)
includes a justification.]

11.7 Hamlet displays remorse/regret for his violent altercation with Laertes at
Ophelia's graveside. He expresses the thought that Laertes's and his causes
are similar. He also praises and admires Laertes's courage and nobility.
However, Hamlet's words are ironic because Laertes has been conspiring
with Claudius to act treacherously against Hamlet. It is ironic that, instead of
being worthy of admiration, Laertes proves to be dishonourable.

[Award 3 marks only if irony is well-discussed.] (3)

11.8 Osric's hypocritical welcoming of Hamlet and Hamlet's sarcastic reference to

Osric as a 'water-fly' reveal that Osric is a sycophant who will do Claudius's
bidding without question. In order to entrench his power as King of Denmark,
Claudius has surrounded himself with people who behave hypocritically.
Polonius is also a hypocrite who will go to any lengths to ingratiate himself
with Claudius, even using his own daughter to spy on Claudius's behalf.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern betray their friendship with Hamlet by spying
on him in order to gain Claudius's favour. These characters all act out of self-
interest; in doing so, they help to maintain Claudius's power.

Claudius, too, acts hypocritically in order to gain the favour of the court when
he portrays himself as the chief mourner for King Hamlet at the beginning of
the play; he is actually King Hamlet's murderer. Once he has gained the
favour of the court, he maintains the impression of being a 'goodly' king by
expressing concern for Hamlet's well-being, while he is plotting against him.
By removing the threat of Hamlet, Claudius will secure his position as king.

[Accept valid alternative responses.]

[Award 4 marks for two ideas well-developed.] (4)

[25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

 English Home Language/P2 18 DBE/2019
SC/NSC

SECTION C: DRAMA

Answer ONLY on the play you have studied.

HAMLET – William Shakespeare

Answer EITHER QUESTION 10 (essay question) OR QUESTION 11 (contextual

question).

QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

The play demonstrates that despite foul play, honour and integrity will endure.

Critically discuss the validity of the above statement.

Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words
(2–2½ pages). [25]

QUESTION 11: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow.

EXTRACT E

HAMLET
But what is your affair in Elsinore?
We'll teach you to drink deep ere you depart.
HORATIO
My lord, I came to see your father's funeral.
HAMLET
I prithee thee do not mock me fellow-student.
I think it was to see my mother's wedding. 5
HORATIO
Indeed, my lord, it followed hard upon.
HAMLET
Thrift, thrift, Horatio! The funeral baked meats
Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables.
Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven
Or ever I had seen that day, Horatio! 10
My father! methinks I see my father.
HORATIO
Where, my lord?
HAMLET
In my mind's eye, Horatio.
HORATIO
I saw him once; he was a goodly king.
HAMLET
He was a man, take him for all in all, 15
I shall not look upon his like again.
HORATIO
My lord, I think I saw him yesternight.

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 16
 English Home Language/P2 19 DBE/2019
SC/NSC

HAMLET
Saw? who?
HORATIO
My lord, the king your father.

HAMLET
I will watch to-night, 20
Perchance 'twill walk again.
HORATIO
I warrant it will.
HAMLET
If it assume my noble father's person,
I'll speak to it though hell itself should gape
And bid me hold my peace. I pray you all 25
If you have hitherto concealed this sight,
Let it be tenable in your silence still,
And whatsoever else shall hap to-night,
Give it an understanding but no tongue.
I will requite your loves. So fare you well: 30
Upon the platform 'twixt eleven and twelve
I'll visit you.
ALL
Our duty to your honour.
HAMLET
Your loves, as mine to you. Farewell.
All but Hamlet off 35
My father's spirit in arms! All is not well.
[Act 1, Scene 2]

11.1 Refer to lines 4–5: 'I prithee thee … my mother's wedding.'

Account for Hamlet's attitude toward his mother's marriage. (3)

11.2 Compare Horatio's relationship with Hamlet with the relationship Rosencrantz
and Guildenstern have with him (Hamlet). (3)

11.3 Refer to line 14: 'he was a goodly king.'

Using your knowledge of the play as a whole, comment on whether the same
can be said about the current king, Claudius. (3)

11.4 Refer to line 36: 'My father's spirit in arms!'

Discuss the significance of King Hamlet's ghost appearing dressed in armour. (3)

AND

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 17
 English Home Language/P2 20 DBE/2019
SC/NSC

EXTRACT F

LAERTES
(To the King) My lord, I'll hit him now.
CLAUDIUS
I do not think't.
LAERTES
(Aside) And yet 'tis almost 'gainst my conscience.
HAMLET
Come, for the third, Laertes. You do but dally,
I pray you pass with your best violence. 5
I am afeard you make a wanton of me.
LAERTES
Say you so? Come on.
They play the third bout
OSRIC
Nothing neither way.
They break off 10
LAERTES
(Suddenly) Have at you now!
He takes Hamlet off his guard and wounds him slightly. Hamlet becomes enraged.
CLAUDIUS
Part them, they are incensed.
HAMLET
(Attacks) Nay, come again.
The Queen falls 15
Look to the queen there, ho!
Hamlet wounds Laertes
HORATIO
They bleed on both sides!–How is it, my lord?
Laertes falls
OSRIC
(Tending him) How is't, Laertes. 20
LAERTES
(Aside) Why, as a woodcock to my own springe,
I am justly killed with mine own treachery.
HAMLET
How does the queen?
CLAUDIUS
She swoons to see them bleed.
GERTRUDE
No, no, the drink, the drink–O my dear Hamlet– 25
The drink, the drink! I am poisoned!
She dies
HAMLET
O villainy! Ho! let the door be locked!
Treachery! seek it out.

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 18
 English Home Language/P2 21 DBE/2019
SC/NSC

LAERTES
It is here, Hamlet. Hamlet, thou art slain, 30
No medicine in the world can do thee good.
In thee there is not half an hour of life.
The treacherous instrument is in thy hand,
Unbated and envenomed. The foul practice
Hath turned itself on me, lo, here I lie, 35
Never to rise again. Thy mother's poisoned.
I can no more. The king, the king's to blame.
HAMLET
The point envenomed too
Then, venom, to thy work.
He stabs the king 40
ALL
Treason! treason!
[Act 5, Scene 2]

11.5 Account for the duel that is being fought between Hamlet and Laertes. (3)

11.6 Refer to lines 28–29: 'O villainy! Ho! … seek it out.'

If you were the director of a production of Hamlet, how would you instruct the
actor to deliver these lines? Pay specific attention to body language and tone.
Motivate your instructions. (3)

11.7 Refer to line 41: 'Treason! treason!'

Discuss the irony in these words. (3)

11.8 Despite the manner in which Hamlet seeks revenge, his honour is restored at
the end of the play.

Do you agree with this statement? Justify your response. (4)

[25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 19
 English Home Language/P2 14 DBE/2019
SC/NSC – Marking Guidelines

SECTION C: DRAMA
HAMLET – William Shakespeare
QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

 Below is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only.
However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of
critical thought and interpretation.
 A range of examples should be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
 Refer to page 24 for the rubric to assess this question.

Candidates must demonstrate an understanding that, while foul deeds do permeate

the play, honour and integrity are restored in Denmark when certain characters
redeem themselves.
• Hamlet realises that 'something is rotten in the state of Denmark'. His father's
ghost reveals that he was murdered by Claudius and this sets Hamlet on a course
to avenge his father's 'most foul murder'. Although Hamlet is motivated by a noble
desire to avenge his father's death, the means by which he achieves his revenge
compromise his honour and integrity. He puts on an 'antic disposition' in order to
verify the ghost's claims and resorts to deception and underhandedness in his
quest to uncover the truth.
• Hamlet's rejection of Ophelia is unnecessarily cruel and contributes to her death.
He impulsively kills Polonius and cold-bloodedly sends Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern to their deaths in England. These are acts of dishonour.
• Claudius usurps the throne and incestuously marries his brother's widow. He is
manipulative and scheming, continuing to perpetrate foul play to maintain his
power. His acts are cowardly as he uses others to carry out his wicked bidding.
• When Claudius realises that Hamlet is aware of his guilt, he cold-bloodedly sends
Hamlet to his death in England.
• Claudius exploits Laertes's grief and anger at his father's and sister's deaths to
include Laertes in his later conspiracy to kill Hamlet.
• Claudius also poisons the wine to ensure Hamlet's death and thus is culpable of
Gertrude's death as well.
• Polonius is corrupt and self-serving in his support of Claudius. He uses Ophelia as
an accomplice to spy on Hamlet. His spying on Laertes is also devious.
• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are prepared to betray their friendship with Hamlet
and become Claudius's willing tools for material gain.
• Gertrude's warning to Hamlet about the poisoned wine clearly indicates that her
love for Hamlet overcomes any loyalty that she has had toward Claudius and is
evidence of the restoration of her honour.
• Laertes stoops to duplicity to avenge the wrongs that he blames Hamlet for.
However, later he acknowledges his treachery and shows remorse, thus restoring
his honour and integrity.
• Hamlet's calm acceptance of his destiny at the end of the play ('the readiness is
all') is evidence that he has regained his sense of honour. Hamlet tasks Horatio
with restoring his (Hamlet's) good name.
• Claudius's death brings an end to the foul play in Denmark. Fortinbras restores
honour and integrity with his ascension to the throne.

[Credit mixed responses/valid alternative responses.] [25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 20
 English Home Language/P2 15 DBE/2019
SC/NSC – Marking Guidelines

QUESTION 11: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

11.1 Hamlet's assumption that Horatio is mocking him stems from his anger
because of his mother's hasty marriage to her brother-in-law. He is scornful
and resents his mother because she has betrayed his father's memory.
Hamlet is horrified by his mother's incestuous relationship with Claudius. He is
bitter since Claudius has usurped the throne of Denmark, which is rightfully
his.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)

11.2 Horatio is Hamlet's close friend and confidant. It is he who brings Hamlet the
news of the appearance of King Hamlet's ghost. He is also completely
trustworthy and loyal to Hamlet, keeping his secrets and helping Hamlet in
his quest to avenge his father's murder. After Hamlet's death, his loyalty to
Hamlet endures as he takes responsibility for restoring Hamlet's reputation.
Although Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are old school friends of Hamlet’s
and claim to be loyal to him, they betray him and allow themselves to become
Claudius's spies in return for material gain and favour.

[Award 3 marks only if both relationships are discussed.] (3)

11.3 Claudius is not a 'goodly king' because he is power-hungry, lustful and

ruthless. He murders his brother, usurps the throne of Denmark and marries
his sister-in-law. Claudius is devious in achieving his ends. He wickedly plots
Hamlet's death and cowardly uses others to do his despicable bidding. His
desire to repent his deeds is a sham as he is not prepared to give up the
throne or Gertrude. Although he tells Gertrude not to drink from the cup, his
selfishness overpowers his love for her.

[Candidates might offer a mixed response by referring to Claudius’s

competence as a king.]

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)

11.4 The armour identifies the ghost as being that of King Hamlet. The soldiers
remember his being dressed identically when he fought against the King of
Norway. The ghost's appearance in armour suggests that it is troubled, seeks
revenge and serves as a warning of corruption and impending doom in
Denmark. The king's appearance in armour is regarded as an omen of grave
danger to the state.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)

11.5 Laertes challenges Hamlet to a duel to avenge the death of his father,
Polonius, at Hamlet's hands. The duel is part of the treacherous plot that
Claudius and Laertes have conceived to kill Hamlet. Claudius has convinced
Laertes that killing Hamlet will prove his love for his father.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 21
 English Home Language/P2 16 DBE/2019
SC/NSC – Marking Guidelines

11.6 Hamlet might glare at Claudius and then point his sword/raise his hands/arms
authoritatively/point at the doors/turn to the guards as he orders the doors to
be locked. His tone might be outraged/furious in reaction to hearing about
Claudius's perfidy. Then his tone might become commanding/forceful as he
orders the guards to ensure that Claudius does not escape.

[Accept valid alternative responses.]

[The candidate's response should be convincing in context.]

[Award 3 marks only if the candidate refers to body language and tone, and
includes a justification.] (3)

11.7 The cry is in response to Hamlet's stabbing of the king. The court regards
Claudius as the rightful king of Denmark and thus perceive Hamlet's actions
as treasonous. However, they are completely unaware of Claudius's
treachery as he is the one who murdered King Hamlet and usurped his
throne./Hamlet's actions are not treasonous as he is the rightful heir to the
throne and he is restoring order to Denmark.

[Award 3 marks only if irony is discussed.] (3)

11.8 AGREE
After the pirates assist him in returning to Denmark, Hamlet is filled with new-
found confidence and no longer procrastinates. Hamlet's apology to Laertes
for any wrong he has done to him is sincere and he is prepared to accept the
outcome of the duel. Hamlet is calm and focused, prepared to affirm himself
and fulfil his duty. Hamlet believes that his killing of Claudius is justified as he
is convinced that Claudius deserves to be punished. Knowing his death is
imminent, Hamlet requests Horatio to reveal the truth so that his vengeful
actions can be viewed as noble. It is honourable that Hamlet's dying wish is
to restore the reputation of Denmark by naming Fortinbras as his successor.

OR

DISAGREE
Although Hamlet is motivated by a noble desire to avenge his father's death,
the means by which he achieves his revenge compromises his honour. He
resorts to deception and underhandedness in his need to uncover the truth.

[Accept valid alternative/mixed responses.]

[Award 4 marks for any three ideas well discussed OR four ideas.] (4)
[25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 22
 English Home Language/P2 15 DBE/November 2018
NSC

SECTION C: DRAMA

Answer ONLY on the play you have studied.

HAMLET – William Shakespeare

Answer EITHER QUESTION 10 (essay question) OR QUESTION 11 (contextual

question).

QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

Gertrude and Ophelia's passivity makes them vulnerable to exploitation and

manipulation.

Critically discuss the extent to which you agree with the above statement.

Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words
(2–2½ pages). [25]

QUESTION 11: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow.

EXTRACT E

GUILDENSTERN
But we both obey,
And here give up ourselves in the full bent,
To lay our service freely at your feet
To be commanded.
CLAUDIUS
Thanks Rosencrantz, and gentle Guildenstern. 5
GERTRUDE
Thanks Guildenstern, and gentle Rosencrantz,
And I beseech you instantly to visit
My too much changéd son. Go some of you
And bring these gentlemen where Hamlet is.
GUILDENSTERN
Heavens make our presence and our practices 10
Pleasant and helpful to him!
GERTRUDE
Ay, amen!
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern off
Enter Polonius. He speaks apart with the king.
POLONIUS
The ambassadors from Norway, my good lord, 15
Are joyfully returned.
CLAUDIUS
Thou still hast been the father of good news.
POLONIUS
Have I, my lord? Assure you, my good liege,
I hold my duty as I hold my soul,
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 23
 English Home Language/P2 16 DBE/November 2018
NSC

Both to my God and to my gracious king, 20

And I do think, or else this brain of mine
Hunts not the trail of policy so sure
As it hath used to do, that I have found
The very cause of Hamlet's lunacy.
CLAUDIUS
O speak of that! That do I long to hear. 25
POLONIUS
Give first admittance to th'ambassadors.
My news shall be the fruit to that great feast.
CLAUDIUS
Thyself do grace to them, and bring them in.
Polonius off
He tells me, my dear Gertrude, he hath found 30
The head and source of all your son's distemper.
…
[Re-enter Polonius]
POLONIUS
You know sometimes he walks four hours together
Here in the lobby.
GERTRUDE
So he does, indeed. 35
POLONIUS
At such a time I'll loose my daughter to him.
Be you and I behind an arras then.
Mark the encounter.
[Act 2, Scene 2]

11.1 Refer to lines 1–4: 'But we both …To be commanded.'

Explain what has prompted Claudius and Gertrude to send for Rosencrantz
and Guildenstern. (3)

11.2 Refer to line 8: 'My too much changéd son.'

Account for the change that has come upon Hamlet. (3)

11.3 Refer to lines 18–20: 'Assure you, … my gracious king'.

Discuss how this statement is typical of Polonius's character. (3)

11.4 Refer to line 36: 'At such a time I'll loose my daughter to him.'

Based on your knowledge of the play as a whole, comment on the role

Ophelia plays in influencing Hamlet's attitude toward women. (3)

11.5 Refer to lines 10–11: 'Heavens make our … helpful to him!'

Comment on the irony of Guildenstern's words in the above lines. (3)

AND

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 24
 English Home Language/P2 17 DBE/November 2018
NSC

EXTRACT F

CLAUDIUS
O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven;
It hath the primal eldest curse upon't,
A brother's murder! Pray can I not,
Though inclination be as sharp as will.
My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent. 5
…
Enter Hamlet and pauses, seeing the King
HAMLET
(Approaches the entry to the lobby) Now might I do it pat, now he is
a-praying –
And now I'll do't (He draws his sword) and so he goes to heaven,
And so am I revenged. That would be scanned. 10
A villain kills my father, and for that
I his sole son do this same villain send
To heaven.
Why, this is bait and salary, not revenge.
He took my father grossly, full of bread, 15
With all his crimes broad blown, as flush as May,
And how his audit stands who knows save heaven?
But in our circumstance and course of thought,
'Tis heavy with him. And am I then revenged
To take him in the purging of his soul, 20
When he is fit and seasoned for his passage?
No.
He sheathes his sword
Up, sword, and know thou a more horrid hent,
When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage, 25
Or in th'incestuous pleasure of his bed,
At game, a-swearing, or about some act
That has no relish of salvation in't,
Then trip him that his heels may kick at heaven,
And that his soul may be as damned and black 30
As hell whereto it goes. My mother stays.
This physic but prolongs thy sickly days.
Off
CLAUDIUS
(Rises) My words fly up, my thoughts remain below.
Words without thoughts never to heaven go. 35
[Act 3, Scene 3]

11.6 Refer to line 3: 'Pray can I not'.

Account for Claudius's inability to pray for forgiveness. (3)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 25
 English Home Language/P2 18 DBE/November 2018
NSC

11.7 Refer to Hamlet's words and the stage directions in lines 7–9: '(Approaches
the entry … draws his sword)'.

If you were the director of a production of Hamlet, how would you instruct the
actor to deliver these lines? Pay specific attention to body language and tone.
Motivate your instructions. (3)

11.8 Hamlet's hesitation in taking revenge is a sign of cowardice.

Critically comment on the extent to which you agree with this statement. (4)
[25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 26
 English Home Language/P2 15 DBE/November 2018
NSC – Marking Guidelines

SECTION C: DRAMA
HAMLET – William Shakespeare
QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

• Below is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only.
However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of
critical thought and interpretation.
• A range of examples should be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
• Refer to page 25 for the rubric to assess this question.

Candidates might agree or disagree with this statement, or they may offer a mixed
response.
• Gertrude and Ophelia live in a patriarchal society and are considered to be frail
and weak-minded. This enables their being manipulated and exploited.
• Soon after the death of her husband, Gertrude is seduced into marrying her
brother-in-law, Claudius, an act that earns the anger of her son, Hamlet.
• Gertrude's hasty marriage is evidence of her dependence on men and inability to
take control of her own life. Her shallowness and desire for status and affection
make her easy prey for Claudius. Claudius's marriage to Gertrude might be seen
as opportunistic and as a means of usurping Prince Hamlet's position as king.
• Hamlet's perception of women as being dishonest and fickle is influenced by his
mother's allowing Claudius to seduce her.
• Claudius expects Gertrude to reject Hamlet and to be loyal to him only. Although
Gertrude protects Hamlet from Claudius after Hamlet has killed Polonius, she goes
along with Claudius's plan to send Hamlet into exile.
• Ophelia is portrayed as gentle, loyal and obedient and looks to her father and
brother for advice and guidance. She is viewed as naïve and innocent and unable
to know her own mind.
• When Polonius asks Ophelia to reject Hamlet's attentions, she meekly obeys him,
returning Hamlet's gifts. She allows Polonius to use her to spy on Hamlet.
• Ophelia is on the receiving end of Hamlet's anger and disillusionment with all
women. He uses Ophelia to reinforce the impression that he is mad, which aids
him in implementing his plan of revenge. Ophelia passively accepts his abuse.
After Hamlet kills Polonius, Ophelia becomes mad with grief and drowns.
• Gertrude continues to display her concern for Hamlet and requests that
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern discover the cause of his behaviour. She also
summons Hamlet to her chamber because of his behaviour at the play, which
upset Claudius. She admits that her marriage to Claudius was 'o'er-hasty', but
never actively opposes Claudius. Her final act of warning Hamlet about the
poisoned wine shows that she is able to act independently and that she is
prepared to sacrifice herself for her son. This displays her strength and loyalty, not
passivity.
• Ophelia occasionally acts independently. When Laertes warns her about Hamlet's
dishonourable intentions, she thanks him, but accuses him of double-standards.
During the play, she challenges Hamlet's sexual innuendos.
• In her madness, Ophelia becomes outspoken. She gives Claudius flowers
symbolising ingratitude and infidelity, thus indicating her disapproval of his actions.

[Credit valid alternative/mixed responses.] [25]

Copyright
Grade reserved
12 Literature Setwork English Home Language Please turn over 27
 English Home Language/P2 16 DBE/November 2018
NSC – Marking Guidelines

QUESTION 11: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

11.1 Hamlet has been behaving strangely and this has led to the summoning of
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two of Hamlet's school friends, to Elsinore.
The King and Queen seem to be concerned about his wellbeing and hope
that his friends will discover the cause of his behaviour and that their
presence might lift his spirits.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)
11.2 Hamlet is grieving over the death of his father and he has fallen into a state of
depression. His uncle, Claudius, whom he detests, has been crowned the
new king of Denmark, despite the fact that Hamlet is heir to the throne. He is
shocked to discover that Claudius has also married Hamlet's mother very
soon after his father's death. Hamlet suspects foul play and feigns madness
as a means of corroborating the Ghost's allegations.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)
11.3 Polonius's self-serving behaviour is evident here. He is intent on ingratiating
himself with Claudius. He is unscrupulous and, by supporting Claudius's
kingship, has secured the position as Claudius's chief councillor. His belief in
his superior intellect leads to his making unfounded assumptions regarding
the reason for Hamlet's behaviour. In order to advance his own prospects, he
does not hesitate to use his daughter as bait in order to spy on Hamlet for the
King. His spying on the conversation between Gertrude and Hamlet later in
the play is also an attempt to help Claudius.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)
11.4 Ophelia is unwittingly used by her father and Claudius to discover Hamlet's
secrets. Hamlet's view of women as liars and deceivers is reinforced by
Ophelia's lying to him about her father's whereabouts; he is aware that
Polonius is eavesdropping on their conversation. Gertrude's betrayal of
Hamlet's father and himself has already caused him to mistrust women, and
Ophelia's actions reinforce his poor opinion of them.

Candidates might refer to Hamlet's attitude toward women as being more

complex and more sympathetic; his uncertainty about Ophelia might support
this assertion.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)
11.5 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Hamlet's friends and should show care,
support and loyalty. They are expected to protect him from harm. In these
lines, Guildenstern pledges that they will do all in their power to help Hamlet.
However, they readily accede to being exploited by Claudius to spy on
Hamlet, with the expectation of a reward. Later in the play they agree to
Claudius's desire to exile Hamlet from Denmark. This betrayal almost leads to
Hamlet's death. 'Practices' is ambiguous – it could connote manipulative,
dishonest behaviour.

[Award 3 marks only if irony is fully discussed.] (3)

Copyright reserved Please turn over
Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 28
 English Home Language/P2 17 DBE/November 2018
NSC – Marking Guidelines

11.6 Although Claudius acknowledges the depth and severity of his crime and
wrestles with his conscience, his attempts to pray for forgiveness for the
murder of his brother are unsuccessful because he cannot bring himself to be
truly repentant. His greed for power and his reluctance to give up his queen
and throne overcome any desire to be truly remorseful, even though he
understands that he might spend eternity in hell.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)

11.7 Hamlet might creep up stealthily behind Claudius, his hand ready to draw his
sword or he might stand behind the kneeling Claudius and look down at him.
Hamlet's tone might be eager/satisfied/determined. Hamlet's suspicions of
Claudius's guilt have been confirmed and there is no longer any reason for
him to delay avenging his father's murder. He finally has the opportunity to kill
the man whom he detests so intensely.

[Accept valid alternative responses.]

[The candidate's response should be convincing in context.]

[Award 3 marks only if the candidate discusses both body language and tone
and includes a justification.] (3)

11.8 AGREE
Hamlet's procrastination is simply a way of avoiding taking action. Although
he now has proof of Claudius's guilt and realises that his vengeance is
justified, his reasons for not acting are simply excuses that might be seen as
evidence of his cowardice. The time and opportunity have provided
themselves, yet he is not brave enough to take advantage of these and
confront Claudius. His indecisiveness paralyses him and he postpones his
revenge. Hamlet himself questions his bravery when he compares himself to
Fortinbras and Laertes.

OR

DISAGREE
Rather than being a coward, Hamlet is an intellectual. He is a rational thinker
and does not want to be impulsive. Initially, Hamlet delays taking revenge
because he needs to verify the ghost's accusations. It is Hamlet's sensitivity
that causes him to delay avenging his father's death. His theological beliefs,
moral fortitude and restraint prevent him from killing Claudius while he is at
prayer. Furthermore, in Hamlet's desire for revenge, he wants Claudius to
suffer the same torments of hell to which Claudius has condemned his father
by not allowing King Hamlet to confess his sins or find salvation. Hamlet's
hesitation is justifiable and not a sign of cowardice.

[Accept valid alternative/mixed responses.]

[Award 4 marks for any three ideas well discussed OR four ideas.] (4)
[25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 29
 English Home Language/P2 28 DBE/2018
SCE

SECTION C: DRAMA

Answer ONLY on the play you have studied.

HAMLET – William Shakespeare

Answer EITHER QUESTION 20 (essay question) OR QUESTION 21 (contextual

question).

QUESTION 20: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

Hamlet's behaviour throughout the play has unintended consequences.
Critically discuss the extent to which you agree with the above statement.
Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words
(2–2½ pages). [25]

QUESTION 21: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow.
EXTRACT K

CLAUDIUS
But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son–
HAMLET
A little more than kin, and less than kind.
CLAUDIUS
How is it that the clouds still hang on you?
HAMLET
Not so, my lord, I am too much i'th' sun.
GERTRUDE
Good Hamlet, cast thy nightly colour off, 5
And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark.
Do not for ever with thy vailèd lids
Seek for thy noble father in the dust.
Thou know'st 'tis common–all that lives must die,
Passing through nature to eternity. 10
HAMLET
Ay, madam, it is common.
GERTRUDE
If it be,
Why seems it so particular with thee?
HAMLET
Seems, madam? Nay, it is. I know not 'seems'.
'Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother, 15
Nor customary suits of solemn black,
Nor windy suspiration of forced breath
No, nor the fruitful river in the eye
Nor the dejected haviour of the visage,
Together with all forms, moods, shows of grief 20
That can denote me truly. These indeed 'seem',

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 30
 English Home Language/P2 29 DBE/2018
SCE

For they are actions that a man might play;

But I have that within which passeth show–
These but the trappings and the suits of woe.
CLAUDIUS
'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, 25
To give these mourning duties to your father;
But you must know your father lost a father;
That father lost, lost his; and the survivor bound
In filial obligation for some term
To do obsequious sorrow. But to persever 30
In obstinate condolement is a course
Of impious stubbornness, 'tis unmanly grief,
It shows a will most incorrect to heaven,
A heart unfortified, a mind impatient,
An understanding simple and unschooled. 35
[Act 1, Scene 2]

21.1 Refer to line 2: 'A little more than kin, and less than kind.'
Account for Hamlet's reaction to Claudius's greeting. (3)
21.2 Refer to lines 5–10: 'Good Hamlet, cast … nature to eternity.'
Suggest what motivates Gertrude to utter these words in the above lines. (3)
21.3 Refer to lines 30–32: 'But to persever … 'tis unmanly grief'.
In the light of later events, comment on whether Claudius is being sincere. (3)
21.4 Refer to line 33: 'It shows a will most incorrect to heaven'.
Discuss the irony in this line in the context of the play. (3)
AND
EXTRACT L
HAMLET
(to GERTRUDE) Madam, how like you this play?
GERTRUDE
The lady protests too much, methinks.
HAMLET
O, but she'll keep her word.
CLAUDIUS
Have you heard the argument? Is there no
offence in't? 5
HAMLET
No, no, they do but jest, poison in jest. No
offence i'th' world.
CLAUDIUS
What do you call the play?
HAMLET
The Mousetrap. Marry, how? Tropically. This
play is the image of a murder done in Vienna. Gonzago 10

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 31
 English Home Language/P2 30 DBE/2018
SCE

is the Duke's name, his wife Baptista. You shall see

anon. 'Tis a knavish piece of work; but what o' that?
Your majesty, and we that have free souls, it touches us
not. Let the galled jade wince, our withers are unwrung.
Enter PLAYER LUCIANUS 15
This is one Lucianus, nephew to the King.
…
HAMLET
(To LUCIANUS)
Begin, murderer. Pox, leave thy damnable faces and
begin. Come: 'the croaking raven doth bellow for
revenge'. 20
PLAYER LUCIANUS
Thoughts black, hands apt, drugs fit,
and time agreeing,
Confederate season, else no creature seeing;
Thou mixture rank of midnight weeds collected,
With Hecate's ban thrice blasted, thrice infected, 25
Thy natural magic and dire property
On wholesome life usurp immediately.
He pours the poison in the PLAYER KING'S ear
HAMLET
He poisons him i'th' garden for's estate. His
name's Gonzago. The story is extant, and writ in choice 30
Italian. You shall see anon how the murderer gets the
love of Gonzago's wife.
OPHELIA
The King rises.
HAMLET
What, frighted with false fire?
GERTRUDE
(to CLAUDIUS) How fares my lord? 35
POLONIUS
Give o'er the play.
CLAUDIUS
Give me some light. Away.
[Act 3, Scene 2]

21.5 Refer to lines 4–5: 'Have you heard … no/offence in't?'

Account for Claudius's question. (3)
21.6 Discuss the significance of Hamlet's choice of play, The Mousetrap (line 9). (3)
21.7 Refer to lines 17–20: '(To LUCIANUS)/Begin, murderer. … bellow for/
revenge.'
If you were the director of a production of Hamlet, how would you instruct the
actor to deliver these lines? Pay specific attention to body language and tone.
Motivate your instructions. (3)
21.8 Hamlet resorts to deception to serve his own interests.
Do you agree with this statement? Justify your response. (4)
[25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 32
 English Home Language/P2 27 DBE/2018
SCE – Marking Guidelines

SECTION C: DRAMA
HAMLET – William Shakespeare
QUESTION 20: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

• Below is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only.
However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of
critical thought and interpretation.
• A range of examples may be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
• Refer to page 37 for the rubric to assess this question.

Candidates might argue that this statement is not entirely true and discuss how
Hamlet's behaviour has either intended or unintended consequences or they might
offer a mixed response.
• From the time he learns of his father's murder, Hamlet is obsessed with the need
to avenge his death. This sets him on a course that has many unintended
consequences.
• Hamlet intends for his antic disposition to mislead his enemies and to allow him to
investigate the Ghost's accusations. It serves, however, to make Claudius
suspicious of him and leads to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's spying on him and
ultimately their deaths.
• Hamlet's introspection, self-doubt and anxiety cause him to procrastinate, thus
giving Claudius the opportunity to act against him.
• Although Hamlet has the perfect opportunity to kill Claudius while he is at prayer,
he decides against it, as he does not want Claudius's soul to ascend to heaven.
His delay gives Claudius time to come up with a plan to kill him. Realising that
Hamlet poses a threat to him, Claudius sends Hamlet to England where he will be
executed by the English king.
• Hamlet's boarding of the pirate ship has the unintended consequence of enabling
him to return to Denmark and escape execution.
• Hamlet unintentionally kills Polonius when he realises that he is being spied upon
in his mother's room. As a result, Laertes is determined to avenge his father's
death.
• Hamlet's cruel treatment of Ophelia is a result of his disillusionment with his
mother, and women in general. His brutal rejection of her and her father's death at
Hamlet's hands cause Ophelia to descend into madness and she drowns soon
after.
• In order to eliminate the threat that Hamlet poses to him, Claudius poisons
Hamlet's wine at the duel. Gertrude's death after drinking the poison is a
consequence that neither Hamlet nor Claudius could have predicted.
• Fortinbras's becoming King of Denmark is another unexpected outcome of
Hamlet's commitment to revenge.
• Candidates might argue that much of what Hamlet does is orchestrated and that
he has a very clear outcome in mind. They might refer to his deliberate act of
feigning madness and his plan to stage a play that mirrors Claudius's murderous
and incestuous actions. Both these acts have the intended outcome of confirming
Claudius's guilt.
[Credit valid alternative/mixed responses.] [25]

Grade 12 Literature
Copyright Setwork English Home Language
reserved Please turn over 33
 English Home Language/P2 28 DBE/2018
SCE – Marking Guidelines

QUESTION 21: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

21.1 Hamlet is being disrespectful toward Claudius. He is resentful of Claudius's

calling him 'my son' because he feels that Claudius has no right to usurp his
father's role. He disapproves of Claudius's marriage to his mother. He is
indignant and tries to distance himself from Claudius's familiarity.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)

21.2 Gertrude displays motherly concern for Hamlet's well-being. She wants him
to come to terms with his father's death. She is distressed by the animosity
Hamlet feels toward Claudius. She might also feel guilty for having
contributed to his melancholic state of mind with her hasty marriage to
Claudius and she urges him to accept her marriage. She appears to be
supportive of Claudius as he attempts to engage Hamlet.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct
ideas.] (3)

21.3 Claudius is insincere. He appears to be concerned and attempts to persuade

Hamlet that his behaviour, though understandable, is unreasonable. His
words are also patronising and merely an attempt to win Hamlet over. He
also subtly insults Hamlet by referring to his grief as 'unmanly'. He sees
Hamlet as a threat and uses his words to undermine him. Later Claudius has
Hamlet spied upon and plots his death.

[It is unlikely that candidates will consider Claudius's advice as sincere.

However, treat all responses on their merits.]

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)

21.4 Claudius is saying that Hamlet's excessive mourning is against the will of
heaven. However, Claudius's murder of his brother and marriage to his
brother's wife are far greater sins against heaven. The murder violates the
divine right of kings and the marriage would have been regarded as
incestuous. His immoral plots to murder Hamlet are also 'incorrect to heaven'.

[Award 3 marks only if irony is well discussed.] (3)

21.5 Claudius is starting to become suspicious that the play is directed at him as
he suspects that Hamlet is aware that he has murdered King Hamlet. He is
concerned that his evil deeds might be exposed.

[Award 3 marks for three distinct ideas.] (3)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 34
 English Home Language/P2 29 DBE/2018
SCE – Marking Guidelines

21.6 The plot of The Mousetrap closely resembles King Hamlet's murder. Its title
suggests entrapment. Hamlet intends to use the play to trap Claudius into
revealing his guilt. Hamlet is not prepared to act against Claudius until he has
conclusive proof. His strategy is effective because, as he summarises the
plot, Claudius acts in a guilty manner.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)

21.7 Hamlet might clap his hands/rap on his chair/stand up and gesture to indicate
to Lucianus to begin without further delay. His tone might be
impatient/frustrated/demanding as he is eager for the play to begin and his
suspicions about Claudius to be confirmed. He is excited as he is sure that
Claudius will reveal his guilt.

[Accept valid alternative responses.]

[The candidate's response should be convincing in context.]

[Award 3 marks only if the candidate refers to body language and tone and
includes a justification.] (3)

21.8 AGREE
Hamlet's deception might be considered to be motivated by self-interest as he
has been denied his rightful position as king. His intense hatred of Claudius
provokes him to seek retribution. He feels betrayed by Gertrude's marriage
and his feigned madness is a means of hurting her. Initially, his deception of
Ophelia is part of his plan to maintain the façade of madness. However, he
feels betrayed when he realises that she has become an instrument of
Claudius's machinations, and his cruel rejection of her is purely selfish.

OR

DISAGREE
Although Hamlet is desperate to avenge his father's murder and uses
deception to confirm his suspicions of Claudius's guilt, his reasons for doing
so are more altruistic than selfish. Hamlet is motivated by his concern that
Denmark has become 'rotten' under Claudius's reign and is determined to
restore his father's legacy. He is concerned about the salvation of his father's
eternal soul as his father died without receiving absolution.

[Candidates may make reference to other examples.]

[Accept valid alternative/mixed responses.]

[Award 4 marks for any three ideas well discussed OR any four distinct
ideas.] (4)
[25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 35
 English Home Language/P2 17 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2018
NSC

SECTION C: DRAMA

Answer ONLY on the play you have studied.

HAMLET – William Shakespeare

Answer EITHER QUESTION 10 (essay question) OR QUESTION 11 (contextual

question).

QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

Hamlet is responsible for his own tragic fate.

Assess the validity of this statement.

Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words
(2–2½ pages). [25]

QUESTION 11: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow.

EXTRACT E

HORATIO
Not I, my lord, by heaven.
MARCELLUS
Nor I, my lord.
HAMLET
How say you then, would heart of man once
think it?
But you'll be secret? 5
HORATIO AND MARCELLUS
Ay, by heaven, my lord.
HAMLET
There's ne'er a villain dwelling in all Denmark
But he's an arrant knave.
HORATIO
There needs no ghost, my lord, come from the
grave 10
To tell us this.
HAMLET
Why, right, you are i'th' right,
And so without more circumstance at all
I hold it fit that we shake hands and part,
You as your business and desires shall point you – 15
For every man has business and desire,
Such as it is – and for mine own poor part,
Look you, I'll go pray.

...

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 36
 English Home Language/P2 18 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2018
NSC

HORATIO
O day and night, but this is wondrous strange!
HAMLET
And therefore as a stranger give it welcome. 20
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in our philosophy. But come,
Here as before, never, so help you mercy,
How strange or odd soe'er I bear myself –
As I perchance hereafter shall think meet 25
To put an antic disposition on –
That you at such time seeing me never shall,
With arms encumbered thus, or this headshake,
Or by pronouncing of some doubtful phrase
As 'Well, we know' or 'We could an if we would', 30
Or 'If we list to speak', or 'There be, an if they might',
Or such ambiguous giving out, to note
That you know aught of me – this not to do,
So grace and mercy at your most need help you,
Swear. 35
[Act 1, Scene 5]

11.1 Refer to line 5: 'But you'll be secret?'

Account for Hamlet's concern with secrecy at this point in the play. (3)

11.2 Explain the Ghost's motive in approaching Hamlet. (3)

11.3 Refer to lines 17–18: '– and for mine own poor part,'/'Look you, I'll go pray.'

Discuss the extent to which it would be justifiable for the audience to pity
Hamlet at this point in the play. (3)

11.4 Refer to line 26: 'To put an antic disposition on –'.

Critically comment on Hamlet's decision to pretend to be mad. (3)

AND

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 37
 English Home Language/P2 19 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2018
NSC

EXTRACT F

Enter GERTRUDE and POLONIUS

POLONIUS
He will come straight. Look you lay home to him.
Tell him his pranks have been too broad to bear with,
And that your grace hath screened and stood between
Much heat and him. I'll silence me e'en here. 5
Pray you be round with him.
HAMLET
(offstage) Mother, mother, mother!
GERTRUDE
I'll warrant you. Fear me not. Withdraw; I hear
him coming.
POLONIUS hides behind the arras. Enter HAMLET 10
HAMLET
Now, mother, what's the matter?
GERTRUDE
Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended.
HAMLET
Mother, you have my father much offended.
GERTRUDE
Come, come, you answer with an idle tongue.
HAMLET
Go, go, you question with a wicked tongue. 15
GERTRUDE
Why, how now, Hamlet?
HAMLET
What's the matter now?
GERTRUDE
Have you forgot me?
HAMLET
No, by the rood, not so.
You are the Queen, your husband's brother's wife. 20
But – would you were not so – you are my mother.
GERTRUDE
Nay, then, I'll set those to you that can speak.
HAMLET
Come, come, and sit you down. You shall not
budge.
You go not till I set you up a glass 25
Where you may see the inmost part of you.
GERTRUDE
What wilt thou do? Thou wilt not murder me?
Help, help, ho!
POLONIUS
(behind the arras) What ho! Help, help, help!
HAMLET
How now, a rat? Dead for a ducat, dead. 30
He thrusts his sword through the arras

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 38
 English Home Language/P2 20 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2018
NSC

POLONIUS
O, I am slain!
GERTRUDE (to HAMLET)
O me, what hast thou done?
HAMLET
Nay, I know not. Is it the King?
GERTRUDE
O, what a rash and bloody deed is this! 35
HAMLET
A bloody deed – almost as bad, good mother,
As kill a king and marry with his brother.
[Act 3, Scene 4]

11.5 Refer to lines 4–5: 'And that your grace …'/'Much heat and him.'

Suggest how Gertrude's later actions will validate this statement. (3)

11.6 Refer to line 12: 'Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended.'

Comment on the irony of Gertrude's words. (3)

11.7 Refer to lines 23–26: 'Come, come, and ...'/'part of you.'

If you were the director of a production of Hamlet, how would you instruct the
actor to deliver these lines? Justify your instructions with reference to both
body language and tone. (3)

11.8 Using this extract as a starting point and drawing on your knowledge of the
play as a whole, critically comment on the nature of betrayal as presented in
the play. (4)
[25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 39
 English Home Language/P2 14 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2018
NSC – Marking Guidelines

SECTION C: DRAMA

HAMLET – William Shakespeare

QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

 Below is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only.
However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of
critical thought and interpretation.
 A range of examples may be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
 Refer to page 24 for the rubric to assess this question.

A mixed response would demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the text.

 Hamlet struggles to reconcile his conscience with the need to avenge his father's
death. His dilemma is that he is prone to philosophic speculation and a desire to
make judgements based on reason. He vacillates rather than reacts. While some
might construe Hamlet's behaviour as weak and see him as responsible for his own
fate, others might argue that Hamlet's vacillations are a consequence of his
goodness.
 Hamlet has no control over certain events: the murder of his father, Claudius's
ascension to the throne and his marriage to Gertrude.
 Hamlet acknowledges that fate plays a role in the way in which matters unfold: he
says that 'there's a divinity that shapes our end'. This suggests that, although
Hamlet's flaws may contribute to his downfall, there are elements beyond his
control.
 Fate plays a role when the ship Hamlet travels on is attacked by pirates,
resulting in his being saved and returning to Denmark.
 The machinations of Claudius, his collusion with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, as
well as with Polonius and Laertes, make it impossible for Hamlet to be held solely
accountable for the tragic unfolding of events.
 When Hamlet does act, he does so impulsively (e.g. the killing of Polonius and his
role in the killing of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern). He avoids acting with
premeditation. He struggles to react to the Ghost's request.

 Candidates might argue that Hamlet's assumed madness is a fatal error of

judgement that contributes to the tragic consequences.
 Candidates might argue that Hamlet is solely responsible for his fate because of
his self-pitying attitude and his procrastination. The consequent train of events is
a result of his failure to act timeously. He ought to have disclosed the presence
of the Ghost to Gertrude and then perhaps events might have taken a different
turn.
 Candidates who argue that Hamlet has no control over events will focus on
issues of fate and/or restrictive circumstances rather than Hamlet's decisions.

[Credit valid alternative responses.] [25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 40
 English Home Language/P2 15 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2018
NSC – Marking Guidelines

QUESTION 11: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

11.1 Hamlet is unsure of the reason for the Ghost's appearance and considers the
possibility of the Ghost having malignant intentions. Hamlet realises that if
Claudius knows about the Ghost's accusations, Hamlet's life would be in
danger. Claudius will do everything in his power to maintain his throne.

[Award 3 marks for two ideas well discussed OR three distinct ideas.] (3)

11.2 The Ghost of King Hamlet wants Hamlet to know that he did not die of natural
causes but was murdered. He names Claudius as his murderer and accuses
him of seducing Gertrude and marrying her with such haste. The Ghost wants
Hamlet to avenge his death.

[Award 3 marks for two ideas well discussed OR three distinct ideas.] (3)

11.3 The audience might pity Hamlet, who is young and feeling overwhelmed by
the information he has just received. He finds it difficult to accept the Ghost's
indictment without proof. He is already deeply disturbed about his mother's
marriage to Claudius and is perhaps feeling insecure about his ability to
handle the mammoth task imposed on him.
OR
Candidates might argue that one cannot pity Hamlet at this stage. He is angry
about the union between Claudius and Gertrude and the Ghost offers him an
opportunity to avenge his death. He ought therefore to grab the opportunity
and react immediately to rectify a situation that he finds untenable.
[Accept mixed responses.]
[Award 3 marks for two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.]
(3)
11.4 Hamlet's decision to feign madness serves as a useful weapon in his struggle
against Claudius. It will allow him to gather information unobtrusively before
he reacts to the Ghost's intimations. It will enable him to allay any suspicions
that anyone might have while he plots his revenge.
Moreover, it is one of Hamlet's modes of procrastination in that he does not
face what he regards as a distasteful/confusing/intimidating task.
Candidates might refer to Hamlet’s feigned madness being a distraction to his
seeking revenge.
[Award 3 marks for two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.]
(3)
11.5 Gertrude will later defend Hamlet's killing of Polonius when she informs
Claudius that Hamlet reacted to a noise that he had heard and was unaware
that it was Polonius behind the arras. She downplays Hamlet's agitated and
violent state of mind. She also warns him of the poisoned drink in an attempt
to save him from Claudius's treachery.

[Award 3 marks for two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 41
 English Home Language/P2 16 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2018
NSC – Marking Guidelines

11.6 Gertrude chastises Hamlet for offending Claudius. Ironically, in his response,
Hamlet indicates that it is his mother who has, in fact, offended his father,
King Hamlet.

Furthermore, Hamlet feels that the offence is not his but hers because she
not only married the man who murdered her husband, but also married him
soon after her husband's death.

[Award 3 marks if one example of irony is identified and discussed.] (3)

11.7 Hamlet is very angry and violently confronts Gertrude and prevents her from
leaving. He may push her toward a chair or even perhaps place his hand on
his sword in a threatening manner. His tone might be
threatening/angry/forceful/assertive. He wants Gertrude to acknowledge her
betrayal of him and his father by marrying Claudius.

[Accept valid alternative responses.]

[The candidate's response should be convincing in context.]

[Award 3 marks only if the candidate refers to body language and tone, and
includes a justification.] (3)

11.8 Betrayal has to do with breaking faith/trust for one's own benefit. In this
extract, Hamlet feels that his mother has betrayed both him and his father.
Claudius's killing of his brother betrays family loyalties and also defies the
concept of the divine right of kings. Characters betray others for personal
gain: Claudius's usurping of the throne; to curry favour, Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern's agreeing to betray a friend; to assert control, Polonius's
arranging to have Laertes spied upon.

[Candidates may make reference to other examples.]

[Award 4 marks only if reference is made to this extract and the play as a
whole.] (4)
[25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 42
 English Home Language/P2 18 DBE/November 2017
NSC

SECTION C: DRAMA

Answer ONLY on the play you have studied.

HAMLET – William Shakespeare

Answer EITHER QUESTION 10 (essay question) OR QUESTION 11 (contextual

question).

QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

The problem of making moral choices is a significant issue in the play.

Critically assess the validity of this statement.

Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words
(2–2½ pages). [25]

QUESTION 11: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow.

EXTRACT E

HAMLET
Get thee to a nunnery. Why wouldst thou be a
breeder of sinners? I am myself indifferent honest, but
yet I could accuse me of such things that it were better
my mother had not borne me. I am very proud,
revengeful, ambitious, with more offences at my beck 5
than I have thoughts to put them in, imagination to give
them shape, or time to act them in. What should such
fellows as I do crawling between heaven and earth? We
are arrant knaves, all. Believe none of us. Go thy ways
to a nunnery. Where's your father? 10
OPHELIA
At home, my lord.
HAMLET
Let the doors be shut upon him, that he may play
the fool nowhere but in's own house. Farewell.
OPHELIA
O help him, you sweet heavens!
HAMLET
If thou dost marry, I'll give thee this plague for 15
thy dowry: be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow,
thou shalt not escape calumny. Get thee to a nunnery,
go, farewell. Or if thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool;
for wise men know well enough what monsters you
make of them. To a nunnery, go, and quickly, too. 20
Farewell.
OPHELIA
O heavenly powers, restore him!
[Act 3, Scene 1]
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 43
 English Home Language/P2 19 DBE/November 2017
NSC

11.1 Account for Hamlet's feelings toward Ophelia at this stage of the play. (2)

11.2 Refer to lines 3–4: 'that it were better/my mother had not borne me.'

How does this statement reflect Hamlet's state of mind? (2)

11.3 Refer to line 11: 'At home, my lord.'

Suggest a reason for Hamlet's annoyance at Ophelia's response. (2)

11.4 Discuss how the play demonstrates that Ophelia is subject to patriarchal
(male) domination in her home. (3)

11.5 Comment on the extent to which it would be justifiable to attribute Ophelia's

suicide to Hamlet. (3)

AND

EXTRACT F

CLAUDIUS
Now must your conscience my acquittance seal,
And you must put me in your heart for friend,
Sith you have heard, and with a knowing ear,
That he which hath your noble father slain
Pursued my life. 5
LAERTES
It well appears. But tell me
Why you proceeded not against these feats,
So crimeful and so capital in nature,
As by your safety, wisdom, all things else,
You mainly were stirred up. 10
CLAUDIUS
O, for two special reasons,
Which may to you perhaps seem much unsinewed,
And yet to me they're strong. The Queen his mother
Lives almost by his looks; and for myself –
My virtue or my plague, be it either which – 15
She's so conjunctive to my life and soul
That, as the star moves not but in his sphere,
I could not but by her. The other motive
Why to a public count I might not go
Is the great love the general gender bear him, 20
Who, dipping all his faults in their affection,
Would, like the spring that turneth wood to stone,
Convert his guilts to graces; so that my arrows,
Too slightly timbered for so loud a wind,
Would have reverted to my bow again, 25
And not where I had aimed them.

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 44
 English Home Language/P2 20 DBE/November 2017
NSC

LAERTES
And so have I a noble father lost,
A sister driven into desperate terms,
Who has, if praises may go back again,
Stood challenger, on mount, of all the age 30
For her perfections. But my revenge will come.
CLAUDIUS
Break not your sleeps for that. You must not
think
That we are made of stuff so flat and dull
That we can let our beard be shook with danger, 35
And think it pastime. You shortly shall hear more.
I loved your father, and we love ourself.
And that, I hope, will teach you to imagine –
[Act 4, Scene 7]

11.6 Refer to line 14: 'Lives almost by his looks'.

Explain how Gertrude's final act will clearly indicate her love for Hamlet. (3)

11.7 Refer to line 2: 'And you must put me in your heart for friend'.

Discuss the irony in this line. (3)

11.8 Refer to lines 27–31: 'And so have … revenge will come.'

If you were the director of a production of Hamlet, describe how you would
direct the actor playing Laertes to deliver these lines. Justify your answer with
reference to both body language and tone. (3)

11.9 Claudius is a villain without any redeeming qualities.

Using your knowledge of the play as a whole, critically discuss the extent to
which you agree with this statement. (4)
[25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 45
 English Home Language/P2 15 DBE/November 2017
NSC – Marking Guidelines

SECTION C: DRAMA

HAMLET – William Shakespeare

QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

• Below is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only.
However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of
critical thought and interpretation.
• A range of examples may be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
• Refer to page 25 for the rubric to assess this question.

Characters find themselves in situations where they allow themselves to compromise

their morality when it comes to the choices they make.
• Claudius chooses to disregard morality when he kills his brother and pursues a
reckless course of self-protection, including collusion with Polonius, plotting
Hamlet's death and conspiring with Laertes. His usurpation of the throne defies the
divine right of kings.
• Claudius and Gertrude's decision to marry immediately after the death of King
Hamlet suggests single-mindedness in pursuing their own interests.
• Gertrude's resolve to gloss over Hamlet's role in the killing of Polonius is an attempt
to protect her son. She also wants to make him appear remorseful and therefore
less guilty.
• Laertes compromises his morality when he conspires with Claudius to kill Hamlet.
• Laertes and Fortinbras resolve to avenge their fathers' deaths, instead of allowing
justice to take its course.
• Polonius's decision to forbid a relationship between Ophelia and Hamlet, and his
use of Ophelia to spy on Hamlet, contribute to the ensuing tragedy.
• Hamlet's plan to feign madness is a ploy to confuse his enemies and to give him
time to investigate Claudius's guilt.
• Hamlet, as a highly moral person, does not act as hastily as Laertes does to take
revenge. He sets up the play within the play in order to determine Claudius's guilt or
innocence. When he has the evidence that Claudius is indeed guilty, he is
galvanised into action. He upbraids his mother, kills Polonius but does not yet have
the opportunity to attack Claudius since he is immediately sent to England.
• Hamlet might be regarded as lacking courage and moral resolution. His treatment of
Ophelia might be seen as cruel and unwarranted. He has an opportunity to kill
Claudius but does not, convincing himself that had he killed him then, Claudius
would have gone to Heaven – a thought he finds morally reprehensible.
• Candidates might argue that Hamlet's decision to change the contents of the letter
carried by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern is hardly moral.

[Credit valid alternative responses.] [25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 46
 English Home Language/P2 15 DBE/November 2017
NSC – Marking Guidelines

SECTION C: DRAMA

HAMLET – William Shakespeare

QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

• Below is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only.
However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of
critical thought and interpretation.
• A range of examples may be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
• Refer to page 25 for the rubric to assess this question.

Characters find themselves in situations where they allow themselves to compromise

their morality when it comes to the choices they make.
• Claudius chooses to disregard morality when he kills his brother and pursues a
reckless course of self-protection, including collusion with Polonius, plotting
Hamlet's death and conspiring with Laertes. His usurpation of the throne defies the
divine right of kings.
• Claudius and Gertrude's decision to marry immediately after the death of King
Hamlet suggests single-mindedness in pursuing their own interests.
• Gertrude's resolve to gloss over Hamlet's role in the killing of Polonius is an attempt
to protect her son. She also wants to make him appear remorseful and therefore
less guilty.
• Laertes compromises his morality when he conspires with Claudius to kill Hamlet.
• Laertes and Fortinbras resolve to avenge their fathers' deaths, instead of allowing
justice to take its course.
• Polonius's decision to forbid a relationship between Ophelia and Hamlet, and his
use of Ophelia to spy on Hamlet, contribute to the ensuing tragedy.
• Hamlet's plan to feign madness is a ploy to confuse his enemies and to give him
time to investigate Claudius's guilt.
• Hamlet, as a highly moral person, does not act as hastily as Laertes does to take
revenge. He sets up the play within the play in order to determine Claudius's guilt or
innocence. When he has the evidence that Claudius is indeed guilty, he is
galvanised into action. He upbraids his mother, kills Polonius but does not yet have
the opportunity to attack Claudius since he is immediately sent to England.
• Hamlet might be regarded as lacking courage and moral resolution. His treatment of
Ophelia might be seen as cruel and unwarranted. He has an opportunity to kill
Claudius but does not, convincing himself that had he killed him then, Claudius
would have gone to Heaven – a thought he finds morally reprehensible.
• Candidates might argue that Hamlet's decision to change the contents of the letter
carried by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern is hardly moral.

[Credit valid alternative responses.] [25]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 47
 English Home Language/P2 16 DBE/November 2017
NSC – Marking Guidelines

QUESTION 11: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

11.1 Hamlet is angry with Ophelia as he thinks that she has colluded with Polonius
and Claudius against him. He feels a sense of betrayal at her actions.
Gertrude’s hasty re-marriage influences him to perceive all women as
faithless. He responds in a vicious, insulting manner, wanting to hurt her as
she has hurt him. He suspects her of being dishonest and deceitful.

[Award 2 marks for any two ideas.] (2)

11.2 Hamlet is angry/bitter/tortured/despairing at his father's death and his

mother's marriage to Claudius. He finds life too painful to bear and wishes
that he had never been born.

Some candidates might indicate that he wishes he had not been Gertrude's
son.

[Award 2 marks for two ideas well discussed.] (2)

11.3 Hamlet is aware that Ophelia is lying about the whereabouts of Polonius. He
is frustrated that Ophelia continues lying to him. Hamlet appears to be aware
that Polonius is spying on them. Hamlet knows about the meddling/interfering
nature of Polonius and feels certain that he is probably plotting something.

[Award 2 marks for ONE reason well discussed.] (2)

11.4 Both Polonius and Laertes constantly bombard Ophelia with restrictive
instructions. Laertes warns her that she is not of the same rank as Hamlet
and that he is merely trifling with her. He claims that, as a Prince, Hamlet
would not have a say as to whom he marries. Polonius questions Ophelia
about her relationship with Hamlet and refers to her as 'green', implying she is
foolish to believe that there is any future for them. Polonius instructs Ophelia
to break all ties with Hamlet, to which she passively submits.

[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three distinct ideas] (3)

11.5 Candidates who blame Hamlet for Ophelia's death might argue that instead of
supporting Ophelia at a time when Polonius forbids her from seeing him,
Hamlet actually catapults her into depression because of the way in which he
treats her. He is rude and nasty, declaring that he no longer loves her, and
that, compounded by her father's death, results in her depression. Ophelia is
too frail and innocent and therefore incapable of coping emotionally with the
trauma she experiences when Hamlet kills Polonius.

On the other hand, candidates might argue that Hamlet cannot be held
responsible for the manner in which Ophelia deals with her personal issues.
She is an individual who is responsible for making her own choices. She
allows herself to be subjugated and follows her father's instructions even
though she hurts Hamlet in the process and therefore she is responsible for
her fate.

[Credit mixed/valid alternative responses.]

[Award 3 marks for two ideas well discussed OR three distinct ideas.] (3)
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 48
 English Home Language/P2 17 DBE/November 2017
NSC – Marking Guidelines

11.6 During the duel between Laertes and Hamlet, Gertrude drinks from the
poisoned cup intended for Hamlet. Before she dies, she manages to warn
Hamlet that the drink is poisoned. This is to prevent him from drinking from
the cup and dying. This reflects a shift in her loyalty and reinforces the love
she has for him and her desire for reconciliation.

[Award 3 marks for two ideas well discussed OR three distinct ideas.] (3)

11.7 Although Claudius professes to act in friendship and love for Laertes, he has
an ulterior motive. As a friend, Claudius should have Laertes's best interests
at heart, but he intends to use this supposed friendship to manipulate Laertes
into killing Hamlet.

[Award 3 marks only if irony discussed.] (3)

11.8 Laertes might be pensive and deeply sorrowful, having lost his father and
having to deal with Ophelia's descent into madness. There is, however, a
sense of his pent-up anger at what he perceives is a personal affront. He is
determined to get revenge. He might pace up and down, in an attempt to
control his emotions. He might bunch his fists or point to himself, emphasising
his personal loss. His tone might be sombre, grave and bitter.

[Accept valid alternative responses.]

[The candidate's response should be convincing in context.]

[Award 3 marks only if the candidate refers to body language and tone, and
includes a justification.] (3)

11.9 AGREE.
Claudius murders his brother, usurps the throne and marries the wife of his
victim to feed his ambition. He shows no concern for the spiritual state in
which his brother died or the impact his actions will have on others. He shows
insensitivity/callousness by advising Hamlet to stop mourning. He later
conspires with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, as well as with Laertes, to kill
Hamlet so as to protect himself.

OR

DISAGREE.
Claudius is not entirely evil as he is tormented by guilt when he kneels to
pray. Although he has a genuine desire for redemption, he is not prepared to
give up any of his ill-gotten gains. Thus he remains morally compromised. He
has genuine affection for his wife but fails to react swiftly enough to prevent
her death because he does not want to expose his culpability. He might be
regarded as a good statesman because of his ability to avert a war with
Norway.

[Credit mixed/valid alternative responses.]

[Award 4 marks for three ideas well discussed OR four distinct ideas.] (4)
[25]
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 49