Brush Up Your Shakespeare

Welcome to ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare,’ where we explore the most poignant and memorable moments of the Bard’s masterpieces! In this episode, our insightful host takes you through the final scene sharing Hamlet Act V, Scene 2, with a focus on the moving line: ‘Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.’

Join us as we examine the themes of death, honor, and finality that bring this tragic play to its unforgettable conclusion. Whether you’re a seasoned Shakespearean scholar or new to his works, this episode offers a touching analysis, thoughtful commentary, and a fresh perspective on the emotional farewell to Hamlet.

Subscribe now for a deep dive into the beauty of Shakespeare’s words, and let’s brush up on the brilliance of the Bard together. Your literary adventure awaits!

This scene takes place entirely in a graveyard! And Shakespeare, sensing things are getting a bit heavy, lightens things up with some comedy between two gravediggers!

One of the gravediggers pops up a skull that belonged to the court jester, Yorick, and hands it to Hamlet. This begins one of the most famous vignettes in Shakespeare: That of Hamlet holding a skull in the palm of his hand while he speaks to it! And what Hamlet has to say to that skull may be some of the darkest lines in literature!

Laertes returns to Denmark incensed over the murder of his father, Polonius, and seeking revenge. Things go from bad to worse when Laertes finds out that his sister has gone mad and then drowns herself.

But Claudius is able to turn the wrath of Laertes away from himself and toward Hamlet, whom Claudius has sent on a voyage to England . . . a voyage from which Hamlet will never return. Or will he . . .?

With Hamlet safely on his way to certain death in England, Claudius must deal with another threat to his throne: Laertes, the son of slain Polonius, is coming back from France to seek revenge for HIS father’s murder, and Laertes has his sights set on Claudius as the likely suspect!

Adding to his rage, Laertes finds out when he gets back to Denmark that not only is his father murdered, but his sister Ophelia has gone mad!

Will Claudius be adroit enough to redirect Laertes’ wrath away from him and keep his throne? Listen and find out!

This scene contains one of the most brilliant soliloquies in the all of Shakespeare, and it doesn’t start with, “To be or not to be”!

Hamlet realizes he has been thinking about revenging his father’s murder too long, and now resolves to take action to kill the King, his uncle, Claudius!

Hamlet killed Polonius in the last scene. The king is now sending Hamlet off to England. But is it just to get Hamlet out of Denmark until things cool down? Or does Claudius have something more sinister in mind? Could Claudius be sending Hamlet on a one-way trip to England? One from which Hamlet will never return?

Listen and find out!

The tension mounts as Hamlet’s mother, Queen Gertrude, summons Hamlet to her chambers after the “Mousetrap” play to demand of her son what he thinks he is up to.

Hamlet quickly turns the tables on her, causing her to cry out for help. This causes Polonius, hidden behind the arras in the same room, to cry out. Hamlet quickly stabs Polonius through the arras, apparently thinking it is the King.

This is the first onstage death we have witnessed in Hamlet. But there will be plenty more to follow as Hamlet moves us toward the climax!

Welcome back to ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare,’ where we uncover the hidden gems within the Bard’s timeless works! In this episode, our insightful host delves into the depths of Hamlet Act III, Scene 3, with a keen focus on the poignant quote: ‘My words fly up; my thoughts remain below.’ Join us as we explore the profound themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of the human conscience embedded within this pivotal moment of the play. Whether you’re a seasoned Shakespeare aficionado or new to the world of classics, this episode promises a captivating analysis, thought-provoking commentary, and a fresh perspective on Shakespeare’s enduring relevance. Subscribe now for a journey through the heart of Hamlet, and let’s together brush up on the brilliance of the Bard. Your literary adventure awaits!

“Welcome back to ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare,’ where we delve into the rich tapestry of the Bard’s masterpieces! In this episode, our perceptive host dissects Hamlet Act III, Scene II, with a focus on the famous line: ‘The lady doth protest too much, methinks.’ Join us as we explore the intricate dynamics of deceit, manipulation, and self-awareness within this pivotal moment of the play. Whether you’re a seasoned Shakespearean scholar or simply intrigued by the complexities of human nature, this episode offers a captivating analysis, insightful commentary, and a fresh perspective on one of Shakespeare’s most memorable scenes. Subscribe now for a thought-provoking journey through the layers of drama and intrigue in Hamlet, and let’s together brush up on the brilliance of the Bard. Your literary adventure awaits!”

Enter into the world of ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare,’ where the host steps into the greatest soliloquy ‘To Be Or Not To Be’. Join us for an in-depth exploration of the emotions, self-reflection, and existential ponderings embedded in this iconic soliloquy. It’s time to brush up on the brilliance of the Bard – your literary journey continues here!”

“Welcome back, enthusiasts of the Bard, to another enlightening episode of ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’! In this edition, our insightful host delves into the complexities of Hamlet Act II, Scene 2, unraveling the intricacies of Shakespeare’s timeless play and noting that “The Play’s the Thing!”. Join us as we explore the nuances of political machinations, the unfolding drama at court, and the poignant moments that shape the narrative. Whether you’re a seasoned Shakespearean or just beginning your foray into the world of classics, this episode promises a compelling analysis, thought-provoking commentary, and a fresh perspective on the unfolding events in Hamlet. Subscribe now for an engaging journey through the heart of the play, and let’s together brush up on the brilliance of the Bard. Your literary adventure awaits!”

What’s eating Hamlet? That’s what everyone at court is trying to figure out! As the play progresses, the new king, Claudius, gets closer and closer to discovering Hamlet’s secret–that Hamlet has somehow figured out that Claudius murdered his way to the throne by killing Hamlet’s father!

After having gone over this famous soliloquy from Hamlet Act II, scene 2 in the regular podcast, I take some time out here to perform the soliloquy. The rendition may not be stellar, but the soliloquy itself is one of the greatest in the English language!

Join us as we continue our exploration of the greatest of all Shakespeare plays: Hamlet!

In today’s scene, we find Polonius, the King’s counselor, being sneaky and using spies to gain information. It is a habit that not only contrasts with the “wise” Polonius we have already seen in Act I, it is a practice that will eventually lead to his death.

Then his daughter, Ophelia, tells Polonius about an alarming encounter she just had with an emotionally overwrought Hamlet. Polonius believes this shows Hamlet is madly in love with his daughter, and rushes off to tell the King all about it.

The Ghost of Hamlet’s father, the former King of Denmark, finally delivers his message to Hamlet.

It is a message of evil, murder, deceit and revenge!

It’s enough to drive a bloke bonkers!

Act I, scene 4 finds us back on the castle battlements in the middle of the night keeping watch with Hamlet and Horatio for the Ghost of the dead king. Will the Ghost appear? And if the Ghost does appear, what will it say?

Join us to find out!

Join us as we dive into another scene from the most famous of all Shakespeare plays, “Hamlet!”

“To thine own self be true!”

Making Shakespeare fun and easy!

Join us with our exploration of Hamlet in this overview of Act I, scene 2! 7ipgGMXfmkUUSFfVbJZ1

Today we jump with both feet into the first scene of Hamlet! What other play has a ghost appearing not once, but twice, in the very first scene?! Hamlet is the best play ever written!