Hamlet Media Comparison Assignment



Hamlet & The Lion King

Comparison Assignment

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Your Task:

Disney’s 1994 film The Lion King is a modern-day retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Hamlet. As a class, we will watch The Lion King for the purpose of comparison. In groups, you will be assigned a topic for comparison, and as we watch the film, you will take notes about your topic. In your groups, you will analyze similarities and differences between The Lion King and Hamlet (both the text and the film). Your analysis will, very specifically, compare and contrast the stories using direct and indirect references to both stories. In addition to comparing/contrasting the versions, you will focus on the overall effect created. Your group will compile your findings to teach the class. As a group, you must decide the most effective method or tool for teaching the class: graphic organizer, PowerPoint, Prezi, handout, video, etc.

Groups:

1. Plot and Storyline

Track similarities and differences, and their purpose, in the key events and storylines of both versions. Consider how the story is told visually to reveal the importance of peace and order, and how order is restored in the end of both versions. Also consider how the setting and use of imagery augment the plot and viewer’s understanding.

2. The Hero: Archetype of an Exiled Child Simba and Hamlet

Using the definitions of the tragic hero, prove how Simba and Hamlet fit their roles, noting similarities and differences between them. How are they each a hero?

3. Sibling Rivalry and the Relationship of Brothers Mufasa and King Hamlet Scar and Claudius

Using the sets of brothers above, compare the dynamics of their relationships. What conclusions can you make about the nature of brotherhood?

4. The Important Role of Minor Characters

Sarabi and Gertrude Nala and Ophelia or Horatio Timon and Pumbaa and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern

For each character set above, compare and contrast how the characters relate to one another and their significance in the story. How do the minor characters have a major impact on the main characters or main events of the stories?

5. Themes

Appearances are Deceiving, Loyalty and Revenge, Decisiveness and Inactivity, Power and Corruption, Trust and Friendship

For each theme above, compare and contrast HOW the theme is revealed and developed. How does the nature of the audience affect the way theme is developed?

6. Style: Key Passages, Soliloquies and Songs

There are many parallels to be made between the songs and key speeches in Lion King and the major passages and soliloquies in Hamlet. Choose a few (2-3) that closely connect to fully compare and analyze. How are similar ideas and messages articulated differently between both versions?

7. Plot:

There are many instances where the plot of ‘Hamlet’ and the plot of The Lion King coincide. There are also ample examples of the stories not matching up. Your group is to highlight at least five plot points that the two stories have in common. Your group will need to explain how the chosen plot points are similar.

Rubric

/25 Quality of Information: Comparison is thorough, highly developed and specific.

/25 Presentation of Information: Oral explanation and class teaching tool are clear and well organized.

/25 Use of class time, attention to films, and quality of notes.

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