I. Introduction
On first sight, to compare these two works might seem awkward, as they are so different in many obvious ways: a long-lasting TV-series checked against a written drama of some pages? Old-fashioned, mouldy language against fast-moving, expert and vulgar tongue?
There are far more points of criticism you could give. But I tried to dig deeper into the linguistic and theoretical structure of both works to find possible similarities that might make the two comparable.
First, I will give a detailed description of the TV-series House, M.D. Then, I am going to examine how the topic „Lying and deception“ is dealt with in both creations. After that, I will try to check whether Hamlet‘s interior monologues are a pre-psychological treatment for himself or not.
Ultimately, the ways of acting, behaving and speaking are my aim. How much are they alike? What is different?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction
- II. Description of the TV-series House M.D., including the main characters and the plot
- III. Similarities between House M.D. and Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark
- a.) Lying and deception
- b.) Differential diagnosis: Hamlet's Interior Monologues vs. The Whiteboard
- c.) Acting, behaving, speaking: What is similar, what is different?
- IV. Conclusion
- V. List of references
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The purpose of this work is to explore and analyze the similarities between the TV-series House M.D. and William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Despite their apparent differences in form and style, the author aims to delve into the shared themes and underlying structures of both works.
- Lying and deception: Examining how the main characters in both works utilize lies and deception in their interactions with others.
- Differential diagnosis: Comparing the use of the differential diagnosis method in House M.D. to the interior monologues of Hamlet, exploring the psychological and analytical aspects of both.
- Acting, behaving, speaking: Analyzing the similarities and differences in how the characters in both works portray themselves, behave, and communicate.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter, titled "Introduction", sets the stage for the comparison by outlining the seemingly disparate nature of the TV-series and the play, suggesting the unexpected similarities that will be explored. It outlines the structure of the analysis, focusing on the portrayal of lying and deception, comparing the methods of self-diagnosis and internal reflections in both works, and ultimately examining the characters' ways of acting, behaving, and speaking.
Chapter II provides a detailed description of the TV-series House M.D., introducing the main characters, including Dr. Gregory House, Dr. Robert Chase, Dr. Allison Cameron, Dr. Eric Foreman, Dr. Lisa Cuddy, and Dr. James Wilson. It elaborates on their personalities, roles, and dynamics within the series. The chapter then delves into the structure of each episode, outlining the fixed order of events, from the pre-credit scene to the eventual diagnosis and treatment of the patient.
Chapter III examines the theme of lying and deception in both House M.D. and Hamlet. It explores the reasons behind Dr. House's dishonesty, particularly his aversion to his parents and his childhood experiences. The chapter also sheds light on how the team interacts with House, sometimes deceiving him in order to ensure a better outcome for the patient.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This work centers around the themes of lying and deception, differential diagnosis, and the portrayal of characters' actions, behaviors, and communication. It examines the similarities between the TV-series House M.D. and William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, analyzing their shared structures and underlying themes despite their contrasting forms and styles. The analysis explores aspects like the use of internal monologues in Hamlet as a form of self-diagnosis and the portrayal of Dr. House's medical expertise and the team's reactions to his decisions.
- Quote paper
- Oliver Selzer (Author), 2009, TB or not TB? A comparison of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark and House, M.D., Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/207928
