1. What common event takes place in the lives of Hamelt, Fortinbras, and Laertes? How are the reactions of three similar? How does each cope differently in the the event?
All three of them have their father killed and all want revenge and to react. Hamlet just thinks and doesn't react right away, Fortinbras marches 20,000 troops into Poland to seek revenge and Laertes kills Hamlet in revenge.
2. How do Hamlet's views of death develop from the "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy in Act III to his answers about the whereabouts of Polonius's body in Act IV to the graveyard in Act V sc i to his finals words in the last scene? What questions about the nature of life and death did the play make you think about?
He goes from thinking it would be better to live in confidence and knowing what your living in that to die and go to the unknown to thinking that there is nothing to live for and it is better to die. It makes me think about what is really important in life and what to live for.
3. Is Hamlet right to admire Fortinbras's actions in Act IV sc iv? Why or why?
Yes I believe so, because he is acting on his feelings and that is what Hamlet wants to do but can't.
4. What role do literal poisons have throughout the play? In a more abstract and metaphorical way, what and who else is 'poisoned' throughout the play?
Literal poisons have a huge impact because in the end that is ultimately how everyone dies. In a metaphorical sense you could say that Hamlet is poisoned throughout the story with everything that happened and also I think Gertrude is also poisoned because after she marries Claudius it ultimately leads to the downfall of the entire play.
5. Does Hamlet redeem himself at the end of the play? Does he deserve a soldier's funeral that Fortinbras gives him?
Yes I think he does because he avenges his fathers death and I also think he deserves the funeral that he gets because he did what he did and it is what Fortinbras would have done.
6. A lot of characters die in the play. Which characters bring their deaths upon themselves and which ones are mere victims of fate? Explain your answers.
I think Claudius, Laertes, Polonius, and Hamlet all bring their death upon themselves because they are all instigators in what happens to them and the main reason for what happened. I think Gertrude is the biggest victim because she drank the poison on accident. Ophelia is also a victim because she is didn't do anything to deserve it
7. Overall, did you like this play? Why or why not?
Yes I did like the play a lot because there was many different levels of plot and it is very well played out and thought out.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Act 4 and 5 Hamlet study guide
1. What common event takes place in the lives of Hamelt, Fortinbras, and Laertes? How are the reactions of three similar? How does each cope differently in the the event?
2. How do Hamlet's views of death develop from the "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy in Act III to his answers about the whereabouts of Polonius's body in Act IV to the graveyard in Act V sc i to his finals words in the last scene? What questions about the nature of life and death did the play make you think about?
3. Is Hamlet right to admire Fortinbras's actions in Act IV sc iv? Why or why?
4. What role do literal poisons have throughout the play? In a more abstract and metaphorical way, what and who else is 'poisoned' throughout the play?
5. Does Hamlet redeem himself at the end of the play? Does he deserve a soldier's funeral that Fortinbras gives him?
6. A lot of characters die in the play. Which characters bring their deaths upon themselves and which ones are mere victims of fate? Explain your answers.
7. Overall, did you like this play? Why or why not?
2. How do Hamlet's views of death develop from the "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy in Act III to his answers about the whereabouts of Polonius's body in Act IV to the graveyard in Act V sc i to his finals words in the last scene? What questions about the nature of life and death did the play make you think about?
3. Is Hamlet right to admire Fortinbras's actions in Act IV sc iv? Why or why?
4. What role do literal poisons have throughout the play? In a more abstract and metaphorical way, what and who else is 'poisoned' throughout the play?
5. Does Hamlet redeem himself at the end of the play? Does he deserve a soldier's funeral that Fortinbras gives him?
6. A lot of characters die in the play. Which characters bring their deaths upon themselves and which ones are mere victims of fate? Explain your answers.
7. Overall, did you like this play? Why or why not?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Hamlet Act 3 blog
1. Hamlet gives advice about acting to the Players before "The Mousetrap" in Act III sc i. Do you agree with the acting advice he gives? Who is your favorite actress/actor? Why?
Yes I do agree with him about his advice. Acting should be real and full of real emotion. My favorite actor is Will Smith because he can put so much emotion into his parts and really plays the parts he does well. He is also very smooth in delivery of lines which adds to the dramatic parts of the movie.
2. Do you think Hamlet crosses the line in how he acts toward Ophelia, R & G, and Queen i.e. rudely? Even though he's the hero of the story, do you like him as a character overall? Do his flaws make him a more compelling character? Why or why?
I think he is a very emotional character and is very blunt and up front with what he says. I don't think he crosses the line because of the situation he has been put in with the ghost and with his mother getting married so soon. Overall I think he is a very strong character and makes the play. His flaws make the story I think because he then can go on rants and do things that make the story better.
3. Claudius evidently feels guilt during Act III sc iii; however, he finds difficult to ask for forgiveness. Why is this so? Is there any any way Claudius can be redeemed?
Because he doesn't actually feel that guilty about it and still just thinks about himself and saving himself. I don't think there is any chance of Claudius redeeming himself in anyway, especially in Hamlet's eyes.
4. Hamlet's fatal flaw in the inability to act, and his tendency to overanalyze situations. Think of other films/books you've viewed. What's one of the characters flaws? Do you think Hamlet can overcome his flaw by the end of the play?
In the movie Liar Liar Jim Carey can not tell a lie which in a lot of cases is a flaw. I think Hamlet will overcome his flaws after what needs to be done is done, so in the end i guess you could say that he will never overcome them because what he does is with him forever.
5. Was the Ghost actually in the room with the Queen or was he just imagining it? Why or why not?
I think he was imagining it because the Queen could not see it.
Yes I do agree with him about his advice. Acting should be real and full of real emotion. My favorite actor is Will Smith because he can put so much emotion into his parts and really plays the parts he does well. He is also very smooth in delivery of lines which adds to the dramatic parts of the movie.
2. Do you think Hamlet crosses the line in how he acts toward Ophelia, R & G, and Queen i.e. rudely? Even though he's the hero of the story, do you like him as a character overall? Do his flaws make him a more compelling character? Why or why?
I think he is a very emotional character and is very blunt and up front with what he says. I don't think he crosses the line because of the situation he has been put in with the ghost and with his mother getting married so soon. Overall I think he is a very strong character and makes the play. His flaws make the story I think because he then can go on rants and do things that make the story better.
3. Claudius evidently feels guilt during Act III sc iii; however, he finds difficult to ask for forgiveness. Why is this so? Is there any any way Claudius can be redeemed?
Because he doesn't actually feel that guilty about it and still just thinks about himself and saving himself. I don't think there is any chance of Claudius redeeming himself in anyway, especially in Hamlet's eyes.
4. Hamlet's fatal flaw in the inability to act, and his tendency to overanalyze situations. Think of other films/books you've viewed. What's one of the characters flaws? Do you think Hamlet can overcome his flaw by the end of the play?
In the movie Liar Liar Jim Carey can not tell a lie which in a lot of cases is a flaw. I think Hamlet will overcome his flaws after what needs to be done is done, so in the end i guess you could say that he will never overcome them because what he does is with him forever.
5. Was the Ghost actually in the room with the Queen or was he just imagining it? Why or why not?
I think he was imagining it because the Queen could not see it.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Hamlet Act 2 blog
1. Based on what he does during Act II, how would you characterize Polonius?
He is a scheming person who thinks he knows why everything is happening the way it is. He feels like he is in control because he supposedly knows why Hamlet is acting the way he is.
2. During his conversations with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Act II Sc ii, Hamlet describes his perceptions of reality? In your own words, describe Hamlet's worldview? Are you an optimist, pessimist, or a realist? Why?
Hamlet is a pessimist person who views the world as a horribly painful and meaningless place but he remains there because he knows what is in this world and after that he does not know what it like. The fear of the unknown is worse than the world he knows now. Optimist, I feel like I look for the good in things and always find a way to look at things in a bright light.
3. Is Polonius justified in how he plans to use Ophelia to find more about Hamlet?
I think it would be a good idea if Ophelia agreed to the plan and they told her what was going on just because they shouldn't just use her or her feelings like that to find out what they want to know.
4. At this point in the play, do you think Hamlet is really crazy or his he pretending to be insane? How does Hamlet act differently when he's around people and when he's giving soliloquies by himself i.e. end of Act II?
I think that he is rouge in a sense, he is crazy, but with reason and on purpose. He has seen a ghost and the ghost told him to seek revenge. Hamlet acts crazily around people who matter and who he is seeking revenge on and will make an impact on those people too. By himself he is very reflective and rational about his thoughts about what he is trying to do and why.
5. Why do you think Hamlet's so attracted to the theater/acting? Why do you think he uses the play as a way to test his theory? Is Hamlet right be angry at himself for not acting on the ghost's words? Why?
Because he himself is a very good actor. He is also attracted to it because it is something he can control and understands very well. Because he can do it without anyone other than himself and Claudius knowing. I think that he shouldn't be angry with himself because he still has control over the situation and can act on the ghost's words any time he wants to.
6. Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern wrong for spying on Hamlet? Why or why not? How do you think Hamlet feels after they admit they were sent for by the Queen and King?
I think that they are not wrong because they are trying to help their friend in finding out what is wrong with him. Hamlet probably felt somewhat betrayed but the fact that R&G didn't lie to him and did end up telling Hamlet they were sent by the King and Queen would make him feel like they were really there for him and not for the King and Queen.
He is a scheming person who thinks he knows why everything is happening the way it is. He feels like he is in control because he supposedly knows why Hamlet is acting the way he is.
2. During his conversations with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Act II Sc ii, Hamlet describes his perceptions of reality? In your own words, describe Hamlet's worldview? Are you an optimist, pessimist, or a realist? Why?
Hamlet is a pessimist person who views the world as a horribly painful and meaningless place but he remains there because he knows what is in this world and after that he does not know what it like. The fear of the unknown is worse than the world he knows now. Optimist, I feel like I look for the good in things and always find a way to look at things in a bright light.
3. Is Polonius justified in how he plans to use Ophelia to find more about Hamlet?
I think it would be a good idea if Ophelia agreed to the plan and they told her what was going on just because they shouldn't just use her or her feelings like that to find out what they want to know.
4. At this point in the play, do you think Hamlet is really crazy or his he pretending to be insane? How does Hamlet act differently when he's around people and when he's giving soliloquies by himself i.e. end of Act II?
I think that he is rouge in a sense, he is crazy, but with reason and on purpose. He has seen a ghost and the ghost told him to seek revenge. Hamlet acts crazily around people who matter and who he is seeking revenge on and will make an impact on those people too. By himself he is very reflective and rational about his thoughts about what he is trying to do and why.
5. Why do you think Hamlet's so attracted to the theater/acting? Why do you think he uses the play as a way to test his theory? Is Hamlet right be angry at himself for not acting on the ghost's words? Why?
Because he himself is a very good actor. He is also attracted to it because it is something he can control and understands very well. Because he can do it without anyone other than himself and Claudius knowing. I think that he shouldn't be angry with himself because he still has control over the situation and can act on the ghost's words any time he wants to.
6. Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern wrong for spying on Hamlet? Why or why not? How do you think Hamlet feels after they admit they were sent for by the Queen and King?
I think that they are not wrong because they are trying to help their friend in finding out what is wrong with him. Hamlet probably felt somewhat betrayed but the fact that R&G didn't lie to him and did end up telling Hamlet they were sent by the King and Queen would make him feel like they were really there for him and not for the King and Queen.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Hamlet Act 1 blog
1. Pick a passage from Act I of Hamlet. Write it down. Practice citing it (Ham.Act.Scene.Line Numbers). Why did you pick this passage? What do you think it's trying to say?
"Your loves, as mine to you. Farewell.
My father's spirit in arms! All is not well.
I doubt some foul play. Would the night were come.
Till then sit still, my soul. Foul deeds will rise,
Through all the earth o'erwhelm them, to men's eyes." (Hamlet, Act 1 Scene II, 273-277)
I picked this passage because it is a good quote looking into how Hamlet really feels and what he thinks of the situation. It is a good resemblance of what may come of the play and what events will happen. Its trying to say that his revenge and his father's name will be redeemed in time if he just waits now.
2. The ghost in Hamlet plays a crucial role in setting events in motion? Are you a Horatio(skeptic of ghosts) or a Marcellus(believer in ghosts)? Why or why not?
I believe that there are angels which would mean there has to be ghost. I have not seen one ever but I do believe that in the right place at the right time there are spirits and "ghosts". I believe this because i believe in angels and for angels to be true ghosts as well have to be.
3. We get to know characters via a variety of channels: what they do, what they say, what they think, how they're described, and what others say/think about them. Do a character analysis of one of the following characters: Hamlet, Claudius, Horatio, Gertrude Find a specific passage for each of the following.
What They Say/Think:He doesn't believe in the ghost but after he sees it he feels that they should tell Hamlet and be loyal to him.
Passage:"Before my God, I might not this believe
without the sensible and true avouch
of mine own eyes."
What They Do:Horatio tells Hamlet of what he has seen and is loyal to him and believes in letting Hamlet know.
Passage:"Season our admiration for a while
with an attent ear, till I may deliver
Upon the witness of these gentlemen,
This marvel to you."
How They're Described:He is described as a non believer until he witnesses it with his own eyes and he is a loyal person to Hamlet the king's son.
Passage:"Hail to your lordship!"
What Other Characters Say/Think About Them:Hamlet believes Horatio and listens to him. He wants to go see the ghost.
Passsage:"I will watch tonight.
Perchance 'twill walk again." Hamlet
Based on all of the textual evidence, what is your overall opinion about this character?
My opinion of Horatio is that he is a very logical person who is loyal and honest. He doesn't try to keep things from people and is trustworthy and loyal to his king's son.
4. Put yourself in Hamlet's position, what would would do with the news from the ghost? Do you trust the ghost's word or do you need better evidence? Would you tell anyone else what the ghost said to you or would you keep it a secret?
I would believe what the ghost said but I would hold off for a while until the ghost came to me and told me exactly what to do. I wouldn't tell anyone of that happening and would keep it to myself.
"Your loves, as mine to you. Farewell.
My father's spirit in arms! All is not well.
I doubt some foul play. Would the night were come.
Till then sit still, my soul. Foul deeds will rise,
Through all the earth o'erwhelm them, to men's eyes." (Hamlet, Act 1 Scene II, 273-277)
I picked this passage because it is a good quote looking into how Hamlet really feels and what he thinks of the situation. It is a good resemblance of what may come of the play and what events will happen. Its trying to say that his revenge and his father's name will be redeemed in time if he just waits now.
2. The ghost in Hamlet plays a crucial role in setting events in motion? Are you a Horatio(skeptic of ghosts) or a Marcellus(believer in ghosts)? Why or why not?
I believe that there are angels which would mean there has to be ghost. I have not seen one ever but I do believe that in the right place at the right time there are spirits and "ghosts". I believe this because i believe in angels and for angels to be true ghosts as well have to be.
3. We get to know characters via a variety of channels: what they do, what they say, what they think, how they're described, and what others say/think about them. Do a character analysis of one of the following characters: Hamlet, Claudius, Horatio, Gertrude Find a specific passage for each of the following.
What They Say/Think:He doesn't believe in the ghost but after he sees it he feels that they should tell Hamlet and be loyal to him.
Passage:"Before my God, I might not this believe
without the sensible and true avouch
of mine own eyes."
What They Do:Horatio tells Hamlet of what he has seen and is loyal to him and believes in letting Hamlet know.
Passage:"Season our admiration for a while
with an attent ear, till I may deliver
Upon the witness of these gentlemen,
This marvel to you."
How They're Described:He is described as a non believer until he witnesses it with his own eyes and he is a loyal person to Hamlet the king's son.
Passage:"Hail to your lordship!"
What Other Characters Say/Think About Them:Hamlet believes Horatio and listens to him. He wants to go see the ghost.
Passsage:"I will watch tonight.
Perchance 'twill walk again." Hamlet
Based on all of the textual evidence, what is your overall opinion about this character?
My opinion of Horatio is that he is a very logical person who is loyal and honest. He doesn't try to keep things from people and is trustworthy and loyal to his king's son.
4. Put yourself in Hamlet's position, what would would do with the news from the ghost? Do you trust the ghost's word or do you need better evidence? Would you tell anyone else what the ghost said to you or would you keep it a secret?
I would believe what the ghost said but I would hold off for a while until the ghost came to me and told me exactly what to do. I wouldn't tell anyone of that happening and would keep it to myself.
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