HamLog+Il-Jee

1) Comment in one sentence on what you think is the significance of this scene. Then what would the play be like without the scene? 2) Ask questions about the scene. Has anything in the scene caused you confusion? OR Ask one of the characters in the scene a question -- or ask ME a question. 3) Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them. 4) Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene. 5) Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion. 6)Write a diary entry from the perspective of one of the characters. Get inside that character’s mind. Tell how the character feels about herself, about other characters, about the situation of the scene. 7) At least twice, do an entry that is not writing. Draw a picture. Create a collage of characters. Draw what you think the stage should look like in a modern day production. Film yourself performing part of the scene. Create a soundtrack to the scene. Other?

The play starts in the dark where guards discuss about the existence of ghost. Horatio believes such thing exists whereas Bernardo and Marcello believe the ghost existed in form of the former king or father of Hamlet. Soon the ghost appears and Horatio believes that no only the ghost exists but that it resembled the king. The three believe that Hamlet should be reported. King Claudius announces that though King Hamlet should be remembered, his marriage of the Queen, wife of the prior King should be celebrated.
 * Summary**
 * Act 1, Scene 1**
 * Act 1, Scene 2**

Ghost appears, and Hamlet decides to follow the ghost wherever it goes. Horatio, worried decides to disobey Hamlet and follow Hamlet just in case Hamlet gets in danger. Hamlet finally meets his the ghost alone, which admits that he is the ghost of his father. The ghost tells that if he really loved his father, that he revenge on the man who murdered him-- his uncle. After the ghost tries to persuade Hamlet into murdering his uncle, Hamlet is determined. Later, Horatio and Marcellus catch up and discuss what happened. They all promise each other to pretend as if tonight never occurred. Polonius asks his servant Reynaldo to find out how public thinks of Laeritis. Later, Polonius and Ophelia discuss Hamlet's love for Ophelia. Polonius thinks he should have been guarding and observing the two. Polonius and Ophelia decides to discuss the issue with the king.
 * Act 1, Scene 4**
 * Act 1, Scene 5**
 * Act 2, Scene 1**


 * Act 2, Scene 2**

(Nunnery Scene) Polonius and Claudius hides behind the scene to observe Hamlet and Ophelia. Although Hamlet seems to welcome Ophelia at first, he soon realizes he is being watched and pushes Ophelia away. The quarrel between the two causes a break in their trust and love. After Hamlet exits, Ophelia believes Hamlet to be a little insane. Claudius and Polonius enter back and yet again discusses Hamlet's madness. In conclusion, they decide to send Hamlet away to England for the sake of the the kingdom.
 * Act 3, Scene 1**

Hamlet puts on Julius Caesar play to scorn at the King and Gertrude. Part of his reason was to watch the reaction of his parents to the realistic 'unreality'.
 * Act 3, Scene 2**

The King angry about the play asks R and G to escort Hamlet to England. Polonius comes in and reminds Claudius of his plan to spy on Gertrude and Hamlet. As soon as all characters leave, Claudius in his soliloquy admits his sinful acts he has committed.
 * Act 3, Scene 3**

Polonius hides behind the curtain. Hamlet enters Gertrude's room. Hamlet asks his mother why she had sent for him. Gertrude claims that it was because of the play that had offended his 'father'. Hamlet enrages and says that Gertrude has offended his real father by the quick marriage with the brother of her former husband. As Hamlet gets aggressive, Gertrude asks for help and Polonius instinctively started to make noise to help... Until Hamlet stabbed the curtain, where the sound came from. Gertrude calls Hamlet that he is mad. Yet again the ghost reappears, reminding Hamlet of the real revenge.
 * Act 3, Scene 4**

Getrude interrupts Claudius, R and G's conversation and asks R and G to leave the room. Gertrude, in panic, tells Claudius that her loving son has gone crazy and had accidentally killed Polonius. Claudius comes with a way to avoid defame of his crown and to keep his country from danger (Hamlet) -- sending Hamlet away to England.
 * Act 4, Scene 1**

Hamlet carefully removes Polonius's corpse elsewhere. Claudius orders R and G to go find Hamlet and hide Polonius's dead body. Later when R and G comes into help, Hamlet scorns at them for being a "sponge"-- being too obedient, absorbing everything the king says. While Claudius was talking ot the attendants about his decision to send Hamlet away to England, R and G brings Hamlet in to the scene. When asked where the body was, Hamlet gave responses such as "being eaten by worms" or "in heaven". Later we figure that the body is hidden downstairs by the stairs. Claudius tells Hamlet, that he must leave to England ASAP.
 * Act 4, Scene 2**
 * Act 4, Scene 3**

As Horatio and Gertrude pity Ophelia for her father's death, Ophelia comes in with flowers and sings songs like a madman. Later on, Laertus returns and gets ready to revenge the man that had caused death of his father. However, Claudius and Gertrude tells Laertus that Claudius is irresponsible for this death, almost persuading Laertus to take their side. In the letter Hamlet wrote to Horatio, it says that Hamlet will return from his trip back to Denmark, since the privates planned to send him back. Claudius tells Laertus what had happened to Polonius, and how he had handled the situation by not punishing Hamlet, since the queen and and public loved him too much. In the letter messenger delivers, Claudius and Laertus figure return of Hamlet from England to Denmark and plan a revenge. Claudius almost persuading Laertus to murder Hamlet comes up with an idea to poison the sword to kill Hamlet. Then Gertrude enters with the news of Ophelia's suicide in the river. Two gravediggers talk about whether Ophelia's christian burial is justifiable, for her suicide has sinful and only reason she is recieving is a proper burial is because of her status. As two joke around and sing while they dig for graves, Hamlet and Horatio enters. Hamlet is shocked to see that all dead bodies, whomever he or she was before death, were all the same after death. Later on, Hamlet realizes the funeral had been for Ophelia. When Laertus, Claudius and Gertrude come in for her funeral, Hamlet and Laertus fight over who had loved her more. Hamlet exits. Claudius then calms Laertus down and reminds him of the slow revenge they were going to take on Hamlet.
 * Act 4, Scene 4**
 * Act 4, Scene 5**
 * Act 4, Scene 6**
 * Act 4, Scene 7**
 * Act 5, Scene 1**

1)Comment in one sentence on what you think is the significance of this scene. Then what would the play be like without the scene?
 * Assignment 1) Hamlet 1.1.1 - 1.2.260**

Two nights together had these gentlemen,Marcellus and Barnardo, on their watch,In the dead waste and middle of the night,Been thus encountered: a figure like your father,Armed at point exactly, cap-à-pie,Appears before them and with solemn march Goes slow and stately by them. (Hamlet 1.2.197-202)
 * Horatio:**

In this scene, Horatio informs Hamlet that the guards have seen his father as a ghost for the past two nights. This is a significant scene because it introduces to a incentive to Hamlet's future actions. Without this scene, Hamlet would not go on his quest.

4) Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
 * Horatio**: (to the ghost) Stay illusion! (Hamlet 1.1.190) I thought it was interesting how a man who didn't believe such ghost existed, first admits that he sees a ghost, second is scared, third looks like a familiar king and later attempts to talk to it--an illusion-- and tell it (an illusion, hallucination I repeat)to stay.

5) Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion.
 * Marcellus**: Peace, break thee off. Look where it comes again! (Hamlet 1.1.40)
 * Marcellus**: Thou art a scholar. Speak to it, Horatio. (Hamlet 1.1.42)
 * Marcellus**: Good now, sit down and tell me, he that knows, why this same strict and most observant watch so nightly toils the subject of the land... (Hamlet 1.1.70)

From Marcellus's quote, we can tell that the three of them have similar status and have been close for a while. Marcellus says (in translation), "Shhh! Shut up!", "Your smart. Talk to it Horatio." "Good. Anyone who knows why...tell me." with a tone you tell your friend. And by looking at those three lines by Marcellus, we can also assume that of the 3 people, Marcellus is more of the bossy and demanding friend.


 * Horatio**: The same, my lord, and your poor servant ever. (Hamlet 1.2.162)
 * Hamlet:** Sir, my good friend, I’ll change that name with you. (Hamlet 1.2.163)

Clearly, Horatio and his fellow mates serve for Hamlet. And Hamlet, responds by calling him a friend. Hamlet seems to be one of of the loyalties of Denmark, who is very humble and polite.

2) Ask questions about the scene. Has anything in the scene caused you confusion? OR Ask one of the characters in the scene a question -- or ask ME a question. Murder most foul, as in the best it is.But this most foul, strange and unnatural. (Hamlet. 1.5.27) After reading this quote, I thought it was very ironic for the ghost to be saying a murder to be foul, strange //and// unnatural, when the ghost is having Hamlet actually plan a murder.
 * Assignment 2) Hamlet 1.4.1 - 1.2.186**
 * GHOST:**

3) Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them. My favorite scene from the reading was the conversation between Ophelia and Polonius. My favorite part about the conversation was the "awkwardness" between the father and the daughter discussing the topic of love and sex. Evidently there is a barrier in the conversation that rids the "honesty". Ophelia especially avoids having to admit how much they love each other, by saying things like... "My lord, I do not know. But truly, I do fear it." (Hamlet. 2.1.86-87) As I read this quote, gave the 'rolling the eye', 'whatever' reaction.

4) Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene. On the same quote above... As I mentioned above, I gave that reaction of 'rolling the eye, whatever' reaction. I can sense that lie a daughter would do on his father (not that I'm speaking from experience) Her lies are not exactly lies... but sentences enough to avoid consequence with his father, to stay out of trouble, to pretend as if she doesn't have feelings for Hamlet... and so forth.

The scene where the laugh comes in! Let her not walk i' th' sun. Conception is a blessing, but, as your daughter may conceive—Friend, look to ’t. (Hamlet. 2.2.176) 4) Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene. From the quote above, we can recall the relationship between Polonius and Hamlet. Although Polonius is old enough to be Hamlet's father, Hamlet definitely looks down upon Polonius-- especially with the tone of voice he uses on him. How dare a boyfriend talk about purposefully getting his girlfriend pregnant before marriage to his girlfriend's father, especially during Shakespearean age when woman who experiences premarital affair to be looked down upon and considered 'trashy'. Although the double meaning in the quote was pretty hilarious to read, if I was the father it definitely crossed the line.
 * Assignment 3) Hamlet 1.4.1 - 1.2.186**
 * HAMLET:**

2) Ask questions about the scene. Has anything in the scene caused you confusion? OR Ask one of the characters in the scene a question -- or ask ME a question. When Hamlet asks Ophelia where her father was, why couldn't Ophelia have lied in more vaguely by saying "I don't know". By making an obvious lie, I think it crushed Hamlet's trust even more.
 * Assignment 4) Hamlet 3.2**

5) Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion. After numerous discussion about the nunnery scene, I figured there could be different interpretations that could alter the relationships between characters. When I initially read the conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia, I new the trust (that was there... from beginning? or not..?) ended. Whether they really loved each other not, lack of trust will forever separate them apart more than Polonius's effort to separate them.

6)Write a diary entry from the perspective of one of the characters. Get inside that character’s mind. Tell how the character feels about herself, about other characters, about the situation of the scene. (Hamlet's POV) I do not understand. My love for Ophelia has always been genuine, yet so I believed hers to be so. But now I'm afraid to admit, I am alone. Guildenstern and Rosencrantz my two best fellows had turn their back on me. I am alone. What do I do, well will they understand the reasons of my 'madness'. //They// are mad. How can one's love for the father of our nation fade so easily? I am alone...

Hamlet Nunnery Scene Comparison:
 * Director used different camera angles to portray whether Hamlet and Ophelia were being watched or not
 * Different clothing, that definitely drew a line between high class and middle class
 * Ophelia's reaction towards Hamlet's anger definitely portrayed different levels of regret of deceiving Hamlet.
 * Hamlet and Ophelia were being watched but from different places, one behind the mirror another being upstairs.
 * Hamlet seemed to be speaking to the three int he room rather than just to Ophelia when he knew he was being watched.
 * The logic seems to me, the less Hamlet believes he is being watched, the more intimate he gets with Ophelia
 * The "Rememberances" Ophelia attempted to return were all different-- A necklace, letters?, box?.
 * Polonius and Claudius seemed to want to step in to help Ophelia in one play than the other.
 * In all Hamlets, his anger was portrayed through physically. He grabs Ophelias face, shakes her around, drags her around etc.

Hamlet 2.2 Soliloquy (Q and A) When he means he is alone, he means not only he is left alone onstage but also in his social relationships with his friends, lover, and family. His mother had left to Polonius, Ophelia is banned to be with him, and his friends--Hamlet finds out-- to be spies.
 * It is obvious to the audience that Hamlet is alone onstage. What else, then, does he mean when he begins, “Now I am alone”?**

The Prince calls himself and rogue and peasant to reproach himself for being lethargic and inactive.
 * Why is the Prince calling himself a “rogue” and “peasant slave”?**

Comparing himself to a player, reveals his self-perception of being shallow. His reasons for being a player-like can be explained from his current status, in which everyone is his enemy.
 * Hamlet compares himself to the player. What does this comparison reveal about Hamlet’s self-perception?**


 * Throughout the play, much violence is done to ears. How does Hamlet’s “cleave the general ear” relate to other “ear” references? Shakespeare uses the word ear twenty-seven times in this play. Do any of these resonate with you?**

Hamlet thinks in theoretical terms to dramatize his position and to express how emotionally overwhelmed he is. To Hamlet, his situation is not staged yet he feels the situation he is in is a drama.
 * Hamlet uses a lot of theatrical terminology in his speech. Find some examples (“cue,” “stage,” “play”). Why might Hamlet be thinking in theatrical terms?**

Hamlet: But I am pigeon-livered and lack gall To make oppression bitter (Hamlet. 2.2.537)
 * Find lines or phrases that explain why Hamlet thinks himself a coward. Do you think he is a coward, or is he acting cautiously by looking for external evidence to prove Claudius’s guilt?**

Hamlet: I should have... (Hamlet. 2.2.540)

Answer 5 of the 8. Most of these questions are from or altered from Professor Boyer at [] Use line numbers as guides. These are not the line numbers in our book.
 * Assignment 5) Hamlet 3.1 and 3.3 Questions**
 * Act 3.1**


 * 1. What advice does Hamlet have for the actors? Why?**
 * Hamlet**: But if you mouth it, as many of your players do, I had as lief the town crier spoke my lines. Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand thus, but use all gently, for in the very torrent, tempest, and (as I may say) whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness. (Hamlet 3.1.2-8)

Hamlet advices the actors to not exaggerate like many other actors do, not to move around with hands, not to talk with too much passion and temper, but to talk gently and naturally. I believe Hamlet advised them to do so, to portray a very candid scene from a life, almost as if he was showing a recorded video of Claudius and others. I mean, in real life there aren't exaggeration of emotions in our tone of voice nor overly emphasized gestures. Like Hamlet says "’twere, the mirror up to nature" (Hamlet 3.1.20)

Hamlet says he especially likes Horatio because at this point of the play, no one is on his side. Everyone believes Hamlet to be crazy. Where as Horatio, who met the ghost with Hamlet is more likely to understand Hamlet's actions. Hamlet doesn't see Horatio to be necessary similar to him but more understanding and more supportive.
 * 2. Why does Hamlet say he especially likes Horatio (Does Hamlet see Horatio as similar to him or different from him?**

4 months have passed!
 * 4. Based on 3.2.119, how much time elapsed between Act 1 and Act 2 (since the action has been continuous since the beginning of Act 2)?**

5. How does the play-within-the-play (3.1.122.1-242) reflect the issues bothering Hamlet? Can you identify the lines he has had inserted? (Don't worry, nobody else can either.) Interestingly, the story of Gonzago as known outside Hamlet turns into a revenge story, with Gonzago's son revenging his father's death. So what we've seen is only the first few minutes of a much longer play. What lines would hit the intended audience hardest? (Consider, certainly, 3.2.159-62.) Although Hamlet is interested in Claudius' response, notice that so far Gertrude has taken the strongest "hits" (except, perhaps, for the poisoning in the earone of the new "Italianate" evil inventions, a way to murder someone without it appearing to be murder). Consider also the Player King's more abstract speech in 3.2.1168-195. How does this speech reflect issues that appear elsewhere in the play?

6. What is Claudius' mood as he stops the play at 3.2.247? How does Hamlet respond? If Hamlet has learned that Claudius is indeed guilty (if that's why he stopped the play and not for some other reason), Claudius has also learned something from the presentation of the play. What has Claudius learned?

7. What message do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have for Hamlet? Despite the chaos at the end of the play, is this message unexpected after hearing Polonius' suggestion at the end of the Nunnery scene (3.1)? What lesson does Hamlet teach with a recorder?

Claudius decides to send Hamlet away to England for the safety of the nation. Rosencrantz and Guildernstern will be following Hamlet to England.
 * 3.3** -- Answer 3 of the following.
 * 1. What has Claudius decided to do with Hamlet? Who will go with him? What "theoretical" message about kingship does Rosencrantz tell to Claudius?**

Polonius is going to hide behind the curtains to spy on Hamlet and Gertrude.
 * 2. Where is Polonius going?**

Claudius admits that he had murdered the former king. The play has actually had an effect on him. The play served as a reminder and self reflection for Claudius.
 * 3. What does Claudius admit in his attempt to pray? Has the play actually had an effect on him? Why can't he ask for forgiveness?**

What new information did you learn about your character in Act 4 that would help an actor or actress understand him or her better?
 * Assignment 6) Hamlet 4.1 and 4.7 Character Analysis**

“But we will ship him hence, and this vile deed We must, with all our majesty and skill, Both countenance and excuse.” Claudius attempts to hide the body and make up an explanation for Polonius‘ death. From here we can see that Claudius is very sneaky and is easily manipulative of his powers.

“Oh, for two special reasons, Which may to you perhaps seem much unsinewed, But yet to me they are strong. The queen his mother.... The other motive Why to a public count I might not go, Is the great love the general gender bear him,...” (Hamlet 4.7.10-19)

Claudius has two reasons why he could not publicly prosecute Hamlet. One, because his mother was the queen and secondly because the public loved him. Which raises the question how Claudius will deal with Hamlet’s death when Hamlet is moved to England. From Claudius’s behavior, we can assume that he is more interested in not looking terrible to his kingdom than he is in to protecting his wife and son.

2. In each scene where your character appears, what is his or her motivation and objective? In other words, what does this person really want? “How dangerous is it that this man goes loose! Yet must not we put the strong law on him. He’s loved of the distracted multitude, Who like not in their judgment, but their eyes.” (Hamlet 4.3.2)

“This sudden sending him away must seem Deliberate pause.” (Hamlet 4.3.8-9)

“Follow him at foot. Tempt him with speed aboard. Delay it not. I’ll have him hence tonight. Away! For everything is sealed and done That else leans on the affair. Pray you, make haste.” (Hamlet 4.3.56-59)

Claudius wants to send away Hamlet, as if it was a considerate decision, as fast as he can. Claudius absolutely dislikes Hamlet, wants to send him to jail. However cannot because the public likes Hamlet too much, especially his appearance.

“By letters congruing to that effect, The present death of Hamlet. Do it, England, For like the hectic in my blood he rages, And thou must cure me.” (Hamlet 4.3. 66-69)

Claudius hopes the King of England to murder Hamlet, once Hamlet arrives.

How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet? “Alas, how shall this bloody deed be answered? It will be laid to us, whose providence Should have kept short, restrained and out of haunt, This mad young man. But so much was our love” (Hamlet 4.1.17-20)

Claudius feels that Hamlet is defaming himself and Gertrude. He claims that he feels betrayed by Hamlet, since he has gone so mad and crazy despite the love they had given him.

What do other characters say about your character and how do they react to him? How does your character feel about other characters? Hamlet feels that Claudius is like the liquid, that enters everybody, especially the lower ones. R and G are like sponge that absorb everything Claudius says and asks to do. Hamlet, clearly shows his feelings towards Claudius through the play, and mentions how R and G are being too obedient of Claudius’s power.

5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which she appears? How is she affected by the events? How is your character important to this act? In other words, do you learn something new about the plot through him? Do you gain any insights about Hamlet by comparing/contrasting him to your character? Claudius is significant to this act because, we get to learn more in depth and the truth behind all the mysteries of the story the ghost had told Hamlet. We get to learn that he is a the man with sly plans-- the murder, hiding corpse, sending Hamlet away--. As we all know at this point, Hamlet is the foil character of Claudius and we can definitely compare and contrast in their principles and ethics. Hamlet is more into revealing the truth and righteousness than power or position. Where as Claudius is about the fame and power over dignity.

What was unexpected? What questions that you've previously had are answered by your character's words and /or behavior in this act? After this Act, it became clear that the ghost was a reliable source, and that Claudius had been deceiving his family all along. His plan to murder Hamlet was unexpected considering how much he was concerned with how public viewed him.





GOOD > Madness in great ones shall not unwatched go" (Hamlet 3.2.189-190). > > The quote above is a proof that Claudius is sending Hamlet away for the good of the country, he doesn't say that it is for himself, the tone is that Hamlet is dangerous for Denmark. This was before Claudius found out that Hamlet knows about his "deed." > > Also, Hamlet will most likely be the next king; what kind of a ruler would he make? He kills without looking who is there, and acts like maniac. BAD > Should have kept short, restrained and out of haunt, > This mad young man. But so much was our love” > (Hamlet 4.1.17-20) > > Claudius feels that Hamlet is defaming himself and Gertrude. He claims that he feels betrayed by Hamlet, since he has gone so mad and crazy despite the love they had given him. > 2)sends hamlet away to protect himself > 3)encourages laertes to kill hamlet. plans it. > “By letters congruing to that effect, > The present death of Hamlet. Do it, England, > For like the hectic in my blood he rages, > And thou must cure me.” > (Hamlet 4.3. 66-69) > Yet must not we put the strong law on him. > He’s loved of the distracted multitude, > Who like not in their judgment, but their eyes.” > (Hamlet 4.3.2) > > “This sudden sending him away must seem > Deliberate pause.” > (Hamlet 4.3.8-9) > > “Follow him at foot. Tempt him with speed aboard. > Delay it not. I’ll have him hence tonight. > Away! For everything is sealed and done > That else leans on the affair. Pray you, make haste.” > (Hamlet 4.3.56-59) > > Claudius wants to send away Hamlet, as if it was a considerate decision, as fast as he can. Claudius absolutely dislikes Hamlet, wants to send him to jail. However cannot because the public likes Hamlet too much, especially his appearance.
 * "It shall be so.
 * Claudius takes action to keep Denmark safe from Fortinbras; he succeeds which prove that his strategy was effective.
 * Claudius does care for Gertrude, although he cannot care for Hamlet because he knows Claudius' secret. However, he is a good and effective ruler. Claudius says that reason why he cannot kill Hamlet is because he knew how much Gertrude loved Hamlet.
 * It will be laid to us, whose providence
 * 1)watches queen die
 * “How dangerous is it that this man goes loose!

Last Log:

Motif: Death of father -> Revenge

I am satisfied in nature, Whose motive in this case should stir me most To my revenge. (Hamlet. 5.2.231)
 * LAERTES**

It seems to be that the motif of many Shakespearean plays, especially Hamlet, is revenge for the father. And during this course of revenge is mental illness or insanity that causes the character to lose one's sanity and conscience. Laertes as read previously, has gone insane lost ration - especially in the scene when he gets persuaded by Claudius to murder Hamlet.

5) Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion. Yet again, we are reminded of the relationship between Hamlet and Horatio. Horatio appears few times in the play, and we are well aware that despite their class difference, Horatio is the closest person Hamlet hangs around to a friend.

Hamlet: What call you the carriages? (What are carriages?) Horatio: (aside to HAMLET) I knew you must be edified by the margin ere you had done. (I knew you'd ask me) (Hamlet. 5.2.150)

The quote above shows a close relationship between the two. Horatio, tells Hamlet how he just knew Hamlet did not know what carriages meant. You can definitely hear a offensive tone to Horatio. However, it was acceptable to degrade the prince only because it was Horatio.

PATTERN IN HAMLET.

Death of father, revenge, insanity, alliance, death.