HamLog+Da+Bin

Act 1 Scene 1, 2
**Summary 1.1**: Bernardo, Francisco, and Mercellus (the three night guards) are the witnesses of the ghost; the setting is dark and dim so that the visions are not so clear. Bernado and Mercellus call Horatio to join them in order to prove the existence of the ghost. The ghost resembles the previous king, wearing armor and frowning just like he did. Although Horatio tries to communicate with the ghost, he fails, as the ghost simply walks away without any answer. Horatio thinks the appearance of the ghost may indicate the unfortunate future of the nation. They conclude to talk to Hamlet, the prince, about this issue.


 * Summary 1.2**: Claudius, the new king, speaks to the prince Hamlet. Claudius advises Hamlet to get rid of his sad faces, and refuses to send him away when Hamlet asks if he could leave the country and go back to college. From Claudius’s speech, we learn that he is actually a brother of the previous king, and he married Hamlet I’s wife (which is Hamlet’s mother). When left alone, Hamlet criticizes his mother for marrying his uncle so soon after his father’s death. At the end of the scene, Horatio, Bernardo, and Marcellus tell the prince about the ghost that resembles Hamlet I, and the prince decides to meet the ghost.

Hamlet and Gertrude’s relationship do not appear so tight. They do not understand or truly care about one another. Gertrude repeatedly says Hamlet to tone down his grief. “Cast thy nightly colour off” (Hamlet 1.2. 67) says Gertrude; yet she does not stop there. She goes far beyond than just advising her son not to be sad. “Seek for thy noble father in the dust,” (Hamlet 1.2. 71) is what the queen says to Hamlet. She adds that death is just a part of nature. Although she is right, her words are rather cruel and insensitive. Her attention is focused on her marriage, which itself is another act of insensitiveness (as Hamlet is completely not ready to have a new dad). Hamlet appears to be respectful of his mother. Yet, such an attitude lies on the surface only. Even though his lips say that “I shall in all my best obey you, madam” (Hamlet 1.2. 120) to the queen, his heart bears the opposite. He criticizes his mother for marrying his uncle, and indirectly refers such an act as a betrayal against his father who was “so loving to [his] mother” (Hamlet 1.2. 140). “Frailty, thy name is woman” (Hamlet 1.2. 146)—this famous line represents what Hamlet truly feels inside about his mother. He looks down on his own mother for her womanly weakness and despises her for the quick transition.
 * A. Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion.**

King Claudius tries really hard to make himself appear generous, caring, and genuine. However, some of the words that accidently slip out from his lips reveal the true Claudius. He claims that “our hearts [are] in grief” (Hamlet 1.2. 3); in the beginning of scene 2, he gives a long speech about how he and his kingdom feel awfully feel sad about Hamlet I’s death. Yet despite the lengthy speech, a few words ruin his attempt. “Mourning duties” (Hamlet 1.2. 88) and “filial obligation” (Hamlet 1.2. 91) are the words he used to describe Hamlet’s grief; but these, in reality, reflect his own conception of the mourning process. His sadness comes not from the genuine heart but from his brain. He tries his best to appear to be sad about his brother’s death when he is not.
 * B. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.**


 * C. A series of pictures..**

Act 1 Scene 3, 4, 5; Act 2 Scene 1, 2. **Summary 1.3:** Laertes warns his sister, Ophelia, about Hamlet. He tells her to keep away her desire and do not make foolish mistakes due to her love. He leaves and Polonius enters (father of the two). He gives similar warnings to Ophelia and forbids her from talking or meeting Hamlet from that point.


 * Summary 1.4**: Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus wait for the ghost to appear. When the ghost appears, Hamlet questions it several times about its identity. Then, the ghost beckons Hamlet. The three men assume that the ghost has a secret, and it is willing to reveal it only to Hamlet. Hamlet insists that he will follow it, while Horatio tries to stop him from following the ghost. Yet Hamlet finally chooses to follow after the ghost.


 * Summary 1.5**: Hamlet tells the ghost that he will not go any further, and the ghost starts to speak. The ghost tells Hamlet that he is Hamlet I’s spirit. He adds that he has been assassinated by an evil man. The ghost tells Hamlet that the one who is currently in throne is the murderer. He criticizes both his wife and his brother. Moreover, he reveals how he was killed. Claudius put poison inside his ear which destroyed his blood system. He begs Hamlet for revenge. When the ghost leaves, Horatio and Marcellus enter; however, Hamlet does not tell them what exactly happened. Hamlet makes the guards to make a vow that they will not tell anyone that they saw a ghost.


 * Summary 2.1**: Polonius orders Reynoldo to find out how his son is doing. He wants Reynoldo to visit where Laertes currently resides; his mission is to gossip and talk about some negative aspects of Laertes and observe the reaction of the people. During the conversation, Ophelia suddenly jumps in and tells her father how Hamlet visited her with terrible looks. They assume that the prince has gone mad as he feels rejected by Ophelia, whom he loves so dearly.


 * Summary 2.2**: The king and the queen ask Rosencrantz and Guildenstern for help as they think Hamlet has gone insane. Voltemand, the ambassador of Norway, enters the castle and tells the king that Norway will never attempt to invade Denmark again. Then, Polonius tries to talk to Hamlet. Hamlet calls him a fishmonger, and Polonius concludes that he is surely crazy. Then, the two friends (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern) try to talk to the prince. They talk about how the world is similar to a jail, and Hamlet asks whether they came to Denmark because the king and the queen ask them to do so. They answer yes after hesitation. Then the players arrive. Hamlet changes the play a little bit and asks more favors. The player agrees to follow the order.

“The spirit that I have seen / May be the devil, and the devil hath power / T’assume a pleasing shape; yea, and perhaps / Out of my weakness and my melancholy, / As he is very potent with such spirits, / Abuses me to damn me. I’ll have grounds / More relative than this.” (Hamlet 2.2. 587-593) This quote is significant. These lines are used by Shakespeare to prove that Hamlet is a rational, thoughtful person who is not swayed or overwhelmed by his emotions and rages. Although, at the moment, his heart burns with vengeful feelings, Hamlet tries to find more evidence before taking any action or making any accusation. He questions the true identity of the ghost, demonstrating his rationality and ability to think critically in all situations.
 * A. Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.**

Scene 2.1 – Questions: 1) Does Hamlet really love Ophelia? We only heard Ophelia’s point of view. 2) I think he overestimates his daughter’s influence on Hamlet. Why does Polonius jump to such an abrupt conclusion? Why would he think that a rejection from his daughter is strong enough to drive insanity? 3) Does Ophelia really love Hamlet? Why is she so passive and obedient?
 * B. Ask questions about the scene. Has anything in the scene caused you confusion? OR Ask one of the characters in the scene a question.**

//I knew that my uncle Claudius had something to do with my father’s death. I mean, why would my lord—a strong, undefeatable man—suddenly collapse without notable causes? I do not care about anything anymore except the revenge. I will soothe my father’s spirit through true vengeance. Although I chose to grow indifferent about other worldly issues, I still cannot get Ophelia out of my head. Oh my love, Ophelia; although I love thee so much, I shall forget about you, as my revenge comes as the priority. And it is good to know that you will be fine without my love as you told me not to visit you anymore. I will plan my revenge so that it will not fail. Claudius will have to pay for what he has done. That evil man will be punished by me before he will be punished by God.// //Hamlet//
 * C. 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.**

What does your character want in the chosen scene? - He wants to tell his son Hamlet how he was murdered by his brother, Claudius. Moreover, he wants to tell his son to take revenge for him. What does the character do to get it? - He directly reveals the truth. He invites Hamlet into a conversation, and tells him how he was killed and who his murderer is. What obstacles stand in his or her way? - He can only stay visible during the night; therefore, time is a big issue for him. Moreover, he has to convince Hamlet that he actually is a spirit of Hamlet I. How does your character really feel about what is happening in the scene? How can you tell? - He is filled with anger as he speaks. He truly wants revenge. He repeatedly criticizes his brother for his greediness and curses his inhumanity. Moreover, he is hurrying as the morning approaches. What do other characters say about your character in the scene? - Hamlet questions the ghost’s true identity, yet as the scene progresses, he seems to believe the ghost’s words. What does the character’s language reveal about his or her personality? Think about the meaning behind his or her words. Write down a few phrases he says that might demonstrate something about his personality or are characteristic of his mode of expression. - He is constantly demanding Hamlet to listen, take revenge, and agree with him. This reveals his status (in which he was able to demand to other people). He is angry at the moment as he uses strong words such as “incestuous”, “adulterate”, and “traitorous”. How does this scene add to your knowledge of the character? - I knew nothing of the ghost before this scene, as he never spoke before. This scene reveals a lot about the character, not only his personality but how he died and who killed him.
 * Character Analysis**


 * Act 3 Scene 1 **
 * Summary:** Claudius and Polonius decide to watch Hamlet’s reaction to Ophelia. They hide themselves and observe their conversation. Hamlet rejects to accept the present that Ophelia insists to return, saying that he did not give it to her. He also adds that he has never loved her. Moreover, he demands her to head to a nunnery. The King Claudius, after watching the entire conversation, decides to send Hamlet away to England.

"Go thy ways to a nunnery,” insists Hamlet to Ophelia, and right after that sentence Hamlet asks “where’s your father?” (3.1. 130-131). Timing of the question seems too abrupt and out of the blue, and the shift of subject—from a nunnery to Ophelia’s father—appears illogical as well. After realizing that Polonius and Claudius are observing his conversation with Ophelia, Hamlet attempts to reassure and show the observers the fact that he has gone mad. “I’ll no more on’t, it hath made me mad,” says Hamlet (3.1. 147). The prince—who, for some reason, wants to appear insane—directly admits that he is mad, hoping that such self acknowledgment will fool others.
 * A. Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.**

Why did Hamlet suddenly ask where Ophelia’s father is? How do Hamlet’s words and actions change Ophelia’s perception? Why does Hamlet tell Ophelia that he never loved her? What does his curse on marriage imply? To whom (Ophelia, Gertrude, or both) does the curse on marriage directed toward?
 * B. 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.**

Hamlet’s love toward Ophelia turns into a bitter disappointment as he learns that Ophelia tries to trick him. “God has given you one face, and you make yourselves another” says Hamlet, criticizing Ophelia for telling him a lie (3.1. 145-146). Making oneself another means disguising the truth and fabricating a lie; therefore Hamlet’s words are directed against Ophelia’s participation in a scheme which is intended to deceive Hamlet.
 * C. Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion.**

1. What advice does Hamlet have for the actors? Why? - Hamlet asks the performers to act naturally and smoothly. He assures the actors not to exaggerate actions or turn the play into a joke. Such advises are given as Hamlet wants to make the play appear as real as possible in order to show Claudius what he has done exactly. 2. Why does Hamlet say he especially likes Horatio (Does Hamlet see Horatio as similar to him or different from him? - Hamlet likes Horatio since Horatio is a loyal person who is both reasonable and rational. Hamlet says that Horatio is “not passion’s slave” in line 67. This description indicates that Hamlet thinks that Horatio is quite different from him. Hamlet’s current life is basically revolving around his passion—revenge—of which he became a slave. 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)? - Based on 3.2. 119, we can infer that four months have passed between Act 1 and Act 2. 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? - Claudius is in shock. He stands up in the middle of the play, as he sees the replay of the assassination in front of his two eyes. Claudius desperately asks for light, and walks away as if he is trying to escape from the truth and the past. Hamlet (who now feels sure that Claudius is the one who killed his father) asks Horatio about his opinion to confirm his view. It is quite obvious from the way Claudius has reacted that he has learned that someone has noticed who has killed the previous king; and this realization puts him in panic. 8. Read Hamlet's fifth soliloquy carefully (3.2.358-69). How is it different from the other soliloquies? What is the mood of the soliloquy? How do you react to it? What about line 360? What is happening to Hamlet? - This particular soliloquy differs from others, as it marks definite turning point in terms of plot and character of Hamlet. He now can “drink hot blood,” which directly indicates confrontation with Claudius that would involve violence. Furthermore, he reminds himself that the punishment should be faced not only by Claudius but also by his mother, as “she be shent”. By looking at this soliloquy, we can see that Hamlet’s hesitation is officially over. Now he is sure that Claudius has murdered his father. The prince is no longer cautious, reserved and careful. He is determined to kill and seek the bloody revenge.
 * Answer 5 of the 8.**

Hamlet Movie: I would like to talk about the second one (which turns out to be my favorite Hamlet although the actor is indeed annoying).
 * more love and romantic elements visible
 * the lighting and the colors are the lightest among all three films.
 * passionate kiss: indicate the sexual intimacy between the two
 * Ophelia, a woman figure with louder voice--meaning status that is more equal (than in other films)
 * mirror is used for greater dramatic effects
 * Hamlet realizes he is being watched when Ophelia rolls her eyes
 * attention drawn to their eyes and which direction those eyes head toward
 * Hamlet actually chases after the observers
 * Hamlet's rejection seems to be out of his will to protect Ophelia rather than to use her
 * King Claudius and Polonius are also aware of the fact that Hamlet has realized their presence


 * It is obvious to the audience that Hamlet is alone onstage. What else, then, does he mean when he begins, “Now I am alone”?
 * He is implying that his has cut off all the ties and relationships. His love with Ophelia seems to be ended, and his friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been lost. By becoming truly alone (both physically and emotionally), Hamlet now is fully prepared to proceed his revenge.
 * Why is the Prince calling himself a “rogue” and “peasant slave”?
 * A rogue is a man who behaves in a dishonest or criminal way. He calls himself a rogue as his plans (to revenge against his uncle) and actions (of acting insane to deceive others’ eyes) make him a dishonest person and a criminal as well. Furthermore, he also describes himself as a peasant slave to emphasize the absurdity and vanity of royalty: although he is a prince, his father has been murdered and all those he cares about are no longer on his side.
 * *Hamlet compares himself to the player. What does this comparison reveal about Hamlet’s self-perception?
 * He expresses his anger against himself through the comparison to the player. He says that the player explicitly expresses his emotion (with tears and frowns), “yet [he], a dull ad muddy-mettled rascal, peaklike John-a-dreams, unpregnant of [his] cause, and say nothing” (2.2. 554-557). Unlike the actor who frankly communicates what’s in his mind, Hamlet has not spoken up despite the potential murderer of his father standing right next to him as the husband of his mother; and this inactivity and lack of execution make Hamlet upset about himself.
 * 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?
 * The followings are some of the lines that involve ear within the speech:
 * "Let us once again assail your ears"
 * "To ears of flesh and blood'
 * "A Serpent stung me: so the whole ear of Denmark, Is by a forged process of my death"
 * These all involve violence done to ears. Although “[cleaving] the general ear” does not mean physical intimidation, it is intended to mean that the player’s acting will pierce the audience’s ears and shatter the past belief, bringing similar effects of cleavage.
 * Hamlet uses a lot of theatrical terminology in his speech. Find some examples (“cue,” “satage,” “play”). Why might Hamlet be thinking in theatrical terms?
 * He has rewritten some lines of the play, as he is trying to use the play itself to depict a theoretical murder scene that will mimic the actual murder carried on by Claudius. He, then, wishes to direct the players to demonstrate specific motions; therefore, Hamlet uses a lot of theatrical terminology, showing the significant role the play takes up.
 * 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?
 * As I answered in previous question, Hamlet is angry at himself as he has done nothing to punish or accuse the potential murderer of his father. He says that the player explicitly expresses his emotion (with tears and frowns), “yet [he], a dull ad muddy-mettled rascal, peaklike John-a-dreams, unpregnant of [his] cause, and say nothing” (2.2. 554-557). To Hamlet, the fact that he said nothing makes him feel like a coward. In my opinion, he is acting cautiously as he has certain doubts for the spirit as well (as he questions whether he’s a devil playing trick on him). However, Hamlet may feel like being a coward as his revenge is keep on being delayed due to his careful, cautious approach.

** Act 3 Scene 2 ** **Summary 3.2 ** : Hamlet asks the players if he can add some changes to the lines of the play, and the player accepts Hamlet's request. The royal family and others in the palace watch the play together. Before the play begins, Hamlet orders Horatio to observe Claudius's reaction closely during the play. When people enter to watch the play, Hamlet acts crazy again. He makes Ophelia feel uncomfortable through naughty words. The play follows the exact trail of what actually happened with Claudius and Hamlet I. When a character from the play assassinates the sleeping king by pouring poison inside the ear, Claudius suddenly stands up and walks out. The play ends suddenly as Polonius orders to turn the lights on. Hamlet now feels sure that Claudius murdered his father. Gertrude gets upset as well, and Hamlet heads to the queen's room to talk to her about the brutal truth.

**Questions:**
 * **1) It is obvious to the audience that Hamlet is alone onstage. What else, then, does he mean when he begins, “Now I am alone”?**
 * He is implying that his has cut off all the ties and relationships. His love with Ophelia seems to be ended, and his friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been lost. By becoming truly alone (both physically and emotionally), Hamlet now is fully prepared to proceed his revenge.
 * **2) Why is the Prince calling himself a “rogue” and “peasant slave”?**
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">A rogue is a man who behaves in a dishonest or criminal way. He calls himself a rogue as his plans (to revenge against his uncle) and actions (of acting insane to deceive others’ eyes) make him a dishonest person and a criminal as well. Furthermore, he also describes himself as a peasant slave to emphasize the absurdity and vanity of royalty: although he is a prince, his father has been murdered and all those he cares about are no longer on his side.
 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">3) *Hamlet compares himself to the player. What does this comparison reveal about Hamlet’s self-perception? **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">He expresses his anger against himself through the comparison to the player. He says that the player explicitly expresses his emotion (with tears and frowns), “yet [he], a dull ad muddy-mettled rascal, peaklike John-a-dreams, unpregnant of [his] cause, and say nothing” (2.2. 554-557). Unlike the actor who frankly communicates what’s in his mind, Hamlet has not spoken up despite the potential murderer of his father standing right next to him as the husband of his mother; and this inactivity and lack of execution make Hamlet upset about himself.
 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">4) 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? **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">The followings are some of the lines that involve ear within the speech:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">"Let us once again assail your ears"
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">"To ears of flesh and blood'
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">"A Serpent stung me: so the whole ear of Denmark, Is by a forged process of my death"
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">These all involve violence done to ears. Although “[cleaving] the general ear” does not mean physical intimidation, it is intended to mean that the player’s acting will pierce the audience’s ears and shatter the past belief, bringing similar effects of cleavage.
 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">5) Hamlet uses a lot of theatrical terminology in his speech. Find some examples (“cue,” “satage,” “play”). Why might Hamlet be thinking in theatrical terms? **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">He has rewritten some lines of the play, as he is trying to use the play itself to depict a theoretical murder scene that will mimic the actual murder carried on by Claudius. He, then, wishes to direct the players to demonstrate specific motions; therefore, Hamlet uses a lot of theatrical terminology, showing the significant role the play takes up.
 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">6) 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? **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">As I answered in previous question, Hamlet is angry at himself as he has done nothing to punish or accuse the potential murderer of his father. He says that the player explicitly expresses his emotion (with tears and frowns), “yet [he], a dull ad muddy-mettled rascal, peaklike John-a-dreams, unpregnant of [his] cause, and say nothing” (2.2. 554-557). To Hamlet, the fact that he said nothing makes him feel like a coward. In my opinion, he is acting cautiously as he has certain doubts for the spirit as well (as he questions whether he’s a devil playing trick on him). However, Hamlet may feel like being a coward as his revenge is keep on being delayed due to his careful, cautious approach.

<span style="font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 35px;">**<span style="color: #cf24e0; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Act 3 Scene 3 & 4 **

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Summary 3.3:** Claudius is now seriously concerned about Hamlet’s insanity as it seems to threaten himself. He orders Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to escort Hamlet to England. Then, Polonius enters and explain that he will go to the queen’s room to listen to the conversation between Gertrude and Hamlet to find out what’s going on in Hamlet’s mind. After Polonius leaves, Claudius sits alone and starts praying. Hamlet witnesses the scene and for a moment thinks about killing the king at the spot. However, he concludes that killing the king during his prayer will only send him to heaven; therefore, he decides to stop and puts down his sword. Hamlet heads to Gertrude’s room.
 * Summary 3.4:** Polonius hides in the queen’s room when Hamlet enters. Gertrude tells Hamlet that the king is very upset; Hamlet accuses Gertrude of betrayal. Gertrude asks for help, and Polonius shouts out loud for help as well. Hamlet kills Polonius with his sword without knowing who the man is. Gertrude and Hamlet continue the conversation in which Hamlet reveals that the previous king was killed by the current one. Gertrude fears Hamlet as he appears to be utterly insane. Then, the ghost of Hamlet I appears, but only Hamlet can see its presence. The ghost reminds Hamlet about his mission and duty, and then exits. Gertrude is terrified, yet she promises Hamlet not to say anything about what Hamlet has told her. Hamlet leaves the room.


 * Answer 3 of the following**

- Claudius, as he begins to feel threatened by Hamlet’s uncontrollable madness and attitude, decides to send Hamlet away to England. He orders two friends of Hamlet—Rosencrantz and Guildenstern—to go to England with the prince. The theoretical message about kingship (told by Rosencrantz) clearly indicates the importance and influence of the crown. He says that a king’s death impacts not only himself but the whole country, and the speech also implies that Hamlet’s madness is likely to be driven by the death of Hamlet I.
 * 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 decides to go to the queen’s room and hide, so that he can listen to Gertrude’s conversation with Hamlet. This turns out to be a poor and unfortunate decision, as he gets killed by Hamlet.
 * 2. Where is Polonius going?**

- He admits the fact that he has killed Hamlet I, his brother. The play actually had an effect on him, as he seems to be stricken with his past sin. However, he also notes that he is not in a position where he can ask for forgiveness: he still enjoys what he has gained by the sin. He is still in possession of the crown, ambition, and the queen. Therefore, he cannot ask for true forgiveness.
 * 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?**

<span style="font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 35px;">**<span style="color: #2311b0; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Act 4 ** **__Questions: Gertrude__** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;"> - In Act 4, Gertrude's maternity is revealed through her attempt to protect Hamlet. Although there is no particular information that gives us further understanding of her character, her continuous attempts to cover what her son has done tells us a lot. Although she tells Claudius about what happened, she doesn't tell him about Hamlet's stance regarding the assassination or about the ghost. By only delivering the partial truth and emphasizing Hamlet's insanity, Gertrude plays her role as a mother who tries to take care of what her son has done.
 * 1. What new information did you learn about your character in Act 4 that would help an actor or actress understand him or her better?**

- In my opinion, Gertrude's motivation and objective are open to interpretation. As Brian and Chaeri (my teammates) argued, Gertrude's actions and words may be out of her selfishness and will to protect herself; however, I think Gertrude's motivation is mainly driven by her maternity. As a mother, she continues to try to help Hamlet by justifying his sin. "His brainish apprehension kills / The unseen good old man," says Gertrude (4.1. 10-11). She emphasizes the fact that Hamlet is insane, attempting to persuade others that Hamlet's sin was only driven by his insanity not by the evil mind.
 * 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?**

- She is confused, as she has observed her son's complete insanity. She feels scared a little, and she describes Hamlet as "mad as the sea" (4.1. 6). Yet she still believes that death of Polonius was resulted due to unfortunate insanity of Hamlet, not because of Hamlet's ill intention to kill.
 * 3. How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet?**

- Although Hamlet told Gertrude that Claudius is the one who killed Hamlet I, Gertrude seems to still believe in Claudius. "Ah, my lord, what have I seen tonight!" cries out Gertrude, trying to depend on Claudius for consolation (4.1. 4). She continues to rely on Claudius for almost everything; when she has trouble, she immediately report the situation to the king. For example, when Ophelia's insanity shocks her, Gertrude runs to the king right away and shares her concerns about the poor girl.
 * 4. What do other characters say about your character and how do they react to him? How does your character feel about other characters?**

- She tells what happened to Polonius, and who has killed the poor old man. Gertrude's words revealing the murder of Polonius brings instant reaction from Claudius. He is determined to send Hamlet away as quickly as possible, as he begins to perceive Hamlet's unstable mind as imminent threat.
 * 5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which she appears? How is she affected by the events?**

- She is important in that she acts as a messenger who delivers the truth (although it is only partial truth) about Polonius's death and Hamlet's utter insanity.
 * 6. 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?**

- What's her primary motivation? Is she displaying maternity and motherhood or is she demonstrating selfish nature of human? Is she trying to protect herself or her son, Hamlet? Does she believe Hamlet's words regarding the previous king's assassination? If so, does her view on Claudius change? What's her true emotion regarding Claudius's decision to send Hamlet away to England?
 * 7. What questions are raised by your character's words and/or behavior in this act?**

- I was at first surprised at the fact that she told Claudius what happened. In Act 3 Scene 4, Gertrude tells Hamlet that "I have no life to breathe/ What thou hast said to me" (187-188). As she promised Hamlet not to tell what Hamlet has said, I initially thought that she would not tell anyone about the fact that Hamlet is the one who murdered Polonius. However, once I thought about the matter more, she indeed has kept her promises. She did not reveal anything that Hamlet has said. She only revealed what he has "done".
 * 8. What was unexpected? What questions that you've previously had are answered by your character's words and /or behavior in this act?**

<span style="font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 35px;">**<span style="color: #cf24e0; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Act 5 Scene 1 ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Summary 5.1:** The scene begins with two clowns digging a grave to bury dead Ophelia. They question weather she deserves a proper Christian burial, as they think the girl has committed suicide. Hamlet approaches them and asks who the owner of the grave is, yet they do not give a clear answer. Hamlet witnesses decayed bodies and skulls and realizes the absurdity and fragility of life. Hamlet finally finds out that the funeral is for Ophelia, after watching the ceremony being carried by Laertes and other familiar faces. Hamlet feels sudden burst of emotion and abruptly joins the funeral. Laertes gets angry and starts accusing Hamlet. They begin to fight in the grave. Claudius and Gertrude stop the fight; Claudius calms Laertes and assures him of better opportunity for revenge. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">**A. Relationship between different characters (described through a picture)** The man on the top is **//__Laertes__//**. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">**B. Questions** - It is quite apparent that Hamlet has loved Ophelia dearly. If so, why did he reject her so harshly? - What is the direct cause of Ophelia’s insanity and death? Is it her father’s death? Or is it Hamlet’s rejcection? - Was it really a suicide? - How will Claudius use Laertes’s current irrational rage for his own advantage? - What is the deeper meaning of Hamlet’s speech about Yorick and his skull? Why is it so significant? And why are these particular lines so famous? <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">**C. 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.** //I cannot believe that Hamlet has guts to show up to my fair sister Ophelia’s funeral. Why can't this nation and the king punish Hamlet right away? He does not deserve to be a prince of Denmark. I do not care whether he is a mad man. He is a murderer. He not only killed by father, but he has also caused my sister’s death. Hamlet must be punished, and I will carry out the revenge with my own hands. Oh, poor Ophelia, my beautiful sister! I feel ashamed to send you away that way. The wicked man who has robbed and broken your heart will encounter his pitiful end soon. Laertes.//

**FORMAT**
Write in your own voice. Interact with the play. Grades will be based on the thoroughness of your responses.

__Entries: For each summarize each scene, then for each READING ASSIGNMENT do a minimum of THREE of the following:__


 * 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.**

//Example: 2.1 – Questions: Polonius – what’s your problem? Reynaldo – are you going to spread the bad word about Laertes? I hope you don’t. Ophelia – how strongly do you feel about Hamlet? You’d better avoid him totally before something terrible happens.//


 * 3.Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.**

//Example: 1.1 – Horatio says “Most like. It harrows me with fear and wonder.” This line really explains to us what all three of the guards are feeling when they see this ghost. They are all frightened by it, yet they wonder why it came to them and why it is dressed the way it is. It really sets the mood for the whole scene because it lets us know that they are anxious. The first few lines in this scene really shocked me because we didn’t know anything about these characters yet they were all so nervous and jumpy. Plus they were very suspicious and cautious of everything.//


 * 4. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.**

//Example: 1.2 – King Claudius seems like a flake to me. He seems to know what he’s talking about but to me it’s like it’s rehearsed or something. I can understand him trying to be friends with Hamlet, but it seems to me that he is just doing it to make himself look good. I don’t think he means anything of what he said to Hamlet.//


 * 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?**