HamLog+Chae+Ri

= #1: Hamlet Log: ** Act 1 Scene I & II ** = = = 
 * Scene I synopsis:** The scene starts off with two guards, Francisco and Bernardo. It is clearly very late at night and Francisco leaves shortly after Bernardo comes to take his place. Marcellus and Horatio join him and Bernardo discusses about a strange apparition that he has seen for the past two nights. A ghost soon appears and the three men become speechless, for the ghost closely resembles the recently deceased King of Denmark. They attempt to make conversations with him; however, the ghost leaves without any word. The three men decide to tell Hamlet, the son of the dead king, about the ghost.


 * Scene II Synopsis:** King Claudius marries Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude. Claudius sees Hamlet and asks why he looks so gloomy. Hamlet responds that he is sad about losing his father. Claudius speaks about death and its inevitability. Sons are meant to lose their fathers one day; hence, one should not overwhelm oneself with remorse. Horatio soon arrives and tells Hamlet about the ghost that looks exactly like his father. Hamlet becomes excited and decides to stay awake the following night to witness the apparition.

“What art thou that usurp'st this time of night Together with that fair and warlike form In which the majesty of buried Denmark Did sometimes march? By heaven I charge thee speak” Hamlet 1.1 59-62
 * 1. Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them**.

I enjoyed these specific lines because I thought it was pretty funny how they attempt to make a conversation with the ghost. If I were in their positions, I would definitely run away. They seem to really trust their own conscience considering the fact that they never doubt their own eyes and mind. After Horatio demands the ghost to speak, Marcellus replies “It is offended” and I found myself laughing, for personally, I pictured three small, wide-eyed and bald guards staring at the ghost with much astonishment. More often than not, guards are supposed to look buff, and brave with their serious expressions; however, by reading the dialogue that takes place between these three men, I thought they were characterized as little, curious men who get scared pretty easily. These lines, therefore, helps portray the characteristics of these three men. **2. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene**. “For what we know must be, and is as common As any the most vulgar thing to sense, Why should we in our peevish opposition Take it to heart? Fie! 'tis a fault to heaven, A fault against the dead, a fault to nature” Hamlet 1.2 301-305

When one loses one’s parent, one is in need of some comfort and reassurance from a friend or another family member. Hamlet, however, does not receive any sympathy from others including his own mother Gertrude, and Claudius, which I feel is exacerbating the depression. Not to mention, a wedding takes place shortly after his father’s death, which I think is a selfish act. In the quotation above, Claudius explains how it is stubborn to grieve over the loss of a parent, for every son loses a parent at some point in his life. In addition, he comments on how the act of mourning is an act against nature. He describes death as if it is not a big of a deal. Hamlet, therefore looks as if he is alone and has nobody to turn to. The reaction of his family surprised me.


 * 3. 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.**

//Dear Diary,

I can’t believe this. I wish I were dead. My only father is gone and now I am absolutely miserable! Soon after my father’s death, my mother went right ahead and married his brother, Claudius as if my father meant nothing to her. I cannot tolerate the reactions of the people around me! My father ruled the country with great honor and he will be absolutely infuriated if he sees what is going on right now. He loved my mother, the country and its people but this is the respect that he gets. What is even more disappointing is that Claudius and the people around him think I am the one who is stubborn and insane. Even my own mother tells me to get over my father’s death! Thanks to Horatio, a dear friend of mine from Wittenberg, my spirit is alive once again. He tells me that he has seen a ghost that just may be my father! Even though his body may be buried under the soil, his spirit still remains in this very land. I must see it for myself tonight at the gate! I am hopeful once again.

Hamlet//


 * Act 1 Scene 4 Summary:** Hamlet along with Horatio and Marcellus await for the ghost to reappear during the night. Hamlet condemns the traditional practice of the King, which he believes is contaminating the reputation of the country. The ghost finally appears and gestures Hamlet to follow him into the forest. The two guards are worried and try to persuade Hamlet to not follow the mysterious apparition; nevertheless, Hamlet decides to take the risk and follows the ghost. The two guards also follow Hamlet in order to protect him.


 * Act 1 Scene 5 Summary:** In the forest, the ghost tells Hamlet that he is the spirit of his now dead father. He tells Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius, who now holds the throne and is destroying the country and its people. The ghost wants Hamlet to plot a revenge against Claudius for he has committed an unthinkable act. Claudius has also ruined his wife by seducing her. The ghost tells Hamlet to leave the poor queen alone and Hamlet swears that he will set everything right again. The two guards, Horatio and Marcellus swear that they will never tell anyone about the incident with the ghost.


 * Act 2 Scene 1 Summary:** Polonius sends Reynaldo with money to France to spy on his son, Laertes. Ophelius, his daughter then enters and tells Polonius about the weird incident with Hamlet. Hamlet grabbed her and looked as if he had been "loosed out of hell". Polonius and Ophelius goes to visit the King to inform him about Hamlet's weird behavior.


 * Act 2 Scene 2 Summary:** Rosencratz and Guildenstern who are Hamlet's friends from school, are summoned by the King and the Queen to stay and hopefully make Hamlet feel better. They agree and abide the King and the Queen's orders. Polonius, Voltimand and Cornelius then enters and informs the King about the recent news : King of Norway stopped Fortinbras from making war with Denmark and persuaded him to use the army to attack the Poles instead of the Danes. He wants to be able to cross Denmark freely so that they can get to Poland. Polonius, then tells the King and the Queen about the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelius. They decide to test whether Hamlet really does love Ophelius by watching Hamlet secretively while he is taking a walk, accompanied by Ophelius.


 * 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?**

I think Scene 5 of Act 1 was very important because it basically identified the protagonist and the antagonist of the story. The readers are now clear that Claudius has murdered, Hamlet's father and the spirit of the ghost has reappeared many times in order to have his revenge. The motive of the story is established so the play becomes much more interesting now that we are all aware of what is going on. Prior to this scene, everything was hazy for me because there really was no story. I felt like all I have been reading are just countless dialogues between many characters. After reading this scene, however, I feel more satisfied and intrigued because the air of suspense and mystery is created. Without this scene, the start point of the story would not be there so it would be hard for the readers/audience to grasp the main idea/plot of the whole play.


 * 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.**

Hamlet seems to doubt everybody except for the ghost. Why is Hamlet so sure that the ghost/father's spirit is telling the truth? What if the ghost ends up being a bad omen and leads Hamlet to danger or catastrophe?

Does Hamlet really like Ophelius or is it just Ophelius who imagines that Hamlet likes her?


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

I was very shocked at Polonius when he sent Reynaldo to "spy" on his son's actions while he is at school.It seems that there is no sense of trust between Polonius and Laertes. Actually, there seems to be no trust between any father-son characters. Right after Polonius sends Reynaldo to France, Claudius, along with Gertrude also decide to spy on his son, Hamlet. Why not just try having an honest conversation with their child instead of spying on them? Furthermore, Father characters tend to be portrayed as a scary and cold character, which I found to be pretty interesting. The distance between the parent and the child is very evident. = #3 Hamlet scene =
 * My character:** Rosencrantz

He wants to know what is causing Hamlet's grief alongside with his other friend, Guildenstern.
 * What does your character want in the chosen scene?**

He tries to have a good conversation with Hamlet by playing jokes and trying to set a casual atmosphere.
 * What does the character do to get it?**

He doesn't want Hamlet to find out that the King and the Queen have sent them to make Hamlet feel better.
 * What obstacles stand in his or her way?**

He is more cautious than Guildenstern because he whispers to him, "What say you?" to decide on what to say to Hamlet so that he doesn't find out about the real reason why they visited.
 * How does your character really feel about what is happening in the scene? How can you tell?**

Rosencrantz speaks casually and has a little bit of humor. He is very close with Guildenstern and even though he is also close with Hamlet, he still treats him like a Prince in a way that he says "My Lord" at the end of many of his sentences. He still shows respect and is not overly casual with Hamlet. Sometimes I felt (as I was playing the role of Rosencratz) like a follower because I listen more than I talk.
 * What does the character’s language reveal about his or her personality? Think about the meaning behind his or her words.**

"My most dear Lord!" "My lord, there was no such stuff in my thoughts"
 * Write down a few phrases he says that might demonstrate something about his personality or are characteristic of his mode of expression.**

Before I acted this scene out, I thought the atmosphere was stiff and intense; however, after practicing our scene, there was a lot of humor between these characters because they include a couple of sexual references.
 * How does this scene add to your knowledge of the character?**

#4 Nunnery Scene Comparisons
- In the first movie, there seems to be a distance between Hamlet and Ophelia. There is no sense of romance whatsoever and Hamlet seems to be more focused on tricking Claudius.

- In the second movie, there is a lot of romance between the two characters and the audience can clearly see that they are intimate and love each other very much. Hamlet seems to be more angry at the fact that Ophelia has decided to betray him by attempting to deceive him along with Claudius. He is very heart-broken. The focus is more on the relationship that exists between the couple.

- In the last movie, there is a little bit of romance between the couple; yet, it almost seems like Ophelia is head over heels in love with Hamlet. Her reactions are very exaggerated, which makes it a little funny to the audience. In the previous two movies, there was very little physical action in this specific scene; yet, in this one, there is a lot of big body movements.

- The camera angle was very interesting as well because in the first movie, the scene was shot mostly from bird's eye view which gives a strong impression that they are being watched. In the second one, there was a lot of zoom-in shots which help portray the overwhelming emotions felt by each character.

= #5 Hamlet Log: Act 3.2 =
 * Summary**: Hamlet tells the actors what to do and prepares for the performance which will imitate the murder of his father. He tells Horatio to watch Claudius' reaction while watching the play to see if there is any sense of guilt. Hamlet talks crazy with Claudius, Ophelia, Polonius and Gertrude then the play starts. In the middle of the play when the murderer pours the poison in the King's ear, Claudius stands up and walks out of the theater, infuriated. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern tell Hamlet that the Queen wants to see him right away in her room. They become shocked at Hamlet's behavior and Hamlet lets them know that he knew exactly what they were doing to him all along. Finally, Polonius enters and tells Hamlet to go see the queen immediately.

1. Hamlet's frenzy can definitely be shown in this particular scene when he talks to Claudius, Gertrude and Ophelia. What does he expect to get out of such behavior? Is it merely an act to mock the three characters or is there a deeper meaning behind it?
 * Questions:**

2. The play seems to not only bring guilt out of Claudius but Gertrude as well. In fact, the majority of the play seems to focus on the queen. What do you think was queen's reaction?

= #6 Hamlet Soliloquy = I think when Hamlet is saying that he is alone, he is not only physically alone, but he is also free in mind to think about whatever his conscience leads him to think about. Throughout the play, he has been acting "crazy" so he had to think about his every movement and actions. There is barely any time for him to truly be himself and express his inner mind like he is doing in this specific soliloquy. In this soliloquy, he questions his own mind and sanity.
 * 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 is calling himself a rogue and a peasant slave because he is ashamed that the actor, who's sole purpose is to pretend and be someone else, is much better at carrying out the deed than Hamlet. Hamlet should have more courage and confidence
 * Why is the Prince calling himself a “rogue” and “peasant slave”?**

Hamlet compares himself to the player because his role is very similar to that of the player. He has to step up to the plate and take a revenge on Claudius. He also feels ashamed because he is not able to carry out the revenge as well as the actor.
 * Hamlet compares himself to the player. What does this comparison reveal about Hamlet’s self-perception?**

Ear obvious refers to hearing, in Hamlet, ear refers to the words which the people hear and decide whether they are hearing the truth or a lie. We hear things everyday but sometimes we hear things that are not true and are intended to trick us into believing things that they want us to hear. Claudius speaks to his people with much falsehood and hence are lying to them. **
 * 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?

He might be thinking in theatrical terms because he wants to think like an actor who precisely plans everything out before performing on stage. He has been awed by the way the "player" presented his speech and hence wants to be perfect when the King and the queen are watching the play.
 * Hamlet uses a lot of theatrical terminology in his speech. Find some examples (“cue,” “satage,” “play”). Why might Hamlet be thinking in theatrical terms?**

" Why, what an ass am I!" " **A damned defeat was made. Am I a coward?Who calls me “villain”? Breaks my pate across? Plucks off my beard and blows it in my face?" "Yet I, A dull and muddy-mettled rascal, peak. Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my cause,And can say nothing—no, not for a king,"
 * 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?

I do not think he is a coward. I think that Hamlet is smart in a way that he doesn't just go up to him and yell at him for his murder, but rather he wants to bring out the guilt in him, which is pretty clever. He is being cautious because he has never actually physically seen Claudius murder his father so he wants to make sure that what the ghost told him is the truth. Unlike others around him who believe everything that they are hearing (Ear!) is true, Hamlet is smart and uses his "ear" wisely.

= = =** #7 Act 3 Questions **= **1. What advice does Hamlet have for the actors? Why?** Hamlet told the actors to not use too many gestures and perform it gently. He also tells them to not exaggerate their emotions because it looks too fake and comical. This play is very important to Hamlet and he wants every movement and word to sound realistic and natural so that it closely resembles the murder of his father. If, on the otherhand, the play is humorous and exaggerated, the audience will perceive the whole act as a mere joke and a form of entertainment.

Horatio is the only "family" that Hamlet has. Horatio stays loyal and faithful to Hamlet and he is also the only one who knows that his madness is a mere act. In a way, Horatio has proved and therefore earned trust from Hamlet because he informed Hamlet about the ghost and even followed him to the forest to makes sure that Hamlet does not get harmed from the ghost. He has shown his true loyalty to Hamlet and he is the only figure who really has told the truth and proven it. Maybe Horatio is in love with Hamlet? (Homosexuality)
 * 2. Why does Hamlet say he especially likes Horatio (Does Hamlet see Horatio as similar to him or different from him?**

3. What function is served by the discussion of Polonius as an actor (3.1.89-96)? Hamlet was written within a year or two of Julius Caesar; what is added to the scene for the audience if Richard Burbage, playing Hamlet, also played Brutus? Can you guess what part the actor playing Polonius might have played in Julius Caesar?

It has been four months since Hamlet's father died.
 * 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)?**

The player king mentions that grief and joy do not last forever and when either of them pass, people lose their motivation to act. Nothing is reliable including love. People don't always get what they want and fate decides what will happen to them. This is the lesson which Hamlet learned ever since his father died. He once loved Ophelia but now condemns her (not to mention women in general as well) because she has deceived him, even though she was fully aware of the fact that he loves her. People say that there is nothing like love but in reality, love is just a romantic idea that can be easily overthrown. The player king also mentions, "//The great man down, you mark his favorite flies"// which I felt was directed to Rosencratz and Guildenstern who even though are Hamlet's friends, showed betrayal.
 * 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?**

Claudius becomes appalled and shocked at the play, which proves to Hamlet that the ghost was indeed telling the truth. Hamlet is happy that he was able to "catch" the king's consciousness. Such joy can be seen when he asks for music and starts dancing. The play was performed in a way that directly spoke to the King. It has succeeded in bring out the guilt within him. He says in his soliloquy (Act 3 Scene 3) that his guilt is greater than his intentions and there is nothing that he can do to wash such feeling away.
 * 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?

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?

=** #8 Act 3.3 ** -- Answer 3 of the following. =

Claudius has decided to send Hamlet to England along with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern so that his "madness" is not getting in his way. Rosencrantz says that the lives of the people depend on the life of the King. When the King dies, his death affects every other person in the country resembling a domino effect.
 * 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 Gertrude's room where he will hide behind the curtain to overhear the conversation between Gertrude and Hamlet. He tells Gertrude to tell Hamlet that he has gone way too far and has insulted the King.
 * 2. Where is Polonius going?**

The play had an effect of bringing out Claudius' guilt but I feel that he has always felt guilty about killing Hamlet's father. He admits that he has committed a wicked sin and his soul is black and evil and the guilt that he feels overpowers his intentions. He can't ask for forgiveness because it is impossible to keep the "prize" and be forgiven at the same time.
 * 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?**

Also, I am confused about this line: "My words fly up, my thoughts remain below. Words without thoughts never to heaven go."

4. What happens when Hamlet enters? Why doesn't Hamlet kill Claudius then? What is ironic about Hamlet's decision?

#9 Act 4 Character Questions: Gertrude
__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?__ Gertrude's thoughts and actions in Act 4 prove that she is not a good mother. She worries more about her reputation and her status then her own son. Not once does she consider what Hamlet has told her but instead, she immediately jumps into a conclusion that he is a crazy person who must be kicked out of the country.

__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?__ Gertrude just wants everything to be normal again. She wants the people of Denmark to continue to be loyal to them and respect them as a king and a queen. She cares more about her reputation/public image then the relationship between her and her son, Hamlet.

__3. How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet?__ Personally, I don't feel that Gertrude truly loves Hamlet because as mentioned above, if she did care for him, she would attempt to have a decent conversation with him and try to figure out what is going on in his head rather than make an abrupt assumption that he is completely insane. When she described Hamlet's actions to Claudius, she described him as if he is a beast or a stranger that she really just wants to get rid of.

__4. What do other characters say about your character and how do they react to him? How does your character feel about other characters?__ Gertrude remains loyal to Claudius in spite of Hamlet's warning to not sleep with him, so this proves to Claudius that he has earned her full trust. Once, Gertrude calls her people, "Danish dogs", which shows that she is only nice to people that worship her.

__5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which she appears? How is she affected by the events?__ In scene one of act four, Gertrude explains all the events that happened when she was in the room with Hamlet. I felt that she further motivated Claudius to really send him off to England. Together with the king, they have firmly established the idea that Hamlet is crazy and is harmful to the country. Gertrude, now seems to see everybody as crazy including Ophelia, her people (Danish dogs) and Hamlet. She jumps into conclusions too quickly and seems to be the one who strengthens Claudius to put his actions into place.

__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?__ By looking at Gertrude's actions, I can now understand why Hamlet is so frustrated with his mother. Even though she is his mother, she tends to be very immature when it comes to making decisions. She exaggerates often and rarely uses her reasoning skills. Hamlet contrasts greatly from Gertrude in a way that he is firm, smart and is able to see past what others are blinded by.

__7. What questions are raised by your character's words and/or behavior in this act?__ "How do I get rid of the guilty feeling?" "Why is Hamlet mad?" "What should we do to prove that we are guilty?"

__8. What was unexpected? What questions that you've previously had are answered by your character's words and /or behavior in this act?__ Gertrude, until the fourth Act, remains somewhat a mysterious character because she is always beside the king and is not as expressive as Hamlet and Claudius. In scene 5, however, she says a few lines to herself which I felt revealed a little bit of what is going on in her head: To my sick soul (as sin’s true nature is) Each toy seems prologue to some great amiss.So full of artless jealousy is guilt,It spills itself in fearing to be spilt. From reading this, I thought that she did feel a little bit of guilt for marrying Claudius right after the death of her husband. Her guilt is making her overly sensitive and is leading her to become mad herself.

= #10 Act 5 Reading Log =
 * 5.1 Summary:** Two gravediggers are digging and discussing if Ophelia deserves a proper funeral. Hamlet and Horatio are shocked at the way they deal with the dead corpses: they throw them as if they are nothing. Hamlet picks up one of the skulls and discovers that it is Yorick's (Hamlet's jester). People including Claudius and Gertrude enter to hold a funeral for Ophelia. Realizing that the grave belongs to Ophelia, Hamlet becomes devastated and confesses his deep affections.


 * 5.2 Summary:** The next day, Hamlet tells Horatio about the letter which Claudius sent to England. Hamlet changed the content of the letter by writing that whoever delivers this specific letter be killed. He has no sympathy towards Rosencrantz and Guildenstern because they betrayed him. Osric enters and starts complimenting Laertes. Hamlet doesn't understand what he is up to. The lord enters and asks Hamlet if he will have a match with Laertes. Hamlet agrees to have one right away. The king declares that if Hamlet wins, then he will put an expensive gem in his drink. Hamlet wins the first time, but refuses to drink and demands another match with Laertes. Gertrude drinks the wine and dies. Hamlet is stabbed but he manages to stab Laertes as well leaving both men wounded. Laertes confesses to Hamlet that the king is responsible for the poison in the drink and on the sword. Hamlet gets angry and kills Claudius by making him drink the poisoned wine. Hamlet tells Horatio to not kill himself and live to tell his story. All characters, except for Horatio dies. Fortinbras arrives at this moment and asks that Hamlet be carried away like a soldier.

**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?** Of course, one of the most important scene of Act 5 is Hamlet's death; however, I also think that the scene where Gertrude drinks the poisoned wine is also significant because until this moment, Gertrude has been a very mysterious character. She could be interpreted in many different ways. I feel that this scene, narrows such interpretations down, for I saw this scene as an act of sacrifice for her son. Even though she never directly expressed her love for her son, I felt that she was still trying to protect Hamlet from Claudius. This scene makes Gertrude a major character; therefore, without this scene, she wouldn't be as important.

**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. Laertes- What suddenly made him reveal that Claudius was the one responsible for poisoning the wine and the sword? What's the difference between Laertes and Hamlet?

So, did Hamlet succeed in getting the revenge? Do you think he is satisfied? **