HamLog+Ilwon

reading assignments 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?

1.1 summary: Horatio, Marcellus and Bernardo are on guards, and they see this apparition in a figure of the deceased king of Denmark. The ghost in an armor stalks away without saying a word and is at unease. When the ghost appears again, Horatio tries to communicate with the apparition but fails as a cock crows. 1. This scene does not include the protagonist of the play, yet it brings up an issue that is going to be dissolved throughout the story. Unnecessary, though it may seems, this scene introduces some major characters that will not get chance to be introduced in other than this scene. Without this scene, readers might have hard time dealing with sudden advent of the characters--Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo. 2. question for Horatio: It is mentioned that you are the most rational/ smartest among the guards. But you were the one who "tremble and look pale" (1.1. 53). Was the next move--trying to contact the apparition again--an attempt to redress your setback? Is there any similarity in nature with Hamlet to figure out the intent of the apparition? 3. "//The cock crows// / Stop it, Marcellus. /Shall I strike at it with my partisan? / Do if it will not stand. / 'Tis here. / 'Tis here. / //Exit the Ghost// (1.1. 122-126) This scene makes me doubt if //Hamlet// is a true tragedy. While at the brink of communicating with the apparition, the guards get distracted and instead try to catch the cock. This part might imply that these guards lack dexterity with dealing problems in the future scenes.

1.2 summary: Claudius gives several speech about his marriage to Gertrude and tries to soothe Hamlet. Gertrude also tries to soothe Hamlet and tell him to overcome the grief. While Claudius allows Laertes to go back to the school, he asked Hamlet to stay in Denmark. And then, Hamlet cries in soliloquy. 1. This scene as well as the first scene is still an introduction of all the characters. Many important characters, including the protagonist, are mentioned in this scene with a brief summary of past events. This scene basically tells the reader the relationship among characters, that Claudius is the brother of the deceased king; that Hamlet is the son of Gertrude; that Claudius is married to Gertrude. Without this scene, it would be hard to understand certain scenes that mentions politics of previous king with other nation in later scenes. 2.

summary: 1.3 Laertes is about to embark and tells Ophelia to stay away from Hamlet, that the love will not last long. Polonius comes and wishes Laertes a good trip and once again warns Ophelia to not get along with Hamlet, that her love is premature. And Ophelia says she'll obey both advices. 1.4 The ghost appears again and Hamlet was at the site. While Horatio and Marcellus tell Hamlet not to progress further, but Hamlet insists to follow the apparition. 1.5 Hamlet tells the ghost he'll no longer follow him ,and the ghost commands him to listen carefully and never forget. Hamlet promises he'll not tell anyone else, and the ghost reveals himself as Hamlet's father, the deceased Danish king. The ghost tells Hamlet that the current king, Hamlet's uncle, had murdered him and pleads for revenge. Horatio and Marcellus come in and swear under Hamlet's sword not to tell anyone else.

Reading log: 1. This scene is the most important part of the entire play since it is then revealed that Hamlet's uncle had murdered the old king. This is the part where Hamlet takes his major shift. He states that he might act crazy. Without this scene, the entire play is omitted with which intention does Hamlet take revenge for. Especially, the ghost's long explanation is the most important dialogue in this scene. 2. I still don't know how come Ophelia and Laertes' trip is involved with the entire play. Is this a digress to the main story about Hamlet's murder? 3. "We have sworn, my lord, already" (1.5.155). This scene, although the entire play is a tragedy, involves vivid portray of Hamlet's personality, Hamlet is extremely cautious and make Horatio and Marcellus swear several times, to the point it seems repetitive.

summary 2.1 Polonius sent Reynaldo to look after Laertes in France. And Ophelia comes and tells Polonius that Hamlet has gone mad these days, which Polonius assumes as a madness derived from love. 2.2 Polonius sends in Voltemand and Cornelius, ambassadors sent to Norway, and they report to Claudius. Claudius is glad and says he'll have welcome party. Polonius adds later that he knows why Hamlet is mad and he reads the letter Hamlet sent to Ophelia. Thus Claudius sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to check on Hamlet. Hamlet who already knows why they came questions their purpose in their visit and by chance hears that a group of play actors are in the town.

Reading log: 3. "My lord, I have news to tell you," "My lord, I have news to tell you. When Roscius was an actor in Rome— " (2.2). This is the first time in the entire play where the comic part comes in. Probably, the actor must have said this line with wryness. As it is now, it has been always considered insulting to repeat others word and even further saying what the other person will say. It proves us that Polonius is so much predictable a person, and that Hamlet is way ahead of Polonius in mind processing. 4. Hamlet, although other characters declare him insane, seems to be a manipulative genius who can trick other people to believe that he is crazy. A clear evidence comes from the part where Hamlet questions Rosencrantz and Guildenstern of their purpose in Elisnore. Hamlet already knows their intent, and cajoles them to state it with their own mouth. "Nay, then, I have an eye of you—If you love me, hold not off" (2.2.289). This eventually make Guildenstern to say "My Lord, we were sent for" (2.2. 290). 5. Hamlet, before Polonius reappears, detach himself from his mother, Gertrude, by calling her aunt-mother. "But my uncle-father and aunt-mother are deceived" (2.2). Hamlet treats her mother as an accomplice of whatever his uncle/ the current king had done by excluding her from his family. This, in psychology and many stories, is a usual reaction of a child whose mother has married step father.

Charater: Ghost What does your character want in the chosen scene? - He wants Hamlet to understand his position and the truth, that he has murdered by his brother, and seeks for Hamlet's revenge on Claudius. What does the character do to get it? - The ghost makes Hamlet follow him and talk to him in private about the murder. What obstacles stand in his or her way? - The ghost pleads anyone who heard this to keep the truth in secret. The ghost, and Hamlet eventually make Horaio and Marcellus swear that they won't mention anything about what the ghost had told them. How does your character really feel about what is happening in the scene? How can you tell? - The ghost feels urgency and great importance in delivering the news to Hamlet. The ghost first speaks by saying "Mark me," instead of introducing himself. The ghost wants Hamlet to clearly comprehend the truth and take revenge on Claudius. Hamlet has been following the ghost for a while and the ghost states that it would be morning soon. With dominating speech that even explicates how he was murder, the ghost puts great importance in telling the truth. What do other characters say about your character in the scene? - Definately, Horaio and Marcellus are avoiding any interaction with the ghost, as they fear the apparition might jeopardize Hamlet. However, Hamlet is very involving and is open to any plead the ghost will soon ask for. 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. - The ghost's language is quite similar to that of Hamlet, as if it echos. The conversation start out simply, with monosyllabic answers. "Mark me. / I will." Both Hamlet and the ghost seem very calm without any surprise for ghost's speaking for the first time. However, as they proceed, Hamlet is shocked by the truth that has not been revealed yet. The ghost, however, still maintains his calmness to clearly deliver his message. How does this scene add to your knowledge of the character? - This scene was very important in that it reveals the truth to the audience and Hamlet. This scene is where Hamlet is triggered to take revenge on Claudius.

Summary 3.1 Claudius and Gertrude are talking to Guildenstern and Rosencratz about Hamlet's current status. They inform that Hamlet, though seems insane, was very nice to them and is very interested in the new play that will be performed at night. Guildenstern and Rosencratz tell Claudius and Gertrude that Hamlet wanted both of them to be at the play. Polonius and Claudius once again try to recheck Hamlet's madness and set a maneuver to eavesdrop conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia. Hamlet, seems to notice the presence of Polonius and Claudius and intent to act mad, saying he doesn't love Ophelia anymore for she had lied to him. Claudius then decides to send Hamlet to England lest Hamlet harms other. 3.2 While Hamlet was directing how the play should be performed with solemnity, without any foolish act, his friends and Polonius come by to catch up on how the preparation is going. They decide to help players getting ready for the play and the king and the queen enters with torch. As a brief synopsis of the play was performed in pantomime, Gertrude asks Hamlet if it involves any offensive aspects. And Hamlet says it's perfectly fine play and tease Ophelia with promiscuous jokes. In the middle of the play, Claudius is extremely annoyed and ask to stop the play. Hamlet and Horatio notice the king's obvious discomfort in mirror-imaging the reality, and confirms that Claudius had murdered Hamlet's father. Gertrude then wants to talk with Hamlet. And Hamlet is so sure to revenge that he will discuss with his mother in fierce manner.

Reading log: 2. Ask questions about the scene. Has anything in the scene caused you confusion? - Ophelia seems to be playing along with Hamlet. Hamlet made several promiscuous jokes and she seems not that offended. Is it because she knows that he is crazy? Or is she loosening away from him? Are Claudius and Hamlet the only ones who know the murder? 4. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene. - I thought Horatio from this scene is interesting. Obviously, whether for good cause or not, and if it is to surmount the king, revenge is considered not noble. However, Horatio is rather enabling Hamlet to revenge, despite his current king is Claudius. Horatio earns nothing for helping Hamlet, considering the net. He might earn loyal friendship with Hamlet but will lose significant credence from the king. Then, why would Horatio help Hamlet? Does he abhor Claudius as well after realizing that he killed the deceased king?

It is obvious to the audience that Hamlet is alone onstage. What else, then, does he mean when he begins, “Now I am alone”? - Hamlet has been through many soliloquy, but some aren't true soliloquies because they involved other listener that Hamlet wasn't aware of. So Hamlet said "Now I am alone" to notice the audience that it is truly a soliloquy, or if it involved other's eavesdropping, to tell that Hamlet is unaware of their presence.

Why is the Prince calling himself a “rogue” and “peasant slave”? -Hamlet calls himself in such demeaning manner because he, too, think that his maneuver seems quite vicious. By declaring himself rogue and peasant, he takes the evil side (The Dark Side, so to say) and is unbounded by moral integrity that used to take.

- By comparing himself to the player, Hamlet shows that he is fully capable of manipulating people to believe him, to put them in desparity or to put them in mirth.
 * 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? - The obvious one comes when the play is an eventual demonstration of Claudius' murder that killed Hamlet the senior. It has been told that Hamlet, Senior was murdered by the leprous distillment that spread through his ear.

Hamlet uses a lot of theatrical terminology in his speech. Find some examples (“cue,” “stage,” “play”). Why might Hamlet be thinking in theatrical terms? - villain, scene, speak, Hamlet uses all these theatrical terminology to implement the play into a real life. "For murder, though it have no tongue, will speak With most miraculous organ" (2.2. 550). It seems as if the murder itself will reveal itself in a theatrical way: speak! The entire Hamlet's maneuver involves theatrical lies and theatrical passion to execute such revenge.

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 mentions coward because without doing anything about the murder, he is truly a coward. "Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my cause, And can say nothing—no, not for a king." However, as he plans his revenge so vicious that he calls himself a true villain, Hamlet is proud that he stay villain who revenges rather than a coward who cannot.

Act 3 questions 1. What advice does Hamlet have for the actors? Why? - Hamlet asks the actors to act as natural as they can for it has to reflect the reality. He want actors to be "trippingly on the tongue" because the other will just exaggerate scene and present non-real. "Nor do not saw the air too much with ... hand" wants Hamlet. Hamlet simply requests such manner because the play "whose end, both at the first and now, was and is to hold, as ’twere." Too much hand gestures or too less of it will only ruin the purpose of mirroring the truth. Ergo, Hamlet seeks for natural acting.

2. Why does Hamlet say he especially likes Horatio (Does Hamlet see Horatio as similar to him or different from him? - Hamlet especially favors Horaio because he is the only liegemen/ friend who helped Hamlet, even though it might aggravate Hamlet's madness, if others call it that. As an audience, I see a friend helping Hamlet's revenge inconsiderate in the long run. However, if I were in Hamlet's shoes, Horatio would definately be the one who I can trust and execute my revenge. Other friend, R&G, are the ones that our authorities often call "the true friends." As I have once put in Hamlet's situation, I can understand why a friend who helps my evil plan can be considered credible.

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? - At the end of act 3, Polonius is stabbed by Hamlet. The discussion of Polonius as an actor, therefore, acts as an allusion of Polonius' death. It is very specific from the play Julius Caesar that Ceasar is stabbed by Brutus. Polonius' death is just a parallel to Caesar's death. Polonius played Caesar, and the very person who played Caesar is murdered the exact way. If Hamlet has also played in Julius Caesar, then this scene would have been too much of a similarities that it appears to be some sort of Deja Vu.

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)? - It has been a little less than two months. Act 1 starts with Sr. Hamlet been dead for two months. As Ophelia states, "’tis twice two months" sine Sr. Hamlet died. Ergo, the math tells us that it has been two months since the beginning of Act 1 to middle of Act 3. As the action has been continuous from te beginning of Act 2, a short amount of time had elapsed between Act 2 and Act 3. Therefore, it would have been a little less than two months 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 obviously extremely insulted by the play. Hamlet, on the other hand, finds his discovery as a major support for his hypothesis. He even composed extemporaneous poem, with a comment from Horatio saying "You might have rhymed." He is in delight, confirming with Horatio of Claudius' discomfort. Claudius learned that other than himself Hamlet also know about the murder. And his only loophole he can take is to assert that Hamlet has gone mad.

1. What has Claudius decided to do with Hamlet? Who will go with him? What "theoretical" message about kingship does Rosencrantz tell to Claudius? - Claudius is going to send Hamlet to England with R&G. To my interpretation, Rosencrantz tried to say that the King should stay strong himself, for others depend on him and seek for safety, while Hamlet bucks unruly.

2. Where is Polonius going? Polonius is going to hide behind the arras in Gertrude's room, to eavesdrop Hamlet, and perhaps to prevent any madness carrying itself too far.

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? - Claudius acknowledges that he had done an atrocious deed and wants the heaven to forgive him. He can't ask for forgiveness because he did not repent for his Third Sin (greed). He still wants to keep effects of his vicious murder.

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? - That Polonius was murdered by Hamlet, and people wants Laertes to be the king. 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? - Laertes wants to know why his father is dead and wants Claudius to take an action on what Hamlet had done. Ultimately, he wants to take revenge on the murderer. "How came he dead?" " I’ll be revenged Most thoroughly for my father." 3. How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet? - Laerter is extremely frustrated about his father's death and Claudius' lack of control over it. "The ocean, overpeering of his list, Eats not the flats with more impiteous haste" the young Laertes comes. 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 is worried if Laertes might hurt someone, while Claudius lets Laertes to speak. Currently, Laertes is only mad at Claudius. On the other hand, he is extremely caring to Ophelia. 5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which he appears? How is he affected by the events? - Laertes is determined to take revenge on the murderer. 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? - In Act 4, Laertes is sided with Claudius against Hamlet. They both are planning to terminate Hamlet. 7. What questions are raised by your character's words and/or behavior in this act? - He seems to have very clear distinction between ally and enemies. Laertes might consider Hamlet an enemy, but will he still be so after realizing that Claudius, too, had murdered Hamlet's father? 8. What was unexpected? What questions that you've previously had are answered by your character's words and /or behavior in this act? - The extreme discrepancy between the way Laertes treats enemy and ally is out of extent.

5.1 summary: While clowns are digging and singing, Hamlet and Horatio comes and watch the clowns digging. The clown is very witty. Hamlet finds a skull of Yorick's. Then, King, Queen, and Laertes come to burry and give as many rituals possible for Ophelia. As Laertes jumps on dead Ophelia to hug, Hamlet jumps in as well and they fight. Hamlet leaves and Claudius tries to calm down Laertes till they execute their plan.

questions: 3. Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them. - "Yet here she is allowed her virgin rites." When Laertes asks the priest to have as many rituals as possible for Ophelia, the priest says that Ophelia was allowed her virgin rites. This implies, or rather reveals, that Ophelia was not virgin and all the other knew it. This proves that Ophelia's sing had indirect allusion to her pregnancy, loss of virginity at least.

2. Ask questions about the scene. Has anything in the scene caused you confusion? - Hamlet later comes in and jump on Ophelia claiming that he loved her more that anyone else. Does this proves that Hamlet's neglect of Ophelia's love was part of his maneuver to act crazy? Does Hamlet means it when he states no one else loved Ophelia more that he did?Would Ophelia had not suicided if Hamlet repented earlier?