HamLog+Yura

**IN CLASS ACTING QUESTION READING ASSIGNMENT 1: ACT 1 Scenes 1 and 2 (3/31/2010)** Summaries: [ACT 1.1] The scene starts with Francisco guarding the castle by himself until Barnardo comes to take his place. Francisco tells Barnardo that it was a quiet night, eventually meaning that the ghost didn't appear. And as he exits, he encounters both Horatio and Marcellus who are coming to fill the guarding spots as well. Horatio, however, has another purpose: to see the ghost with his very own eyes. Marcellus has told Horatio about the ghosts he had seen with Barnardo the past two nights but Horatio is skeptical about it until he sees it in front of him; the ghost looks like the dead king, Hamlet. Unexpectedly, Horatio turns pale after realizing that what his two companions have told him was the truth, Moreover, he predicts that the appearance of the ghost is an omen and he recalls a rumor he had heard to solve this enigma. He had previously heard that young Fortinbras is preparing a revenge on their castle as his father, the former king, had been killed at a battle against the previous Hamlet. The three guards try to speak to the ghost to see what they are to expect yet they fail to hear a word from it.

[ACT 1.2] Scene two can be easily divided into two sections: Claudius and Hamlet. Claudius mourns about his brother, previous king Hamlet's death, but justifies his present by declaring that life still goes on. He marries to Gertude who was the wife of his dead brother but he believes that it is for the better. Claudius is aware of Tinsbra's plan and asks his uncle to convince him to stop immediately as his uncle is the one who can control Tinsbra's army. Hence, Claudius sends off Voltemad and Cornelius to deliver his message. Meanwhile, young Hamlet is having trouble letting go of his father and is bitter towards his new family. Although he obeys to the words of his mother and his new father, deep inside he doesn't accept Claudius as his father; moreover, he is dazed on how his mother is already settled with a new husband soon after old Hamlet's death. It's evident from his garments and attitude that grief fills his body from head to toe but his "new" parents plead him to stop although they understand the sadness after death. They rather treat the death lightly unlike Hamlet. The scene goes on to its second part as Hamlet in left alone in the scene grieving about his situation, wishing to die until he meets the three guards who had come over to tell him about the news. Horacio explicates to Hamlet that his dead father was seen the previous night while guarding the castle which makes young Hamlet eager to see his father's spirit with his own eyes. As a result, he agrees to meet the three soldiers that night near midnight. Nevertheless, Hamlet also realized that something is wrong as he hears that his father was seen with his full armor.

Activities: 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? [Act 1.1] Scene one is the pivotal scene that sets the mood for the play. Although the main character, Hamlet, doesn't even appear on this scene, the conversations among the three guards foreshadow the rest of the play. "In what particular thought to work I know not, but in the gross and scope of mine opinion this bodes some strange eruption to our state" (Shakespeare 66). When Horacio sees the ghost for himself, he instantly claims that the ghost's armor is an omen. Hence, it gives the readers the hint that the play will revolve around the mystery that lies upon this ghost, the old king's spirit, perhaps. In addition, as Horacio explicates the possible reason or the possible trouble that approaches the state, it gives the readers a lucid understanding about the relationships between Fortinbra and Hamlet in the past and in the future. Fundamentally, the first scene is an indirect overview of the rest. Despite it's foreshadowing and hints, the mystery left in this scene and without hearing the ghost speak a word, it keeps the readers flipping to the next page. Without this scene, there would be no fundamental or a preview to what's to happen consequently.

4. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene. [Act 1.2] Gertude: In the second scene when Gertude, Hamlet, and Claudius were gathered together, only Hamlet seem to be humane. I could somewhat understand the fact that Claudius was done mourning about his brother and ready to take on the throne passed down to him along with his new wife, Gertude, who was his brother's wife. Nonetheless, I cannot believe Gertude's attitude. She simply acts as if her husband died several years ago; therefore, the death isn't close to her heart when he only died two months ago. Moreover, she asks her son to stop grieving so much about his father's death. It is odd that she marries the next king before she gets over her sadness, which doesn't seem to be there. Yet, the worst aspect is the fact that she is trying convince or even manipulate her son to overcome Hamlet's death instantly as she did and accept Claudius as his new father. Gertude seems to lack feelings or sense that she doesn't realize the pain her son is going through.

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. [Act 1.2] young Hamlet: Dear Diary, I cannot get over my father's death. He was a great ruler and the suitable man to rule this great country of Denmark. However, he has left me, left me here with these creatures who do not seem to have any feelings or perhaps, a little. Claudius is my uncle so how can I call him my father? The great king Hamlet is my only father and although I am forced to spit the word father out in front of my uncle, it is all fake. I cannot believe Claudius is doing this to my father. How can he just take everything away from him? Moreover, how can he simply get over his death so rapidly? He is a cold creature. And my mother seems like it too. She ardently loved my father but he no longer seems in her heart. She tells me to move on with life, to accept my new life, but how can she? How could she marry another man soon after my father's death? He dearly loved her and I thought she loved him back, but I've been skeptical about that nowadays. I wish she understood and shared my sorrow. Two unpleasant creatures who I am supposed to call family. If I could, I wish I could end my life from this misery and go to where my father is. My grieve rises but my father continues to fade from the memories. I just hope that what Horacio claimed was true. I hope to see my father's spirit when the moon lights the night sky. I must find out why he is in his armor, I know something isn't right. I just have to somehow wait patiently until the sun sets and it gets close to midnight. - Hamlet

**READING ASSIGNMENT 2: ACT 1.3~5 (4/5/2010)** Summaries: [ACT 1.3] Laertes is leaving to France as he desired. Yet, before he leaves, he speaks with his sister Ophelia about Hamlet. He warns her to not be a fool and fall for the wrong guy. It's evident that Laertes doesn't want his sister to associate with Hamlet; therefore, he lectures her to stay away from him. When Polonius enters, he tells his son to hurry and leave as the servants are waiting for him outside. Laertes exists and leaves for France. Meanwhile, Polonius and his daughter are conversing about what Laertes had told Ophelia. Polonius also agrees with Laertes that his daughter should not be foolish of love and should not believe the words of Hamlet. Although Ophelia tries to justify herself and Hamlet, she agrees to be more careful around him.

[ACT 1.4] Hamlet is out with Horatio and Marcellus waiting for the ghost. It is past midnight and the ghost makes its appearance. Desperate to hear something from it, Hamlet begs it to answer his question and alleviate his curiosity of why the ghost is out of its tomb and back in the castle. Yet, without a word, the ghost asks Hamlet to follow it. Although the two guards refuse to let Hamlet follow, he does. He claims that he needs to follow the ghost to find out what's wrong as the ghost is refusing to speak. Horatio and Marcellus follow the ghost with Hamlet.

[ACT 1.5] The scene starts off with Hamlet alone with the ghost. As the ghost takes him to an unknown place, Hamlet refuses to move further unless the it speaks to him. Hence, the ghost opens its mouth and explicates that it's the spirit of Hamlet's dead father appearing to tell Hamlet about a murder; the ghost tells Hamlet to prepare himself for a revenge. It reveals to Hamlet that his father was actually not murdered, as the whole Denmark believes. The old Hamlet was killed by his own brother, Claudius. Hamlet is enraged and is ready to revenge for his father; he is angry at his uncle, who stole every aspect of his father's life, from his crown to his wife. As the morning comes, the ghost disappears and Hamlet for a few moment is left alone-- he decides to take the revenge for his father but to not corrupt his mind, as the spirit had told him. Yet, when Horatio and Marcellus enters, Hamlet doesn't tell this secret to them. He only tells them that a criminal will be punished. The two guards are eager to find out more about Hamlet and the ghost's conversation but Hamlet refuses to tell anything else except asking them to swear not to tell anyone about what had happened the night before.

Activities: 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. Why is it that Laertes and Polonius have negative feelings towards Hamlet? If Polonius was to disapprove Hamlet, why does he allow his daughter to see him so often? 3. Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them. "Rest, rest, perturbèd spirit!" (1.5.184) This quote seems ironic. Although the situation is grave, the fact that Hamlet is getting ready to revenge on his uncle, Hamlet seems lighthearted when speaking to the ghost. It's as if he treats the spirit of his father like a baby as he is trying to help it relax and assure it that everything will be okay. Despite the irony, it is a "cute" part of the play. "Be ruled. You shall not go." (1.4.85) Horatio tries to impede Hamlet from following the ghost. Although Hamlet is a prince and of a upper class, it seems as if Horatio is at the same level as him through this quote. Although Horatio is only a guard, he shows that he truly cares for Hamlet as he is able to break his role and demand the prince to not go. In addition, it shows that the relationship between Horatio and Hamlet is profound and friendly unlike the typical relationship between a prince and its guard. 4. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene. By observing Ophelias in 1.3, I realized that she is subservient. Although she does stand up for Hamlet's affection, at the end, she simply listens to her brother and father. It makes me wonder whether she really loves Hamlet or not. If she were to genuinely love him, she would be standing up for their love for each other rather than understanding her brother and her father's lectures about the foolishness of love. Moreover, she seems to symbolize the role of women at the time-- they had no power. Moreover, she seems too dependent on the two men of her family; therefore, she doesn't speak out her opinions as they seem to say the "right" tings.

**READING ASSIGNMENT 3: 2.1 and 2.2.186 (4/6/2010)** Summaries: [ACT 2.1] Polonius gets ready to send his servant Reynaldo to France. He requests Reynaldo to wonder around France where Laertes is to make sure that his son isn't doing anything wrong. He tells Reynaldo to ask around about Laertes indirectly by speaking negatively about him and watching people's reactions. Meanwhile, Ophelia comes to her father and tells him that Hamlet had sneaked into her room. She describes his appearance and he was anything but clean. This convinces Polonius that Hamlet is crazy about love and he thinks about going to the king to speak about the love between his daughter and Hamlet.

[ACT 2.2] Claudius and Gertrude have invited Guildenstern and Rosencrantz to help them figure out what's exactly wrong with Hamlet. These two men are well-respected by Hamlet; therefore, the king and the queen thought it'd be best to ask them for help. At the same time, Voltemand and Cornelius come back to tell the king that Fortinbras has promised to never threaten Denmark again. And in the midst of happiness, Polonius comes before the king and the queen to speak about Hamlet's madness; he tells them about what he thinks is driving Hamlet mad. He also explicates to them that Hamlet is madly in love with Ophelia and that he tried to prevent his daughter from falling for Hamlet, as he is the prince of Denmark. Soon, Hamlet comes in and Polonius starts to speak to him in order to figure out his "madness" or his feelings towards Ophelia.

Activities: 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? [ACT 2.1] It seemed as if Polonius was a great father to Laertes as he even begged the king to allow his son to go back to France. Additionally, the way he speaks to his son shows a sense of closeness and caring. However, through this scene, I realized that Polonius doesn't even trust his own son as he pays his servant to secretly spy on Laertes. As a result, this scene seems to be important as it actually exposes the true attitude of Polonius towards Laertes. More importantly, it divulges the fact that Laertes has "bad habits" since his father is suspicious of what he does back in France. Or perhaps, there was a legitimate reason that he returned to France. Without this scene, it would have been hard to recognize the true relationship between Polonius and Laertes and we wouldn't have gotten the sense that Laertes might have another reason to go back to where he used to be. 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. [ACT 2.2/ Claudius] Dear Diary, My brother safely in his tomb, I have the crown. I do not recall how he was killed and I don't intend to do so either. Yet, when I see the young Hamlet, I see the resemblances of his father-- I despise it. However, I must be nice to him in order to satisfy Gertrude and to make sure that he doesn't become an enemy but he seems to be stubborn. Perhaps, he's mad. Gertrude cares immensely for her son and I do too, in front of her, but I know that life would have been even bright if no Hamlets existed under my roof. Gertrude and I have brought some of Hamlet's trusted men, hoping to alleviate his madness and also find out the cause of his ill-attitude. I hope they do some good; I am sick of Hamlet's attitude and soon, I won't tolerate it either. - Claudius 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?

**READING ASSIGNMENT 4: 2.2 .55- through 3.1 (4/8/2010)** Summaries: [ACT 2.2.55-] Hamlet talks to the actor and plans to give him a new script to perform in front of Claudius the next day. He is planning to see his reaction as the play will be improvised for it to show the tragic death of his father. Moreover, Hamlet is fond of the actor and puts himself in his shoes when the actor finds the way he feels deep inside, the sorrows he feels. [ACT 3.1] The scene starts with Rosencratz and Guildenstern speaking to Claudius and Gertrude about Hamlet. They tell the queen and the king that Hamlet won't speak about his feelings to them although he treats them gently. Yet, they do mention that Hamlet invited some actors to act and he wanted his mother and "father" to attend as well. Moreover, the scene goes on with Claudius and Polonius carrying out their plan of checking whether Hamlet's madness is triggered by his love for Ophelia. Hence, the two men decide to hide while Ophelia and Hamlet speak. Surprisingly, Hamlet speaks negatively of women and marriage to Ophelia and tells her that he doesn't love her. This comes as a shock to Ophelia as he had always been a sweet and scholarly gentleman, but she just hopes for him to find his original state again. Nonetheless, Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England, hoping it'll alleviate his madness.

Activities: 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. Ophelia agrees with her father and Claudius to spy on Hamlet and her when they meet at night. Yet, is this because she really cares for him or because she under the influence of her father? 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?

**READING ASSIGNMENT 5: 3.2 (4/15/2010)** Summaries: [ACT 3.2] Hamlet speaks to the actors to carry out their roles exactly as he told them to without exaggerations and ad-libs. He is extremely happy to revenge to his uncle and he speaks to Ophelia with great happiness, perhaps he seems overly happy. When the play starts, Hamlet feels accomplished but midway, Claudius and Gertrude do not seem to be enjoying the play. Nonetheless, Hamlet tells them that it is a play created to make the audience laugh; therefore, they should enjoy it. Yet, the king soon leaves and so does the queen. Gertrude and Rosencratz come speak to Hamlet that the king and the queen are quite upset with him. Nonetheless, he doesn't care. He simply believes that the two are feeling guilty for watching their harsh actions towards the old Hamlet. Gertrude and Rosecratz convince Hamlet that he isn't being himself, as if he was going insane. But Hamlet denies it.

Questions: - Why doesn't Claudius do anything about his anger triggered by the play? - Does Gertrude relate herself to the play? Does she know about her ex-husband's murder?

2.2 Soliloquy Questions
It is obvious to the audience that Hamlet is alone onstage. What else, then, does he mean when he begins, “Now I am alone”? When Hamlet begins his soliloquy, his two friends leave him. Therefore, when he is left alone, he says "Now I am alone" to express his alleviation to have some time by himself.

Why is the Prince calling himself a “rogue” and “peasant slave”? He debunks himself because he feels ridiculous. He acts as if he is fine in front of Rosencratz and Guildenstern although he is far from okay.

He compares himself to the player because the player convinces himself to seem fine, to cover his sorrow, and to lie to himself. Therefore, it reveals that Hamlet doesn't want to show others that he is sad and bitter about his life. In addition, it gives a glimpse of Hamlet's real feelings.
 * 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? I think ears are important in this play because the old Hamlet died as Claudius inserted poison into ears. Hence, it seems as if Hamlet is trying to revenge the same way by making Claudius sit and listen to Hamlet narrate the play based on Claudius' murder.

Hamlet uses a lot of theatrical terminology in his speech. Find some examples (“cue,” “satage,” “play”). Why might Hamlet be thinking in theatrical terms? "cue" "stage" "play" Hamlet seems to draw a comparison between his life and a life of an actor. Therefore, he sets his life as a play. He probably does that because he feels like he is leading a false life as he deceives others that he isn't sad. He never genuinely expresses his sadness but covers his emotions with perhaps the image others expect from him, the prince.

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 he is very potent with such spirits, abuses me to damn me" (2.2.65). Here he feels as if the ghost has control over him. Moreover, he feels as if his weakness has been exposed, the one thing i feared. As a result, he feels like a coward because he failed to deceive all about his inner bitter feelings. In addition, he cannot even stand up against Claudius although he found the truth about his father's death, which makes him feel like a coward. Nonetheless, he isn't a coward. He is simply careful about the revenge as Claudius has done a good job covering up his crime.

=ACT 3 Questions= 1. What advice does Hamlet have for the actors? Why? Hamlet tells the actors to act naturally without exaggeration. The main reason is because he truly wants the actors' performance to mirror the true story. Yet, with exaggeration, it could skew what really happened. Hence, Hamlet asks the actors to convey the message as they were scripted to do so.

2. Why does Hamlet say he especially likes Horatio (Does Hamlet see Horatio as similar to him or different from him? Horatio is a friend to Hamlet. Moreover, he is extremely loyal although he disagrees with Hamlet's decisions at times. In addition, he supports and follows Hamlet's words and seems to understand him more than others.

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)? Act 1 and act 2 takes place on the same day.

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 terrified. He feels a pang in his chest as he sees his guilt reenacted in front of many people. Moreover, the fact that Hamlet produced the play scares him even more. And when Hamlet sees this reaction, he feels accomplished-- Hamlet feels as if he proved to the rest that Claudius is indeed guilty. On the other hand, Claudius has also learned that Hamlet knows about the murder and the story behind old Hamlet's death.

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? Rosencrantz and Guildenstern tell Hamlet that the king and the queen are extremely unhappy about the play. Moreover, that the queen wants to speak to him. This is surprising as Polonius suggested to Claudius that the Gertrude alone should talk to her own son to see what is bothering him. And through the recorder, he teaches Guildenstern that he won't be deceived by the act Guildenstern and Rosencratz are carrying out. Additionally, he lets them know that he is aware that the two are trying to find out the big mystery that lies in the actions of Hamlet. Hence, he draws a comparison between himself and the recorder. He teaches them that he won't be like a recorder-- he won't speak words manipulated by somebody.

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 decides to send Hamlet to England along with Rosencratz and Guildenstern. THey believed that it is only right to take Hamlet away since he is insane which can be harmful to the rest of the people in the kingdom. Hence, they believe the king must stay away from him since the king represents the whole kingdom and everyone relies on him.

2. Where is Polonius going? Polonius is going to the queen's room to hide and listen to what Hamlet says to his mother.

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 admits murder in his pray and the fact that he cannot be forgiven as he has taken his murder for granted as he now has the crown and a wife. The play evidently had an effect on him since he is on his knees praying for forgiveness, realizing the guilt of his murder. Nonetheless, because he took his brother's crown and wife in addition to the murder, he cannot ask for forgiveness.

ACT 4: Character Questions (Ophelia) 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? Ophelia was evidently attached to her father, but it is in Act 4 that she reveals her true dependence on him. She goes mad during the act as a result of her father's tragic death, which makes the audience aware of her love for him. In addition, although she was calm and reserved at all times, during this act, she goes wild and loses her sanity. Such actions divulge that she is not always about being calm and keeping her womanly values. It shows that she is a person with various emotions.

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? Each scene Ophelia appears as a mad woman. Her motivations to enter the castle to see the king and the queen is to find out about her father's death. She isn't sure what exactly happened to her father which drives her even more insane. She wants to know who killed her father.

3. How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet? Ophelia is ignorant of the rest, all she cares is about her father. She is insane and blinded by everything else that is going around her and Hamlet's departure doesn't interest her. All she truly wants is to know what happened to her father and perhaps the reason he was killed. The girl is truly damaged by his death.

4. What do other characters say about your character and how do they react to him? How does your character feel about other characters? Claudius and Gertrude do not know what to do with Ophelia. She appears in front of them in a manner she had never portrayed before. She is insane. She doesn't let them speak. She sings. She expresses her sorrow. The king and the queen know exactly why she's acting that way but they fail to provide her with an explanation. Moreover, they simply try to alleviate her sorrows through sweet words and to pacify her madness. Meanwhile, Ophelia is simply sad. She is too overwhelmed by her father's death. She is angry at the world and she is dazed. She wants an explanation but she doesn't have specific feelings towards others.

5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which she appears? How is she affected by the events? The events in this scene revolves around Polonius' death and Ophelia brings chaos when she enters the scene. Yet, she is not exactly affected by these events because she is stuck in her own sorrowful world, simply singing her feelings out while she makes the people around her panic, trying to calm her down.

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? Ophelia is important in this act as she creates the scene. She comes to the king and the queen and shows her insanity, which causes them to panic and figure out solutions to help her. Moreover, she brings in her brother, Laertes, who soon claims the throne, the conflict of this act. In addition, we can learn from Ophelia that she feels the similar sorrow Hamlet felt when his dad died.

7. What questions are raised by your character's words and/or behavior in this act? Does she know who killed her father? What does she want to convey when she sings the song to the king and the queen?

8. What was unexpected? What questions that you've previously had are answered by your character's words and /or behavior in this act? I was surprised by the entrance of Laertes and the people, calming the throne. In addition, I never have thought that Ophelia would lose her womanly manners. And through this scene, I learned that she is extremely emotional and dependent on her father.

**READING ASSIGNMENT 5: ACT 5 Scenes 1 (4/21/2010)** Summaries: [ACT 5.1] The scene starts off with "Other" and Gravedigger discussing about the new grave. The Gravedigger is unhappy that somebody who committed suicide is getting a religious burial and the "Other" tells him to do his job although he believes that it's unfair as well. While the two discuss about Ophelia and her burial, Hamlet and Horatio enters the scene. They do not know that it is Ophelia's grave that the Gravedigger is digging. Moreover, Hamlet is furious that the Gravedigger has no respect for the person to be buried and throws the skull around. Yet, soon, the queen, the king, and Laertes come to the grave with a priest. Laertes is unhappy that there is nothing more pristine that can be done for his dead sister. While secretly listening to this conversation, Hamlet realizes that Ophelia is dead. Hence, he steps out of the dark and surprises them with his presence. He tells them that his love for Ophelia was great and he is willing to get buried with her.

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. Why did the king and the queen go against the religious belief and demanded Ophelia to be given a Christian burial?

4. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene. Although Christian burial wasn't for ones who committed suicide during Shakespeare's time, I do not approve of the Gravedigger's attitude. He doesn't even know who Ophelia is and her reason for drowning herself. Yet, he simply criticizes her based on her suicide. Moreover, he isn't careful when digging her grave and treating her skull.

**READING ASSIGNMENT 6: ACT 5 Scenes 1 (4/26/2010)** Summaries: [ACT 5.2] Claudius and Laertes plan to kill Hamlet. Hence, Claudius asks Hamlet to participate in a fencing match against Laertes. Laertes' sword is poisoned so as soon as the blade enters Hamlet's body, he would die. Moreover, Claudius poisons a drink and offers it to Hamlet. Yet, Gertrude accidentally drinks and dies at the scene. At the end, both Hamlet and Laertes die after stabbing one another. Before Hamlet dies however, he asks Horacio to tell the people about the story of Claudius. At that moment, the young Fortinbras and the English men enter to notify Hamlet that Rosencratz and Guildestern have been killed. Young Fortinbras finds out that Hamlet wanted him to carry on the Danish throne and learns about the story that only Hamlet and Horacio knew.

1. At the end of the act, Horatio is left alone with three of the main characters dead. I think this scene finally divulges the importance of Horatio in this place. If this scene wasn't present, we would have never known the importance of Horatio. The reason he is important is because through out the play, many characters have their insane moments yet Horatio stays calm and sane throughout. 2. Does Hamlet know that he'll face his death soon? Doesn't he know that Claudius isn't simply asking Hamlet to play a fencing match? 4. Laertes astonished me in this scene. It was evident that he had planned a scheme with Claudius to do foul on Hamlet. However, he forgives Hamlet for the wrongdoings he has done to his family. And at the end, he asks Hamlet for forgiveness and tells him the truth about the sly plan. At the beginning of the play, I thought Laertes was a shallow guy, enjoying the fortunes of his father. Yet, at the end, I realized that he truly loved his family and that he is a courageous person.

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?
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