HamLog+Lynn

=Hamlet Log =

4/1/10: Hamlet 1.1.1-1.2.260
__1.1 Summary__ The general setting is set as four guards Bernardo, Francisco, Horatio and Marcellus discuss the mysterious ghost of the dead King that appears before them several times. The play takes part in Denmark, shortly after war against the Polish and the King's funeral. Horatio tries to speak to the ghost, but the cock crows and the apparition disappears. Horatio resolves to let Hamlet know that his father’s ghost have appeared several times.

__1.2 Summary__ The power relationship between the characters are set. Claudius has assumed the role of the King and sends Cornelius and Voltemand to Norway to deliver the message of the uncle of Fortinbras in Norway to prevent Fortinbras from striking again. Laertes, Polonius’ son, wishes to leave to France, and Claudius tells him to take his time. Claudius meanwhile tells Hamlet that he should stop mourning, to which Hamlet only sarcastically remarks that he will do so since Gertrude has asked him to. Meanwhile, Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo arrive, and Horatio tells Hamlet of the ghost of his father walking around near the outskirts of the castle. Hamlet agrees to come visit the platform between eleven and twelve that night to investigate the mystery himself.

__My reaction__: to Hamlet's attitude Hamlet’s very first words on stage are sarcastic, if not bitter. He laments that his mother has remarried soon after his father’s death, and refuses to accept the authority that Claudius imposes on him. I felt an immediate like for this sense of defiance: better rebellious than meek for the drama. I am interested in seeing whether this would lead to hubris, and maybe even to his own downfall.

__Questions__ -What is the purpose of setting the scene with non-protagonists in the very first scene? -Why is Hamlet more respectful/obedient to Gertrude?

__Quotes__ “A little more than kin, and less than kind (1.2.64).” This is a remark that Hamlet makes, and interestingly is the very first words he speaks on stage. This defines the nature of his personality, which is sarcastic and rebellious.

“The head is not more native to the heart, The hand more instrumental to the mouth” (1.2.47-48) These are the words that Claudis speaks to Laertes as he asks if he can return to France. It is an interesting statement, because it foreshadows that the “hand” will not match the words of the “mouth.”

=4/7/10:= 1.3 Summary Laertes gets ready to leave, and while doing so, he advises Ophelia to not trust Hamlet's claim of love for her. Polonius enters and urges him to leave for his ship, and advises him to listen to what everyone says, but not to speak of his own opinion to openly. Then he asks Ophelia what she and Laertes were discussing, and advises that she keep away from Hamlet as well.

1.4 Summary Hamlet waits for the ghost in the dark with Marcellus and Horatio. When the ghost appears, it beckons Hamlet to a secluded place. Marcellus and Horatio try to stop Hamlet from going with the ghost, in fear of him getting into danger. Hamlet goes with the ghost into the dark, and Marcellus and Horatio follow.

1.5 Summary The ghost of his father tells him that he has been poisoned by Claudius. He tells Hamlet to seek revenge but not to harm his mother. Dawn rises and the ghost disappears. Horatio and Marcellus appears and asks Hamlet what the ghost has said. Hamlet does not tell them about what the ghost has said nor of his intention to kill Claudius. The three hear the ghost telling them to swear not to tell anything, and they swear.

Comment in one sentence on what you think is the significance of this scene. Then what would the play be like without the scene? 1.5: Hamlet confirms his suspicions about Claudius in this scene and begins to descend into the madness that accompanies revenge. Without this scene, Hamlet's motives and reasons behind his reason would not resonate as much.

Questions -Who does Hamlet confide in, if he cannot confide in Horatio or Marcellus, nor his friends from Wittenburg?

-Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion. Polonius displays an attitude that belittles his daughter Ophelia. Often brushing her words off with statements like "Ay 'fashion' you may call i. Go to, go to" (1.3.112) he employs the attitude of a Machiavellian leader that puts power struggles as the utmost importance. This relationship indicates that Polonius is likely to use Ophelia for political purposes, should the need arise.

=4/8/10:= 2.1 Summary Polonius calls for his servant Reynaldo to deliver money and notes for Laertes and asks him to spy on him as well. Ophelia comes in and tells that Hamlet was "wild-eyed" and that he did not say anything to her. Polonius tells Ophelia that Hamlet has gone mad from his lovesickness and suspects that his love is the cause of his depression.

2.2 ~338 Summary Rosencrantz and Guildenstern arrive at the castle and Claudius and Gertrude ask them to cheer up Hamlet, or at least find the cause for his depression. Polonius comes in with Voltimand and Cornelius shortly after. Voltimand and Cornelius explain that Fortinbras has agreed not to attack the Danes but instead the Poles, and that the Norwegian king has asked Claudius that Fortinbras's armies pass through Denmark. Polonius suspects that Hamlet is madly in love with Ophelia and shoes Claudius and Gertrude his letters to Ophelia. He suggests that they spy on Hamlet and Gertrude when he is with Ophelia in private. Polonius attempts to talk to Hamlet, who still looks dazed and confused from meeting the ghost. When he leaves, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enter. Hamlet accuses them of coming to find out his cause for depression.

-Comment in one sentence on what you think is the significance of this scene. Then what would the play be like without the scene? 2.1: This scene in particular exposes Polonius' Machiavellian tendencies--he tries to establish power by any means that he finds necessary. Without this scene, the readers would be unable to notice that underneath his cover as an easy-going leader, he is in fact manipulating and deceiving.

-Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene. To be honest, I find Ophelia annoying and naive. I understand that she is trying to make sense of the tension and the madness surrounding her, but her comments to Polonius only contribute to his scheming.

-Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them. "Denmark's a prison."/ "Then is the world one." (2.2.241-242) Hamlet comparison of Denmark to a prison reveals his inner state of being caged in by Claudius and Gertrude's demands to stay. At the same time, he doesn't seem to be actively planning his revenge, which is a curious reaction to his feeling trapped.

4/9/10 2.2.535-3.1.190


 * 2.2.535-2.2.End Summary

3.1.~190 Summary**

Scene Acting 2.2: Rosencratz == Rosencratz is trying to unveil the reason behind Hamlet's depression. He remains subtle and amiable, and tries to cheer him up by telling him to lessen his ambitions. Hamlet is quick to infer that he and Guildenstern were sent by Cladius and his mother. Rosencratz evidently feels guilty about being "sent"--while he does seem to care for Hamlet, he was still sent by Claudius. This is apparent through his initial denial that he was sent for. Nothing is said, but Hamlet's actions and words indicate that Rosencratz is somewhat lower in status, although he and Hamlet are friends. //**What does the character’s language reveal about his or her personality?**// His use of puns and his advice to Hamlet that he should lessen his ambitions are indications of an optimistic and witty personality. //**How does this scene add to your knowledge of the character?**// This scene reveals much of the power relationship between Hamlet and Rosencratz (friends, but not quite equal). It also makes the readers question which side Rosencratz is allied with.
 * //What does your character want in the chosen scene?//**
 * //What does the character do to get it?//**
 * //What obstacles stand in his or her way?//**
 * //How does your character really feel about what is happening in the scene? How can you tell?//**
 * //What do other characters say about your character in the scene?//**

=Hamlet 2.2 Soliloquy (p.233)=

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 is indicating that he is without anyone to trust or help him with the revenge. He is also implying that he is "alone" in his own will and is unable to carry out his revenge, presumably from his love for his mother and from the confusion that the ghost caused him.

Why is the Prince calling himself a “rogue” and “peasant slave”? Hamlet sees himself as a "rogue" because he has been wandering without purpose or determination, and a "peasant slave" because he is tied to his desire to avenge his father's death.

Hamlet perceives himself as an actor in a play of his own life, a fictional character that cannot control his emotions or actions. He believes that only "in a dream of passion...[he] could force his soul" to the "conceit," or the deed of killing Claudius (2.2.540-541).
 * 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? When Hamlet meets his father's ghost for the first time, the Ghost says that "this eternal blazon must not be/To ears of flesh and blood" (1.4. 755--from online text). Hamlet's reference to ears is that of the "general," or the audience that he perceives in his world--the people around him. It also refers to the real audience watching him. The Ghost's reference to ears refers to that of the general public and the audience, much like Hamlet's line.

The ear is to make a point that the world is a stage, which clearly resonates with me at times. It feels as though we are actors involved in the play of fortune, though I am still aware that I have the power over my own course of life.

Hamlet uses a lot of theatrical terminology in his speech. Find some examples (“cue,” “satage,” “play”). Why might Hamlet be thinking in theatrical terms? Had he the motive and the cue for passion/That I have? He would drown the stage wit tears" (2.2. 549-550). "That guilty creatures sitting at a play" (2.2.579)

Hamlet uses theatrical terms to emphasize the fact that he sees himself reflected in the play, as well as that he is in his "own" play of his life that he has no control over.

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? This is most brave, that I...prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell"(2.2573) "A dull and muddy-mettled rascal" (2.2.556)

Hamlet is not a coward, because he has the decisiveness and determination to carry out the revenge. Rather, he is being meticulous in his actions and being rational by trying to find evidence that supports what the Ghost had told him. His guilt is natural, since even though he knows that he will do the deed, he cannot do it rashly.

=3.2 Summary and Questions=

As the actors get ready for the play, Hamlet urges Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to hurry the actors and put on the show. When Horatio comes, Hamlet asks him to watch Claudius' reaction to the play. They agree to discuss whether he has shown any odd reactions that may suggest guilt. Before the play, Hamlet acts as if he had gone mad, replying to Claudius' greetings oddly and treating Polonius as if he were one of the actors. When the play begins, the play essentially acts out Claudius' murder of Hamlet's father and his seducing of Gertrude. Though the play is silent, Hamlet makes commentaries hued with sexual references and biting points. Claudius screams for the light when the actor pours poison in the other actor's ear in the play and exits. Hamlet and Horatio confirm that Claudius is guilty. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern ask wwhy Hamlet has been acting strangely, and Hamlet accuses them of "playing" him. Hamlet is asked to go see the queen.

Questions: -Guildenstern and Rosencrantz: where does their loyalty really lie? Can Hamlet trust them if he chooses to? -Hamlet's short poems--are there any implications? Or is he merely acting insane?

**Study Guide questions for Hamlet**

Study Guide questions for Hamlet Instead of a regular log, please answer the following questions and post to wiki log page (label).
 * Act 3.1**

Act 3.1 Answer 5 of the 8. Most of these questions are from or altered from Professor Boyer at http://english.sxu.edu/boyer/304_rdg_qst/ham_nor_qst.htm Use line numbers as guides. These are not the line numbers in our book.

1. What advice does Hamlet have for the actors? Why? Hamlet advises them to "beget a temperance that may give [passion] smoothness" (3.2.247). In other words, he tells them to act out their hearts, but never befall to the passion that makes them overact. He believes that overacting makes the "judicious grieve" and ruins the purpose of playing overall (3.2.25). This advice is perhaps a reflection of his own desire to regain logic and temperance in his own actions.

2. Why does Hamlet say he especially likes Horatio (Does Hamlet see Horatio as similar to him or different from him? Hamlet likes Horatio because he does not allow himself to be played by fortune, and remains not a slave to his emotions. He believes that Horatio is quite different from him as he tells him to "give [him] that man/That is not passion's slave" (3.2. 66-67). He admires Horatio's ability to remain calm in such high-tension moments.

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)? Ophelia says that four months have lapsed since the king's death. Therefore, it has been two months since the beginning of Act 1, as the king was dead for two months at the beginning of the play.

6. What is Claudius' mood as he stops the play at 3.2.247? How does Hamlet respond? If Hamlet has learned that Claudius is indeed guilty (if that's why he stopped the play and not for some other reason), Claudius has also learned something from the presentation of the play. What has Claudius learned? Claudius panics as he asks for light in the theater. Hamlet observes this and cynically remarks "What, frighted with false fire?" Hamle'ts reaction shows that his suspicions has been confirmed, and that he is giddy to have caught Claudius in a state of guilt--or at least he presumes so. Claudius has most likely learned that Hamlet might have grown aware of his murder and that Hamlet might intend to murder him, as the play's story dictates that a nephew revenges his father'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 arrive to tell Hamlet that his mother wants to see him. Though in reality, this message should be expected on the audience's part, it comes across as a surprise since the content of the play mimics Gertrude's life. It seems that there is no reason for Gertrude to carry on with the plan to discover the cause of her son's illness when she is obviously disconcerted and is unable to deal with him calmly. Hamlet teaches Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that he cannot be "played upon" like a recorder.

3.3 -- Answer 3 of the following. 1. What has Claudius decided to do with Hamlet? Who will go with him? What "theoretical" message about kingship does Rosencrantz tell to Claudius? Claudius has decided to send Hamlet off to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Rosencrantz speaks of the fact that when the king falls from grace, the whole country does as well. His sigh is a not a sigh but a "general groan," or a concern of all his people (3.3.23).

2. Where is Polonius going? He is going to Gertrude's chambers to hide behind the arras and eavesdrop on her conversation with Hamlet.

4. What happens when Hamlet enters? Why doesn't Hamlet kill Claudius then? What is ironic about Hamlet's decision? When Hamlet enters, Claudius is alone and is praying and confessing his sins. Hamlet decides not to kill him because he would not receive the proper punishment he deserves in hell if he were killed during his confession. This is ironic since Hamlet has been feeling guilty about the fact that he could not carry out the murder sooner, and that at such an opportune time, he holds back.

=4/21/10 5.1. Log=

5.1. Summary Two clowns (peasants/gravediggers) are digging a grave for Ophelia. They debate whether they are allowed to bury someone who committed a suicide in a churchyard, since it is against the Christian tenet of belief. Hamlet and Horatio walks over to the graveyard and Hamlet questions whose grave it is to the clowns. The clown speaks in riddles until he finally confesses that it is for a woman who committed suicide. The clown picks up a skull that belonged to Yorick, a jester from Hamlet's father's days, and Hamlet contemplates the "equality" of death. The poor and the great die alike, and this causes Hamlet to think about the meaning of physical death.

The funeral procession marches into the churchyard. As Ophelia is put into her grave, Hamlet realizes that the grave is in fact for Ophelia. The priest asserts that giving a proper burial would "profane the service of the dead" and angers Laertes. Laertes jumps into the grave, and Hamlet follows him. They battle in the grave, until they are stopped by the funeral procession marchers. Hamlet exits with Horatio and Claudius confirms that Hamlet is mad, but that he shall be patient with the process of ridding him.

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?

"The dust is earth, of earth we make loam, and why of that loam whereto he was converted might they not stop a beer-barrel?" (5.1. 200-202).

This sentence reflects the physical meaning of death: Hamlet ponders the purpose and meaning of life if we are to all return to dust. The play would lack a dimension of meaning of death, since Hamlet has questioned the soul-aspect of death in previous scenes.

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

"We should profane the service of the dead to sing sage requiem and such rest to her as to peace-parted souls." (5.1. 225-227) This statement raises an interesting question of authority in the play. Do religious order come first or the king's authority? Would Claudius be willing to go against the priest to have Ophelia buried properly?

"That skull had a tongue in it, and could sing once. How the knave jowls it to th' ground, as if it were Cain's jawbone, that did the first murder." (5.1. 71-72) Why the reference to Cain? I know it is simply a metaphorical expression of being low, but I don't understand the reference to the "first murder."

6. Music for scene media type="file" key="Lynn Hamlet 5.1 soundtrack.m4a" width="300" height="50"

=Character Questions:= 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? The fact that Claudius is more complex than a power-hungry revenger would help in understanding him. He is not cold-blooded, but rather fearful. He regards Polonius as a friend and tries to achieve justice in the situation.

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? Claudius' true motive lies in maintaining his power, but also in achieving justice in Polonius' death.

3. How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet? With the mob calling Laetes "lord" and Ophelia dead, Claudius is desperate to restore order. Claudius feels threatened by Hamlet's display of his "insanity." He also feels that Hamlet is a direct threat to his safety.

4. What do other characters say about your character and how do they react to him? How does your character feel about other characters? Other characters such as Gertrude and Laertes look to him for guidance. The general people seem to consider Claudius a fair king as well. Claudius however, does not seem to pity Ophelia or Laertes as he should, but is genuine to Gertrude.

5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which she appears? How is she affected by the events? Claudius creates a ripple by deciding to manipulate Laertes' anger towards his father's death.

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? Claudius is central to the plot, because he secretly encourages Laertes to rid of Hamlet. We also learn that Guildenstern and Rosencrantz are both not loyal to Hamlet since they agree to kill him. Compared to Hamlet, he is similar in the fact that he is cunning but he remains logical unlike Hamlet, who seems to be driven by emotions to have killed Polonius. Through this, we learn that those in control seem to have control of themselves.

7. What questions are raised by your character's words and/or behavior in this act? Does Claudius truly feel a need to fulfill justice in Polonius' death? Does he pity Ophelia at all?

8. What was unexpected? What questions that you've previously had are answered by your character's words and /or behavior in this act? It is unexpected that Claudius would use Laertes as a device for fulfilling his purpose--after all, he was his friend's son.

5.2 Log
__Summary__ Hamlet reveals that he had Rosencrantz and Guildenstern killed by switching the letters they carried and he carried. He mentions that he can identify with Laerters' desire for revenge Polonius' death. Osric enters and tells Hamlet that Hamlet is due to duel with Laertes in a fencing game. Horatio advises Hamlet not to, but Hamlet accepts the invitation. When Hamlet sees Laertes, he apologizes for his father's death--which Laertes only accepts partially, since he does not want to forgive him before an elder has told him to do so.

The duel begins, and Hamlet hits Laertes. When he plays another round, Gertrude drinks from the cup that is filled with poison--which was originally intended for Hamlet. Laertes decides that he does not want to poison Hamlet with his sword, and switches their swords. Shortly after, Hamlet stabs Laertes with the poisoned sword. Gertrude dies at the moment too, and Laertes reveals that Caludius has planted poison on the sword and in the wine. Hamlet kills Claudius and makes him drink the poison. Hamlet apologizes to Laertes, who accepts it and dies. As he is dying, Hamlet asks Horatio to tell his story and make Fortinbras the King of Denmark. Hamlet dies. Fortinbras enters the castle and an English ambassador says that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were executed. Horatio commences to tell the tragedy that occurred in the palace. Hamlet is ordered to be carried away.

__Character Relationships__

Though Laertes and Hamlet are foils of each other, they are also parallels. Both have suffered their father's death. Both are seeking out for revenge. Yet, while it took the entire play for Hamlet to plan his father's revenge, Laertes almost instantly jumps into action by plotting out Hamlet's murder (though he decides it is against his conscience in the end). Despite their differences, Hamlet and Laertes establishes a connection when they find Claudius is the one to blame. Laertes specifically acknowledges this in his last words : "Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet. Mine and my father's death come not upon thee, Nor thine on me!" (5.2.282-285). Their relationship is one of an enemy-turned-ally, a type that evolves over the course of plot.

__Questions__ The very last words of the play are spoken by young Fortinbras, who orders four captains to "bear Hamlet like a soldier to the stage; for he was likely, had he been put on, to have proved most royally" (5.2.349-351). Fortinbras had his father killed by Hamlet's father, yet he exhibits sympathy--why is this? Simply because Hamlet is dead now? What does "bearing like a soldier" mean--in other words, what makes Hamlet a soldier, and why only him and not Laertes?

__Motif: Prison__ Fortinbras brings up the idea of a prison in the last scene: "O proud Death, what feast is toward in thine eternal cell, that thou so many princes at a shot so bloodily hast struck? (5.2. 316-319)." This is reminiscent of Hamlet's previous speech in which he referred Denmark as a prison. Thus prison, through Fortinbras' comment, takes on a new dimension of signficance as prison=Denmark and death=prison. If we stretch this logic, Denmark=death. And in fact, it has become a "dead" country, as the king, the queen, the princess, and two princes have died all at once. Denmark at this point, is the prison of death, where greed, ambition, lust, and revenge have all accumulated to the demise of a nation.

Set Design via: http://www.flickr.com/photos/don-iannone/4007227669/

The last scene should take place in a setting like this--only with chairs for the king and the queen and the audience. The stone floor is key, because it is cold and hard--it emphasizes the color of blood as well. If this were shot like a movie, I feel that after Fortinbras' words, the scene should end in a long shot from a bird's eye point of view that zooms out from the people picking up Hamlet's body from the ground and starting to carry it away.

**Component Options ** 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. 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?