The castle guard Barnardo, Horatio, Francisco, and Marcellus all meet for midnight shift. Then, they see a ghost that resembles the late Danish king, who died lately. They are scared and decides to tell the dead king's son, Hamlet.
1. In one sentence, the significance of this scene is that it is the very first one that sets up the setting of somberness, darkness, and mysteriousness, and thus, if there was no such scene, the play cannot begin.
2. There wasn't any confusion in this scene since it was mainly about the guards trying to confront and determine the motives of the ghost. But, to the ghost–"Why did you spread your arm, rather than speaking? Why don't you just say you need your son to the guards?"
3. 1.1.69-Horatio "This bodes some strange eruption to our state."
I enjoyed this line because this IS the line that does give the mysterious feeling and the readers can sense a sort of foreshadowing in this particular scene through this saying because "strange eruption", accompanied by dead king's ghost, is not something pleasant, and will definitely lead to a conflict between people–although no one knows who will be in conflict for now.
Scene #2 Hamlet 1.2.1-260
Hamlet attends his mother's wedding. His mother, the former queen, only about a couple of months after her husband died, marries to her husband's brother, Hamlet's uncle Claudius. Hamlet obviously is upset and confused about his mother's decision, and abruptly feels that something's wrong until the guards come and tell him about the ghost.
1. 1.2 Hamlet "My father's brother, but no more like my father than I to Hercules"
I enjoyed this quote because Hamlet IS someone who's very introspective (thinking inside himself rather than speaking about it). Also, it just seems ironic that Hamlet compares himself to Claudius, the one he despises. And, we can also sense Hamlet's tendency to be not confident about himself, since he doesn't consider himself to be like Hercules, the brave Greek warrior.
2. Hamlet is so sarcastic. He despises his mother, and despises the new king even further because he saw how this king suddenly took over Denmark only months after Hamlet's father died. However, he's yet afraid to bring up his thoughts because he knows he should obey his mother. As a result, he's having that inner conflict, which is really psychological. I can also see that Hamlet's more of a coward since he doesn't choose to face the situation, but rather contemplates on it.
3. I believe Hamlet despises Claudius since he is suspicious of Claudius's sudden takeover of the throne. Claudius asks "How is it that the clouds still hang on you?", and Hamlet replies "Not so, my lord, I am too much in the sun". Quite obviously, Claudius asks about cloud on his face when Hamlet talks about receiving too much sun, possibly from Claudius. These seemingly opposite responses reflect Hamlet's disgust with Claudius. Also, cloud represents sorrow in this line, whereas the sun is a sarcastic way of saying that Hamlet himself is so much in "honor" that Claudius is the king that "greatly" shines upon Hamlet.
Scene #3 Hamlet 1.3 1-136
Polonius talks to his daughter Ophelia about the danger of Hamlet loving her. He acknowledges that since Hamlet is the prince and Ophelia is not a royal blood, she should stop thinking about marrying him. Ophelia consents to her father's request for denying all the messages of Hamlet.
1. Without this scene, Hamlet's plot to be fake being mad to revenge Claudius would be a failure because Ophelia is being used as the "medium" in revenge, and the fact that she DENIES him is important.
2. Polonius and Ophelia are very intimate, not only because they are family, but because Ophelia is the only daughter of Polonius. This is shown when Polonius refers Ophelia as "Marry", which means happiness (a variation of merry?). And, since it was repeated many times, it is plausible to assume a good and happy relationship between these two characters.
3. 1.3.127 Polonius says "Do not believe in his vows, for they are brokers". I like this line because he makes extended metaphor with broker (and investment) to warn Ophelia of danger of loving Hamlet, the prince of Denmark.
Scene #4 Hamlet 1.4
Hamlet decides to go to the castle to see the ghost, supposedly his father. After the guards leave, Hamlet alone talks to the ghost, who tells him the story of how he was murdered.
1. 1.4.56 Hamlet "My fate cries out, And makes each petty artery in this body as hardy as the Nemean lion's nerve". I can just totally see why Hamlet is so concerned with his fate. An element of Greek tragedy where characters tend to be fatalistic can also be found in Shakespearean play, which to me, is interesting. I don't remember seeing this kind of attitude in more modern plays like "Death of a Salesman".
2. My reaction to Hamlet in this scene is that Hamlet shouldn't try to be so curious about the ghost, since no one really knows if the ghost is truly the murdered soul of King Hamlet or not. Why would he want to follow him? Well, the play doesn't continue if he doesn't, but shouldn't he at least give a second thought?
3.My question to Ms. Porter: Why does the ghost choose not to talk in front of the guards, who would be willing to cooperate with Hamlet, if the murder is found??
Scene #5 Hamlet 1.5
Hamlet talks to the ghost, who says that he is the King Hamlet, and that he was murdered when Claudius brought poison to the garden–where he was sleeping, and poured it through his ears, which killed him. Hamlet vows revenge, and the ghost disappears. After ghost disappears, Hamlet tells the guards to not say about what happened that night.
1. Why does Hamlet seem to simply believe the ghost?
2. 1.5.91. Ghost "Adieu. Adieu. Remember Me." I really think this quote is very effective in carrying the grim emotion in the scene because Adieu, which means Good Bye in French, communicates the grimness of the play to Hamlet.
3. The ghost and Hamlet have interesting relationship. Hamlet just says "Alas", or "poor ghost!", or "O God", or other exclamation points, rather than making remarks about why the Ghost chooses to Hamlet this. Also, ghost doesn't complain about his death, but asks Hamlet to revenge his death, which Hamlet accepts. As a result, even though the conversation was short, Hamlet seems to have a very strong bond with the ghost. This also is seen when Hamlet repeats that "Adieu, Adieu remember me" after the ghost disappears.
Scene #6 Hamlet 2.1
Ophelia talks to her father Polonius about Hamlet’s recent mad love for Ophelia, when he clutches her arm and acts shaky. Polonius is worried about Hamlet, but is determined to not let Ophelia stay in touch with Hamlet.
Question:
1. Without this scene, it is very hard to determine how the love between Hamlet and Ophelia has turned out because without this scene, Hamlet can’t carry out the famous nunnery scene where he makes the “to be or not to be” speech.
2.“This must be known, which, being kept close, might move more grief to hide than hate to utter love.” Polonius–the very last line of Scene 2.2. This quote really struck my mind because of its irony. Polonius, literally, just says he needs to inform the King Claudius of this act in order to prevent Hamlet from hating Ophelia or grieving too much. However, if we put a twist on this, then it will read as that Hamlet hides his grief rather than making his hatred appear as a sign of love to the King Claudius.
3. The relationship between Ophelia and her father Polonius is very intimate and caring. This is shown when Polonius refers Ophelia as “thy”, and calls her name because it is not a formal conversation. Also, when Ophelia recounts what happened to her, Polonius shows the sign of worry by saying “This must be known, which being kept close, might move more grief to hide than hate to utter love.”.
Scene #7: 2.2
Hamlet, pretending to be crazy, makes sharp and bitter comments about Polonius and despises Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. However, he does ask the actors for the royal play to portray a scene similar to the supposed murder of King Hamlet by Claudius.
1. Claudius-Why don’t you make another son to decrease the probability of Hamlet becoming the heir?
2. Hamlet seems very intelligent to me. Rather than confronting the obstacle directly, Hamlet chooses to go around it and indirectly tries to observe how true the ghost’s words are. I think it is really clever to make the scene resemble his father’s death, and watch the king’s face to determine his innocence.
3. Without this scene, it would be impossible to see how Hamlet figures out whether the ghost was right about how he was murdered.
Scene #8: 3.1
While Claudius, Polonius, and Ophelia talk, Hamlet's footsteps are heard. Claudius and Polonius hide behind the arras. Hamlet makes angry comments tossed at Ophelia, causing her to be trembling in fear. After Hamlet leaves, King Claudius declares that Hamlet should have one more consult with Gertrude about whether he should be set off to England or not.
1. The very last line 190- "Madness in great ones must not be unwatched go." This just clearly shows how Claudius is alarmed about the potential threat of Hamlet for his throne. Hamlet is the son of his wife and the former king, and this clearly worries Claudius because he doesn't want to see his own downfall.
2. Hamlet and Ophelia have an interesting relationship. Ophelia, although she repels Hamlet's letter, does approve of him. However, she is passive. On the other hand, Hamlet seems to approve her, but his main goal in this case is to succeed in avenging his father's death. And, he is quite active, trying to see Ophelia often.
3. If one thinks "to be or not to be" speech does not show Hamlet's agony at all, one shouldn't consider this scene to be important in terms of the play's fantastic description of personalities and inner conflicts.
Scene #9: 3.2
While the play continues, Hamlet's actors carry out the scene as promised. The king looks nervous, and the queen wants to talk to Hamlet.
1. This scene is very IMPORTANT because without this scene, there is no way for Hamlet to figure out the credibility of the ghost.
2. Hamlet is a very sly character because while he acts crazy and seems to make all the useless "comments" for no good, he in reality is actually making really sharp and to-the-point remarks that grabs the situation right away. This is seen when Hamlet says "What, frighted with false fire?" when Claudius rises after seeing the players acting out the death scene. On the surface, it just seems he is making pointless jokes, but in reality, is actually a direct warning against Claudius–it should read as "Don't fear the false fire for the real part hasn't started yet."
3. Why can't Gertrude take more active role rather than talking to Hamlet about the issues?
Hamlet Soliloquy
It is obvious to the audience that Hamlet is alone onstage. What else, then, does he mean when he begins, “Now I am alone”?
He is talking to himself in a literal level. However, in reality, he is just saying he is alone, without anybody to support him. To sum up, Hamlet is both acknowledging himself and telling us that he is the only one that has to endure the burden that was given to him by his father.
Why is the Prince calling himself a “rogue” and “peasant slave”?
He is calling himself in a such way because he saw how the first player acted out so well. Unlike the first player, Hamlet is unable to express himself fully, and this causes him to lament.
*Hamlet compares himself to the player. What does this comparison reveal about Hamlet’s self-perception?
He sees himself as the actor in the palace, who pretends to be a mad man, but tries to plan his revenge inside his mind. However, he is not exactly like the actor because he cannot fully express himself. So, it shows us Hamlet's tendency to excuse himself for his inabilities.
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?
Literally, the ear mentioned is the ear of King Hamlet, to which the poison was dropped to kill him. Hamlet knows this story, but has trouble believing in what the ghost told him because of his apocryphal nature. As a result, Hamlet doesn't believe his ears and what he heard. And, in this particular scene, he is again worried about how the play that is supposed to be put up in the royal palace might be shocking to the audience.
Hamlet uses a lot of theatrical terminology in his speech. Find some examples (“cue,” “satage,” “play”). Why might Hamlet be thinking in theatrical terms?
It is because he will be watching the play, and he has currently finished talking to the players that will perform on the stage.
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 think he is a coward because he cannot express his emotion and thoughts clearly. This is shown in line 566 in Scene 2.2, when he says "Yet I, a dull and muddy-mettled rascal, peak, Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my causes, And can say nothing;" This clearly shows that even he acknowledges himself to be unable to share his thoughts with anybody.
1. What advice does Hamlet have for the actors? Why? He tells them to be as natural as possible, with no trace of awkwardness present. In specific details, he doesn't want the actor to be overdoing "actions", while urging them to be not too "tame" either. Hamlet gives the actor this advice because he knows that only by acting naturally can he easily observe Claudius's facial expression. Also, he knows that the king will be aggravated too much if the actors choose to overact the scene and reveals all the intense emotion associated with the murder.
2. Why does Hamlet say he especially likes Horatio (Does Hamlet see Horatio as similar to him or different from him?
Hamlet sees Horatio as different from him because unlike Hamlet, who is easily driven by emotion, Horatio is rather of a Stoic ideal, when he acts relatively logically and remains faithful to his lord, Hamlet. This is shown in the line Hamlet says–"since my dear soul was mistress of her choice and could of men distinguish, her election hath sealed thee for herself.", which reveals that Hamlet is sort of a "tool" that is constantly being used by others, whereas Horatio is a "and blest are those whose blood and judgment are so well commingled that they are not a pipe for Fortune's finger to sound what stop she please."
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)?
I believe four months have passed since king's death because 2X2=4 (right?). And, Act 1.2 line 152 points out that Gertrude remarried Claudius around less than a month after the king died, and since 4-1=3, 3 months would be a plausible assumption.
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?
He obviously is having a seizure because he is asking for the light. In this case, light will be a symbol of "pardon" for Claudius's sin. So, Claudius really is upset. Hamlet is reacting frantically to this because he is so happy to see that Claudius is indeed the true murderer. Claudius, from this play, has definitely learned that someone else besides him knows the true story behind King Hamlet's death, and obviously is alerted by it. Although the story isn't quite developed yet, it will be reasonable to assume that Claudius thinks Hamlet knows the story, too, (for whatever reason) because Claudius constantly put Hamlet under his watch.
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?
They tell him that his mother demands Hamlet to pardon and talk to her. It is not unexpected because Hamlet has been quite wild and almost offended many people, including Ophelia and Claudius, because both of them were either directly or indirectly had unpleasant interaction with Hamlet. However, Hamlet distrusts his mother because she married her husband's murderer. As a result, Hamlet tells these two messengers to stop treating him like an easy instrument and that Hamlet should be the one to control his life.
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?
He decides to send (banish) Hamlet to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Rosencrantz talks about the fact that when the king meets his fall, the whole general citizens will be going down with him, resulting in the tragedy of the mass.
2. Where is Polonius going?
Polonius is going to hide behind the arras to listen to the conversation between Gertrude and Hamlet.
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?
4. What happens when Hamlet enters? Why doesn't Hamlet kill Claudius then? What is ironic about Hamlet's decision?
When Hamlet enters, he draws out the sword, attempting to kill him. However, he gives up because he knows that when one gets killed while praying, one goes to heaven, which to Hamlet, is outrageous. The irony about Hamlet's decision is that by not killing the murderer for true justice, he has also committed a crime against Denmark, and thus, is on the same boat with Claudius.
Gertrude in Act 4
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? Even though Gertrude loves Hamlet, when she sees that Hamlet has killed Polonius, she makes up her mind to send him off to England–difficult decision for a mother, so actress may portray the inner side of Gertrude.
2. In each scene where your character appears, what is his or her motivation and objective? In other words, what does this person really want?
She wants to talk to Claudius, her husband, and when Laertes comes, she testifies to defend Claudius.
3. How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet?
She feels that it is unfortunate and horrible to see Hamlet killing Polonius, but she has to follow her king's order.
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 feels bad about Polonius's death, and she testifies that Claudius didn't kill Polonius. Quite honestly, there's NO direct interaction between only Gertrude and others because in most of the scene, she's with Claudius, and Claudius is usually the one that makes the interaction.
5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which she appears? How is she affected by the events?
She doesn't affect the events at all. Maybe when Laertes comes to talk to Claudius, she defends Claudius by saying he didn't kill Polonius. But, Gertrude is deeply grieved by Ophelia's madness when she goes crazy, and this obviously shows that Gertrude is affected by the events that happen in Act 4.
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?
Not at all in terms of plot development. However, it can be said that Hamlet acts like Gertrude because they seem to be passive (often hesitating before carrying out the action).
7. What questions are raised by your character's words and/or behavior in this act?
Gertrude is so passive that it is hard to really analyze her words or behavior, rather than saying that she's a caring mother, an archetype of woman in Shakespeare's time.
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 wasn't expecting Gertrude to defend Claudius in front of Laertes. However, she did, and it is clear that she does love both Claudius and Hamlet fully.
Scene #10: 5.1 Hamlet
Hamlet, after coming back to Denmark, exchanges some witty comments with the grave digger. Then, he sees that Ophelia died. After confronting Laertes, Hamlet swears that he will get Laertes in the end since Hamlet was sad and outraged at Laertes accusing him of killing Ophelia, Hamlet's lover.
1. Gravedigger seems very witty. He exchanges numerous clever comments with Hamlet. Also, one interesting thing about him was that he conceives death as not something sad, but something that gives him his job. Here, gravedigger is portrayed as the only character that is quite different from all the other characters, including Hamlet, Gertrude, Claudius, and even Laertes, because these characters are mournful of their relative's death.
2. Without this scene, Hamlet's return from his trip to England would have been very sudden, and awkward to be fit into the play, and also, by juxtaposing Hamlet and Laertes, this scene helps to establish sharp contrast between these two character.s
3. To Laertes-Why not think about the chances that Claudius may be trying to use Laertes as a tool to kill Hamlet?
Scene #10: 5.1
Hamlet and Horatio returns to Denmark. They see a gravedigger digging the ground. Hamlet exchanges some comments with gravedigger, but suddenly sees dead Ophelia coming down. Ophelia's brother Laertes and Hamlet meet together, and Laertes vows to have revenge on Hamlet by drawing a swordfight.
1. Without this scene, where's Hamlet going to be??– He won't be able to teleport himself suddenly to Denmark.
2. To Hamlet-Why do you seem to have resignation while Ophelia is dead?
3. 5.1. 281 "Let Hercules himself do what he may, the cat will mew, and dog will have his day." Hamlet
I think this quote is really important because it shows how Hamlet wants to redeem himself by beating Laertes in the game. If we go into the textual evidence, it suggests that Hamlet does declare that Claudius, cat, will meet his end, and the dog, Hamlet, will have his day. As a result, this quote ties up what has happened in the plot so far, and also shows Hamlet's emotion towards these people.
Scene #11: 5.2
Hamlet and Laertes fights. Laertes has put poison on his sword, and the Claudius has poisoned the wine in order to make sure Hamlet dies in the fight. Hamlet refuses to drink the wine, however, and Gertrude drinks it instead. She dies, saying that someone poisoned the wine. Laertes slashes Hamlet, poisoning him. However, Hamlet kills Laertes, and Laertes confesses that Claudius was behind all this plan. Hamlet kills Claudius and dies, saying Horatio should carry on the story. Meanwhile, Fortinbras enters the castle, and Horatio starts to talk about Hamlet's tragedy.
1. Without this scene, there's nothing resolved because Hamlet doesn't die, Claudius doesn't die, and no one dies at all.
2. Hamlet is such an indeterminate person that I almost got disappointed at the end. He has been talking as if he is going to stab Claudius right away, but he never carries out anything. He loses his lover, his credibility, and even his own life in the end. Why couldn't he become more active than this? Maybe the ghost was a bit too good to be true for Hamlet, but his indetermination has just disappointed me. But, I cannot say that Hamlet has bad personality because compared to Macbeth, Hamlet doesn't quite seek the throne, but only wants his father's revenge. As a result, I think Hamlet is a very mixed character and very realistic human (with both good and bad qualities inherent), but towards the introvert side.
3. Hamlet and Laertes are foils to each other because of many things. Laertes is very active and seeks revenge right away, after he thinks that Hamlet is the culprit. However, Hamlet, even after he meets to the ghost, is very passive and tries to procrastinate in carrying out. Also, Laertes has both his father and his sister dead in the end, when Hamlet has his mother and his father dead in the end. Also, both characters die fighting one another, and this helps to support the notion that these two characters are in fact, foils to one another.
Questions
What does your character want in the chosen scene?
Hamlet doesn't want anything, besides Polonius to go away by pretending he's mad.
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?
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.
How does this scene add to your knowledge of the character?
Scene #1 Hamlet 1.1.1-150
The castle guard Barnardo, Horatio, Francisco, and Marcellus all meet for midnight shift. Then, they see a ghost that resembles the late Danish king, who died lately. They are scared and decides to tell the dead king's son, Hamlet.
1. In one sentence, the significance of this scene is that it is the very first one that sets up the setting of somberness, darkness, and mysteriousness, and thus, if there was no such scene, the play cannot begin.
2. There wasn't any confusion in this scene since it was mainly about the guards trying to confront and determine the motives of the ghost. But, to the ghost–"Why did you spread your arm, rather than speaking? Why don't you just say you need your son to the guards?"
3. 1.1.69-Horatio "This bodes some strange eruption to our state."
I enjoyed this line because this IS the line that does give the mysterious feeling and the readers can sense a sort of foreshadowing in this particular scene through this saying because "strange eruption", accompanied by dead king's ghost, is not something pleasant, and will definitely lead to a conflict between people–although no one knows who will be in conflict for now.
Scene #2 Hamlet 1.2.1-260
Hamlet attends his mother's wedding. His mother, the former queen, only about a couple of months after her husband died, marries to her husband's brother, Hamlet's uncle Claudius. Hamlet obviously is upset and confused about his mother's decision, and abruptly feels that something's wrong until the guards come and tell him about the ghost.
1. 1.2 Hamlet "My father's brother, but no more like my father than I to Hercules"
I enjoyed this quote because Hamlet IS someone who's very introspective (thinking inside himself rather than speaking about it). Also, it just seems ironic that Hamlet compares himself to Claudius, the one he despises. And, we can also sense Hamlet's tendency to be not confident about himself, since he doesn't consider himself to be like Hercules, the brave Greek warrior.
2. Hamlet is so sarcastic. He despises his mother, and despises the new king even further because he saw how this king suddenly took over Denmark only months after Hamlet's father died. However, he's yet afraid to bring up his thoughts because he knows he should obey his mother. As a result, he's having that inner conflict, which is really psychological. I can also see that Hamlet's more of a coward since he doesn't choose to face the situation, but rather contemplates on it.
3. I believe Hamlet despises Claudius since he is suspicious of Claudius's sudden takeover of the throne. Claudius asks "How is it that the clouds still hang on you?", and Hamlet replies "Not so, my lord, I am too much in the sun". Quite obviously, Claudius asks about cloud on his face when Hamlet talks about receiving too much sun, possibly from Claudius. These seemingly opposite responses reflect Hamlet's disgust with Claudius. Also, cloud represents sorrow in this line, whereas the sun is a sarcastic way of saying that Hamlet himself is so much in "honor" that Claudius is the king that "greatly" shines upon Hamlet.
Scene #3 Hamlet 1.3 1-136
Polonius talks to his daughter Ophelia about the danger of Hamlet loving her. He acknowledges that since Hamlet is the prince and Ophelia is not a royal blood, she should stop thinking about marrying him. Ophelia consents to her father's request for denying all the messages of Hamlet.
1. Without this scene, Hamlet's plot to be fake being mad to revenge Claudius would be a failure because Ophelia is being used as the "medium" in revenge, and the fact that she DENIES him is important.
2. Polonius and Ophelia are very intimate, not only because they are family, but because Ophelia is the only daughter of Polonius. This is shown when Polonius refers Ophelia as "Marry", which means happiness (a variation of merry?). And, since it was repeated many times, it is plausible to assume a good and happy relationship between these two characters.
3. 1.3.127 Polonius says "Do not believe in his vows, for they are brokers". I like this line because he makes extended metaphor with broker (and investment) to warn Ophelia of danger of loving Hamlet, the prince of Denmark.
Scene #4 Hamlet 1.4
Hamlet decides to go to the castle to see the ghost, supposedly his father. After the guards leave, Hamlet alone talks to the ghost, who tells him the story of how he was murdered.
1. 1.4.56 Hamlet "My fate cries out, And makes each petty artery in this body as hardy as the Nemean lion's nerve". I can just totally see why Hamlet is so concerned with his fate. An element of Greek tragedy where characters tend to be fatalistic can also be found in Shakespearean play, which to me, is interesting. I don't remember seeing this kind of attitude in more modern plays like "Death of a Salesman".
2. My reaction to Hamlet in this scene is that Hamlet shouldn't try to be so curious about the ghost, since no one really knows if the ghost is truly the murdered soul of King Hamlet or not. Why would he want to follow him? Well, the play doesn't continue if he doesn't, but shouldn't he at least give a second thought?
3.My question to Ms. Porter: Why does the ghost choose not to talk in front of the guards, who would be willing to cooperate with Hamlet, if the murder is found??
Scene #5 Hamlet 1.5
Hamlet talks to the ghost, who says that he is the King Hamlet, and that he was murdered when Claudius brought poison to the garden–where he was sleeping, and poured it through his ears, which killed him. Hamlet vows revenge, and the ghost disappears. After ghost disappears, Hamlet tells the guards to not say about what happened that night.
1. Why does Hamlet seem to simply believe the ghost?
2. 1.5.91. Ghost "Adieu. Adieu. Remember Me." I really think this quote is very effective in carrying the grim emotion in the scene because Adieu, which means Good Bye in French, communicates the grimness of the play to Hamlet.
3. The ghost and Hamlet have interesting relationship. Hamlet just says "Alas", or "poor ghost!", or "O God", or other exclamation points, rather than making remarks about why the Ghost chooses to Hamlet this. Also, ghost doesn't complain about his death, but asks Hamlet to revenge his death, which Hamlet accepts. As a result, even though the conversation was short, Hamlet seems to have a very strong bond with the ghost. This also is seen when Hamlet repeats that "Adieu, Adieu remember me" after the ghost disappears.
Scene #6 Hamlet 2.1
Ophelia talks to her father Polonius about Hamlet’s recent mad love for Ophelia, when he clutches her arm and acts shaky. Polonius is worried about Hamlet, but is determined to not let Ophelia stay in touch with Hamlet.
Question:
1. Without this scene, it is very hard to determine how the love between Hamlet and Ophelia has turned out because without this scene, Hamlet can’t carry out the famous nunnery scene where he makes the “to be or not to be” speech.
2.“This must be known, which, being kept close, might move more grief to hide than hate to utter love.” Polonius–the very last line of Scene 2.2. This quote really struck my mind because of its irony. Polonius, literally, just says he needs to inform the King Claudius of this act in order to prevent Hamlet from hating Ophelia or grieving too much. However, if we put a twist on this, then it will read as that Hamlet hides his grief rather than making his hatred appear as a sign of love to the King Claudius.
3. The relationship between Ophelia and her father Polonius is very intimate and caring. This is shown when Polonius refers Ophelia as “thy”, and calls her name because it is not a formal conversation. Also, when Ophelia recounts what happened to her, Polonius shows the sign of worry by saying “This must be known, which being kept close, might move more grief to hide than hate to utter love.”.
Scene #7: 2.2
Hamlet, pretending to be crazy, makes sharp and bitter comments about Polonius and despises Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. However, he does ask the actors for the royal play to portray a scene similar to the supposed murder of King Hamlet by Claudius.
1. Claudius-Why don’t you make another son to decrease the probability of Hamlet becoming the heir?
2. Hamlet seems very intelligent to me. Rather than confronting the obstacle directly, Hamlet chooses to go around it and indirectly tries to observe how true the ghost’s words are. I think it is really clever to make the scene resemble his father’s death, and watch the king’s face to determine his innocence.
3. Without this scene, it would be impossible to see how Hamlet figures out whether the ghost was right about how he was murdered.
Scene #8: 3.1
While Claudius, Polonius, and Ophelia talk, Hamlet's footsteps are heard. Claudius and Polonius hide behind the arras. Hamlet makes angry comments tossed at Ophelia, causing her to be trembling in fear. After Hamlet leaves, King Claudius declares that Hamlet should have one more consult with Gertrude about whether he should be set off to England or not.
1. The very last line 190- "Madness in great ones must not be unwatched go." This just clearly shows how Claudius is alarmed about the potential threat of Hamlet for his throne. Hamlet is the son of his wife and the former king, and this clearly worries Claudius because he doesn't want to see his own downfall.
2. Hamlet and Ophelia have an interesting relationship. Ophelia, although she repels Hamlet's letter, does approve of him. However, she is passive. On the other hand, Hamlet seems to approve her, but his main goal in this case is to succeed in avenging his father's death. And, he is quite active, trying to see Ophelia often.
3. If one thinks "to be or not to be" speech does not show Hamlet's agony at all, one shouldn't consider this scene to be important in terms of the play's fantastic description of personalities and inner conflicts.
Scene #9: 3.2
While the play continues, Hamlet's actors carry out the scene as promised. The king looks nervous, and the queen wants to talk to Hamlet.
1. This scene is very IMPORTANT because without this scene, there is no way for Hamlet to figure out the credibility of the ghost.
2. Hamlet is a very sly character because while he acts crazy and seems to make all the useless "comments" for no good, he in reality is actually making really sharp and to-the-point remarks that grabs the situation right away. This is seen when Hamlet says "What, frighted with false fire?" when Claudius rises after seeing the players acting out the death scene. On the surface, it just seems he is making pointless jokes, but in reality, is actually a direct warning against Claudius–it should read as "Don't fear the false fire for the real part hasn't started yet."
3. Why can't Gertrude take more active role rather than talking to Hamlet about the issues?
Hamlet Soliloquy
It is obvious to the audience that Hamlet is alone onstage. What else, then, does he mean when he begins, “Now I am alone”?
He is talking to himself in a literal level. However, in reality, he is just saying he is alone, without anybody to support him. To sum up, Hamlet is both acknowledging himself and telling us that he is the only one that has to endure the burden that was given to him by his father.
Why is the Prince calling himself a “rogue” and “peasant slave”?
He is calling himself in a such way because he saw how the first player acted out so well. Unlike the first player, Hamlet is unable to express himself fully, and this causes him to lament.
*Hamlet compares himself to the player. What does this comparison reveal about Hamlet’s self-perception?
He sees himself as the actor in the palace, who pretends to be a mad man, but tries to plan his revenge inside his mind. However, he is not exactly like the actor because he cannot fully express himself. So, it shows us Hamlet's tendency to excuse himself for his inabilities.
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?
Literally, the ear mentioned is the ear of King Hamlet, to which the poison was dropped to kill him. Hamlet knows this story, but has trouble believing in what the ghost told him because of his apocryphal nature. As a result, Hamlet doesn't believe his ears and what he heard. And, in this particular scene, he is again worried about how the play that is supposed to be put up in the royal palace might be shocking to the audience.
Hamlet uses a lot of theatrical terminology in his speech. Find some examples (“cue,” “satage,” “play”). Why might Hamlet be thinking in theatrical terms?
It is because he will be watching the play, and he has currently finished talking to the players that will perform on the stage.
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 think he is a coward because he cannot express his emotion and thoughts clearly. This is shown in line 566 in Scene 2.2, when he says "Yet I, a dull and muddy-mettled rascal, peak, Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my causes, And can say nothing;" This clearly shows that even he acknowledges himself to be unable to share his thoughts with anybody.
Hamlet Act 3 Questions
Act 3.1
Answer 5 of the 8. Most of these questions are from or altered from Professor Boyer athttp://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? He tells them to be as natural as possible, with no trace of awkwardness present. In specific details, he doesn't want the actor to be overdoing "actions", while urging them to be not too "tame" either. Hamlet gives the actor this advice because he knows that only by acting naturally can he easily observe Claudius's facial expression. Also, he knows that the king will be aggravated too much if the actors choose to overact the scene and reveals all the intense emotion associated with the murder.
2. Why does Hamlet say he especially likes Horatio (Does Hamlet see Horatio as similar to him or different from him?
Hamlet sees Horatio as different from him because unlike Hamlet, who is easily driven by emotion, Horatio is rather of a Stoic ideal, when he acts relatively logically and remains faithful to his lord, Hamlet. This is shown in the line Hamlet says–"since my dear soul was mistress of her choice and could of men distinguish, her election hath sealed thee for herself.", which reveals that Hamlet is sort of a "tool" that is constantly being used by others, whereas Horatio is a "and blest are those whose blood and judgment are so well commingled that they are not a pipe for Fortune's finger to sound what stop she please."
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)?
I believe four months have passed since king's death because 2X2=4 (right?). And, Act 1.2 line 152 points out that Gertrude remarried Claudius around less than a month after the king died, and since 4-1=3, 3 months would be a plausible assumption.
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?
He obviously is having a seizure because he is asking for the light. In this case, light will be a symbol of "pardon" for Claudius's sin. So, Claudius really is upset. Hamlet is reacting frantically to this because he is so happy to see that Claudius is indeed the true murderer. Claudius, from this play, has definitely learned that someone else besides him knows the true story behind King Hamlet's death, and obviously is alerted by it. Although the story isn't quite developed yet, it will be reasonable to assume that Claudius thinks Hamlet knows the story, too, (for whatever reason) because Claudius constantly put Hamlet under his watch.
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?
They tell him that his mother demands Hamlet to pardon and talk to her. It is not unexpected because Hamlet has been quite wild and almost offended many people, including Ophelia and Claudius, because both of them were either directly or indirectly had unpleasant interaction with Hamlet. However, Hamlet distrusts his mother because she married her husband's murderer. As a result, Hamlet tells these two messengers to stop treating him like an easy instrument and that Hamlet should be the one to control his life.
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?
He decides to send (banish) Hamlet to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Rosencrantz talks about the fact that when the king meets his fall, the whole general citizens will be going down with him, resulting in the tragedy of the mass.
2. Where is Polonius going?
Polonius is going to hide behind the arras to listen to the conversation between Gertrude and Hamlet.
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?
4. What happens when Hamlet enters? Why doesn't Hamlet kill Claudius then? What is ironic about Hamlet's decision?
When Hamlet enters, he draws out the sword, attempting to kill him. However, he gives up because he knows that when one gets killed while praying, one goes to heaven, which to Hamlet, is outrageous. The irony about Hamlet's decision is that by not killing the murderer for true justice, he has also committed a crime against Denmark, and thus, is on the same boat with Claudius.
Gertrude in Act 4
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? Even though Gertrude loves Hamlet, when she sees that Hamlet has killed Polonius, she makes up her mind to send him off to England–difficult decision for a mother, so actress may portray the inner side of Gertrude.
2. In each scene where your character appears, what is his or her motivation and objective? In other words, what does this person really want?
She wants to talk to Claudius, her husband, and when Laertes comes, she testifies to defend Claudius.
3. How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet?
She feels that it is unfortunate and horrible to see Hamlet killing Polonius, but she has to follow her king's order.
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 feels bad about Polonius's death, and she testifies that Claudius didn't kill Polonius. Quite honestly, there's NO direct interaction between only Gertrude and others because in most of the scene, she's with Claudius, and Claudius is usually the one that makes the interaction.
5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which she appears? How is she affected by the events?
She doesn't affect the events at all. Maybe when Laertes comes to talk to Claudius, she defends Claudius by saying he didn't kill Polonius. But, Gertrude is deeply grieved by Ophelia's madness when she goes crazy, and this obviously shows that Gertrude is affected by the events that happen in Act 4.
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?
Not at all in terms of plot development. However, it can be said that Hamlet acts like Gertrude because they seem to be passive (often hesitating before carrying out the action).
7. What questions are raised by your character's words and/or behavior in this act?
Gertrude is so passive that it is hard to really analyze her words or behavior, rather than saying that she's a caring mother, an archetype of woman in Shakespeare's time.
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 wasn't expecting Gertrude to defend Claudius in front of Laertes. However, she did, and it is clear that she does love both Claudius and Hamlet fully.
Scene #10: 5.1 Hamlet
Hamlet, after coming back to Denmark, exchanges some witty comments with the grave digger. Then, he sees that Ophelia died. After confronting Laertes, Hamlet swears that he will get Laertes in the end since Hamlet was sad and outraged at Laertes accusing him of killing Ophelia, Hamlet's lover.
1. Gravedigger seems very witty. He exchanges numerous clever comments with Hamlet. Also, one interesting thing about him was that he conceives death as not something sad, but something that gives him his job. Here, gravedigger is portrayed as the only character that is quite different from all the other characters, including Hamlet, Gertrude, Claudius, and even Laertes, because these characters are mournful of their relative's death.
2. Without this scene, Hamlet's return from his trip to England would have been very sudden, and awkward to be fit into the play, and also, by juxtaposing Hamlet and Laertes, this scene helps to establish sharp contrast between these two character.s
3. To Laertes-Why not think about the chances that Claudius may be trying to use Laertes as a tool to kill Hamlet?
Scene #10: 5.1
Hamlet and Horatio returns to Denmark. They see a gravedigger digging the ground. Hamlet exchanges some comments with gravedigger, but suddenly sees dead Ophelia coming down. Ophelia's brother Laertes and Hamlet meet together, and Laertes vows to have revenge on Hamlet by drawing a swordfight.
1. Without this scene, where's Hamlet going to be??– He won't be able to teleport himself suddenly to Denmark.
2. To Hamlet-Why do you seem to have resignation while Ophelia is dead?
3. 5.1. 281 "Let Hercules himself do what he may, the cat will mew, and dog will have his day." Hamlet
I think this quote is really important because it shows how Hamlet wants to redeem himself by beating Laertes in the game. If we go into the textual evidence, it suggests that Hamlet does declare that Claudius, cat, will meet his end, and the dog, Hamlet, will have his day. As a result, this quote ties up what has happened in the plot so far, and also shows Hamlet's emotion towards these people.
Scene #11: 5.2
Hamlet and Laertes fights. Laertes has put poison on his sword, and the Claudius has poisoned the wine in order to make sure Hamlet dies in the fight. Hamlet refuses to drink the wine, however, and Gertrude drinks it instead. She dies, saying that someone poisoned the wine. Laertes slashes Hamlet, poisoning him. However, Hamlet kills Laertes, and Laertes confesses that Claudius was behind all this plan. Hamlet kills Claudius and dies, saying Horatio should carry on the story. Meanwhile, Fortinbras enters the castle, and Horatio starts to talk about Hamlet's tragedy.
1. Without this scene, there's nothing resolved because Hamlet doesn't die, Claudius doesn't die, and no one dies at all.
2. Hamlet is such an indeterminate person that I almost got disappointed at the end. He has been talking as if he is going to stab Claudius right away, but he never carries out anything. He loses his lover, his credibility, and even his own life in the end. Why couldn't he become more active than this? Maybe the ghost was a bit too good to be true for Hamlet, but his indetermination has just disappointed me. But, I cannot say that Hamlet has bad personality because compared to Macbeth, Hamlet doesn't quite seek the throne, but only wants his father's revenge. As a result, I think Hamlet is a very mixed character and very realistic human (with both good and bad qualities inherent), but towards the introvert side.
3. Hamlet and Laertes are foils to each other because of many things. Laertes is very active and seeks revenge right away, after he thinks that Hamlet is the culprit. However, Hamlet, even after he meets to the ghost, is very passive and tries to procrastinate in carrying out. Also, Laertes has both his father and his sister dead in the end, when Hamlet has his mother and his father dead in the end. Also, both characters die fighting one another, and this helps to support the notion that these two characters are in fact, foils to one another.
Questions
What does your character want in the chosen scene?
Hamlet doesn't want anything, besides Polonius to go away by pretending he's mad.
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?
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.
How does this scene add to your knowledge of the character?