INSTRUCTIONS
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.
Example: 2.1 – Questions: Polonius – what’s your problem? Reynaldo – are you going to spread the bad word about Laertes? I hope you don’t. Ophelia – how strongly do you feel about Hamlet? You’d better avoid him totally before something terrible happens.
3. Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
Example: 1.1 – Horatio says “Most like. It harrows me with fear and wonder.” This line really explains to us what all three of the guards are feeling when they see this ghost. They are all frightened by it, yet they wonder why it came to them and why it is dressed the way it is. It really sets the mood for the whole scene because it lets us know that they are anxious. The first few lines in this scene really shocked me because we didn’t know anything about these characters yet they were all so nervous and jumpy. Plus they were very suspicious and cautious of everything.
4. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
Example: 1.2 – King Claudius seems like a flake to me. He seems to know what he’s talking about but to me it’s like it’s rehearsed or something. I can understand him trying to be friends with Hamlet, but it seems to me that he is just doing it to make himself look good. I don’t think he means anything of what he said to Hamlet.
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?
Summaries
Act 1 Scene 1
The guards on duty see a ghost for a couple nights, and ask Horatio to help them. The ghost is the late king of Denmark, and does not speak to Horatio or the other guards. Horatio says that he will appeal to Hamlet about this issue, but expresses his fear that the ghost is a bad omen.
Act 1 Scene 2
Claudius and Gertrude announce their marriage in front of the court; Gertrude and Cludius now rule Denmark. Claudius sends two men on a mission regarding their war, and Lauis asks to be returned to France now that he has fulfilled his duty of attending Claudius' coronation. Hamlet is the only one still in mourning for his father, and the king and queen tell him not to mourn too much. Hamlet expresses his discontent at his father's untimely death, the fact that no seems to be mourning much, and that his mother has married his uncle. Hamlet also finds out from Horatio that his father's ghost appears at night; he intends to confront the ghost.
Questions
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 significance of the beginning scene is that the dead king of Denmark has come as a spirit, the audience is not given the cause for his return: is he merely haunting the castle where he used to live, or does he want to deliver a message? Without this scene, we would not know about the ghost, which will play a great part later in the play.
The significance of the second scene is that Hamlet is not content with what is happening around him: his father's death, and his mother's marriage to his uncle. Without this scene, we would not know about Hamlet's inner turmoil which goads him to act.
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.
Gertrude, how can you marry your dead husband's brother? On top of that, you only waited a few months before forgetting him? Did you think about what kind of an effect that would have on Hamlet? Is Denmark very religious at this time, because doesn't it say in the Bible, that a man can't take his brother's wife? The situation seems incredulous at best.
3. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
I found it interesting how Hamlet is the only one truly grieving his father's death. Claudius and Gertrude say that after a time is past, it is not natural to grieve for a death, but it has only been two or so months. Is it not natural that Hamlet would grieve the death of someone he used to idolize for more than a couple months? How is the court satisfied with this new marriage? It seems that Gertrude's marriage was the next big event after the king's funeral. Are people just trying to satisfy the new rulers?
Summaries
Act 1 Scene 3
Laertes tells Ophelia to stay away from Hamlet as he does not trust him to be serious about his sister. Polonius and Ophelia bid goodbye to Laertes as he leaves for France to continue his education. Polonius also tells Ophelia to disencourage Hamlet's advances. Ophelia accepts Laertes and Polonius' demands.
Act 1 Scene 4
Hamlet goes to see the ghost and asks him why he appears every night. The ghost beckons Hamlet to follow him, and Hamlet follows despite the protests of his companions. Horatio and Marcellus decide to follow Hamlet because they do not trust the spirit.
Act 1 Scene 5
The ghost tells Hamlet that he is his father's spirit, and that he has been condemned. He also tells Hamlet that Claudius murdered his father with ear poison. Hamlet swears to the ghost that he will avenge his father. Hamlet makes Horatio and Marcellus swear that they will not reveal what happened that night.
Act 2 Scene 1
Polonius sends Reynoldo to his son, Laertes. He wants Reynaldo to find out if Laertes is being a proper gentleman. Ophelia enters after Reynaldo exits, to tell her fathr that Hamlet came into her chambers looking strange and cried. Polonius begins to think that Hamlet is more than flirting with Ophelia (that Hamlet is more serious), and decides to go to Claudius.
Act 2 Scene 2
Gertrude and Claudius ask Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (old friends of Hamlet) to find out what is the matter with Hamlet. They agree to him Gertrude and Claudius. Voltemand returns from Norway with the news that Fortinbras' uncle, upon request from Denmark, told his newphew to stop his attacks. This is good news for Denmark. Polnius tells Gertrude and Claudis that Hamlet is "mad" because of his love for Ophelia, his daughter. Gertrude and Claudius seem a bit reluctant to believe, but they see a love letter addressed from Hamlet to Ophelia, and they seem more convinced. (Before Polonius' presumption, they thought that Hamlet was grieving over his father's death.) Polonius expresses to the king and queen that he will not let Hamlet continue courting Ophelia if he is not serious about her. Polonius and Hamlet are left alone, and Polonius attempt to speak to Hamlet, but Hamlet does not take him seriously. Performers arrive at the palace, and Hamlet decides reenact the murder of his father using the actors.
Questions
1. 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.
Today is as any other day, Claudius and I, we, reign Denmark, but many new events have occurred, and the course of life is looking for the better. First, we have good news from Norway. Our ambassador to the uncle of Fortinbras, Voltemand, fared back this day with news of good fortune. Norway has decided to help Denmark 'gainst his nephew, and wrote to him discouraging further actions of attack 'gainst Denmark. Furthermore, Guildernstern and Rosencrantz have arrived in answer to our request for help. They have known and grown with Hamlet, and will understand him better than can we. We hope that our efforts will prove to be fruitful. After they had gone though, we found ourselves in a puzzling situation as Polonius, who does not lie, claims that Hamlet is not mad as a cause by the death of his father and our hasty marriage, but by his love for Ophelia, Polonius' daughter. We left him to talk with Hamlet, but I do not yet know what has become of his efforts. I hope that Hamlet is mad for love and not with hate. I fear that it is my marriage that drives him mad and strange, I would abhor to be responsible for Hamlet's sickness, for a love him as any mother her son.
2. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
I've read Hamlet before, although I don't remember a bit of it, and I've known for a while that Claudius had killed the old king. The first tim eI read Hamlet, I thought that Claudius had killed his brother to usurp the throne of Denmark, just because Hamlet said the word "usurp" a couple times. However, when I heard the Ghost lament, and state the Claudius was driven also by love for Gertrude, I was quite surprised. People (in plays) often kill out of greed, but can one kill out of love? I guess they can kill out of jealousy, but why at that moment? Why couldn't Claudius have killed brother Hamlet before he married Gertrude, or why couldn't her have objected to the marriage? Does Gertrude even love Claudius? Did she only marry him to stay on the throne for a longer time? Why couldn't Hamlet have taken over? Is he too young, too immature, too indifferent? There are a series of questions that the play (in written text) cannot answer. It seems that plays are always subject to different interpretations for this reason.
3. Comment in one sentence on what you think is the significance of this scene.
Scene 1 of Act 2 was the most confusing for me, I did not understand why Polonius would send someone to accuse his son (does he not trust him?). Then, there is the scene with Ophelia sewing in her chamber, and Hamlet coming o her to cry. The latter part I partially understood: Hamlet does not have someone to confide in and trust. He can't, after finding out about his father's "murder most foul" go to Gertrude or Claudius, he can't even tell Horatio or Marcellus. Hamlet needs to vent his grief, and he chooses Ophelia, feeling that she would not scorn him. However, Ophelia really can't be trusted because she keeps reporting Hamlet's actions to Polonius. Why would she report Hamlet to her father? I guess she doesn't trust him enough to not ask her father for assistance; that, and she's a woman, so her reputation and future are at stake if she trusts Hamlet, and he fails her.
So, to sum it all up: Scene 1 of Act 2 reveals that Polonius and Ophelia cannot trust anyone: Polonius does not trust Laertes; Ophelia, not Hamlet.
Summary
Act 3 Scene 1
Gertrude, Claudius, Polonius, Guildernstern and Rosencrantz try to figure out why Hamlet is acting so crazy. Gertrude hopes that Hamlet is mad for love and not for grief, and leaves the room because Claudius commands her to. Only Ophelia, Claudius, and Polonius are left in the room, and they command Ophelia to walk into Hamlet so they could watch Hamlet's behavior. Hamlet and Ophelia meet; they talk, and Hamlet suddenly tells her to go to a nunnery, and speaks like a madman. Claudius and Polonius decide that Hamlet is not in love with Ophelia, and is mad for some other reason. Claudius suspects that something is fishy.
Questions
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 significance of this scene is that Polonius and (more importantly) Claudius find out that Hamlet is not in love with Ophelia--through the way that he treats her, telling her to go to a nunnery. (He is not necessarily telling her to go and become a nun, rather to go to a nunnery and repent for her sins.)
If this scene was not included in the play, the audience would not know that Hamlet is not in love with Ophelia; or if he was in love with her, he certainly isn't now. Then again, he could be in love with her, but trying to protect her from what he is planning by pretending that he doesn't love her since nothing good could come for Ophelia by being a part of his plan.
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.
I was surprised that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were on the King and Queen's side instead of Hamlet's. Didn't they grow up with Hamlet, shouldn't they acting on the side of Hamlet, and not ratting him out? Perhaps they were only Hamlet's friends for the sake of his title?
3. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
Ophelia does not seem to be in love with Hamlet--either that, or she is just a pawn to her father. She always does what she is told, and it doesn't help Hamlet. She told Polonius about how his mad actions; she let Polonius and Claudius spy on Hamlet. It's hard to figure her out. Does she love him, but cannot find the strength within her to defy her father (the paternal / male authority figure)?
It is also puzzling whether Hamlet is in love with Ophelia or not. Does he love her up to the point that he finds out she betrayed him (he does ask where is your father)? I see only two scenarios: one, he finds out the Ophelia has deceived him, and falls out of love feeling much betrayed; two, he finds out that he has brought Ophelia into his plan, and that she is being used by her father, so Hamlet decides to leave her out of his plan.
There were three movie versions.
What all the movies had in common was that all decided to make Hamlet somewhat crazy. In the first, he was definitely mad, but driven to madness because of circumstance: people are spying on him, and Ophelia cannot be trusted. In the Second, he did not care about the spying, but rather that Ophelia had betrayed him. In the third, he seemed to love Ophelia, but was rejected by her.
It's interesting how the different movies decided to portray Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship, it varied from hamlet and Ophelia having a platonic relationship, to a more physical and intimate one, to Hamlet being in love with Ophelia, and Ophelia just toying with him,
The first and third movie had a similar setting for the play, where the time is definitely medieval, and the second movie had a setting that we are more familiar with (mirrored halls, military uniforms, clean and bright palaces).
Each movie had a different interpretation of whether Hamlet knows, finds out, or is ignorant of Polonius and Claudius' presence.
Each Hamlet seemed to have a different take on whether Hamlet is mad or just angered or driven mad by Ophelia's deceit.
Polonius and Claudius seem to be on a more level footing in the second movie, and maybe this is because nobles had more power and monarchies were being constitutional-ized. In the medieval version, Claudius is above Polonius, perhaps this reflects the medieval hierarchy of the time.
In the third movie, the mirrors create suspicious environment/ atmosphere where anyone can spy on anything.
Ophelia's rejection of Hamlet love seems to add to Hamlet's anger and madness.
Summary Act 3 Scene 2
Hamlet instructs the actors on how he wants the play preformed. He asks Horatio to watch the king's reaction when the play reenacting him murdering the former king of Denmark is shown in front of the entire court. Before and during the play, Hamlet makes jokes with sexual puns at Ophelia. The play is about a Duchess who married the murderer of her late husband, the Duke. The king is offended and leaves. Hamlet's mother demands that he comes to her room to talk about what he has done and implied through the play. It is obvious that Guildenstern and Rosencrantz are on the side of the king and queen. Hamlet decides to go and speak to Gertrude.
Questions
1. Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion.
HORATIO Here, sweet lord, at your service. 48
HAMLET Horatio, thou art e'en as just a man/As e'er my conversation coped withal. 50
I thought it was interesting how Horatio and Hamlet treat each other so well. Horatio is very courteous (almost suspiciously so), and Hamlet trusts Horatio enough to confide in him about his secret and plan. These three lines reminded me of the theory that Hamlet may have been a woman, and (on top of that) in love with Horatio. But, I'm nearly sure that they are just good friends; homosexuality in Hamlet seems a bit far fetched although I've heard that since only men were allowed to take part in the play, there were numerous investigations of homosexuality in Shakespeare's theater.
2. Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
I really enjoyed the play within the play, and how everything the players said had a couplet rhyme scheme. The lines that had the most strong impression (and were the most enjoyable) were: "A second time I kill my husband dead,/When second husband kisses me in bed" (172-173). I made me think about how Gertrude and King Hamlet must have been like. We, as the readers and viewers of the play, never see any interaction between Gertrude and old Hamlet. I think that if Shakespeare had included a portion with Gertrude and the old King, and they were very much in love, then there would be more bitter feelings toward Gertrude in the part of the readers. (Especially if she makes such promises as the Player Queen does.)
3. 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 significance of the scene is that Hamlet now knows of Claudius' guilt. After seeing Claudius stand up after the incriminating scene of the play within the play (The Mouse Trap), Hamlet makes up his mind that the ghost was indeed the spirit of his late father.
Without this scene, the latter half of the play would not occur which I assume will be the execution of Hamlet's revenge. If Claudius was not proven to be guilty (by his actions during the play), then Hamlet would most likely not take action against him.
It is obvious to the audience that Hamlet is alone onstage. What else, then, does he mean when he begins, “Now I am alone”?
The scene takes place after Hamlet meets Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, and ddiscovers that they had been summoned by the king and queen. He had grown up with the two of them, and perhaps he is lamenting the loss of his friends--it seems that he is alone and lacking allies.
OTHER QUESTIONS
Why is the Prince calling himself a “rogue” and “peasant slave”?
A rogue is idle; Hamlet alludes to his not doing anything about his father's murder. A peasant and slave are not free men; Hamlet feels that he is not free because he os bound by duty to avenge his father.
*Hamlet compares himself to the player. What does this comparison reveal about Hamlet’s self-perception?
Hamlet probably lacks a firm grasp on reality. He often commits mad actions such as bawdy joke-making and taunting. Hamlet most likely feels like a player because he is bound to play a role: that of the son avenging his father's murder.
Throughout the play, much violence is done to ears. How does Hamlet’s “cleave the general ear” relate to other “ear” references? Shakespeare uses the word ear twenty-seven times in this play. Do any of these resonate with you?
The ear is instrumental in hearing; could it be that the use of the ear relates to the moral of the play? "Listen to the moral?" It is interesting that "murder most foul" begins with an ear, and that its vengeance is carried out with references to ears.
Hamlet uses a lot of theatrical terminology in his speech. Find some examples (“cue,” “satage,” “play”). Why might Hamlet be thinking in theatrical terms?
Perhaps Hamlet is so absorbed in playing the part of the avenging son that keeps on referring to theatrical terminology in his speech.
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?
"Yet I, /A dull and muddy-mettled rascal, peak/Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my cause,/And can say nothing..."(554-557). Hamlet compares himself to the player, who can cry for Hecuba whom he has no relation to. Hamlet wonders what he has done to avenge his father, a person he has a significant tie to. He then wonders whether it is not that he is idle, but rather a coward.
I don't think that Hamlet is a coward, for if he is a coward then he would not dare to put on a reenactment of the late King's murder on stage, knowing that it would make him into a target for Claudius (who is now king and has great power).
HOMEWORK: 3.2 (SHORT LOG -- JUST SUMMARY AND QUESTIONS; THEN ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS PUT ONTO THE WIKI
Study Guide questions for Hamlet
Instead of a regular log, please answer the following questions and post to wiki log page (label).
1. What advice does Hamlet have for the actors? Why?
Hamlet instructs the actors on how to perform, and tells them to restrain passion and not overdo the actions. He is altering the play to communicate his ideas to the audience better.
2. Why does Hamlet say he especially likes Horatio (Does Hamlet see Horatio as similar to him or different from him?)
Hamlet states that he admires Horatio's honesty. Hamlet sees Horatio as different from himself, he says that Horatio has not been touched by ill fate, and is therefore not subject to fortune's swings. It seems that Hamlet sees Horatio as one of the chosen few that are good in judgment and have a good and blessed life.
3. What function is served by the discussion of Polonius as an actor (3.1.89-96)? Hamlet was written within a year or two of Julius Caesar; what is added to the scene for the audience if Richard Burbage, playing Hamlet, also played Brutus? Can you guess what part the actor playing Polonius might have played in Julius Caesar?
The discussion of Polonius' career as a student actor is as brief as his career was. It seems that Shakespeare has created an ironic situation where the actors playing his characters are also actors in their lives as well. hamlet is playing the role of the avenging son; Gertrude is the sunny and perhaps ditzy queen; Claudius is the "noble" king; Ophelia is the fair maid; and Polonius the protective father and top consultant to the king--it seems that everyone is playing a role imposed on them by social customs. They are not what they wish to be, but rather what they are expected to be. It seems that the characters of Hamlet only act a certain way because it seems right in the eyes of society, even Hamlet, and especially Claudius. Claudius himself says that it is befitting for the court to grieve the later king's death for a longer time. Hamlet questions this approach, yet seems to take it upon himself to put on the mask of the avenging son beneath that of the prince driven to madness by grief and loss of love. No one is showing their true feelings, even Ophelia seems to be rather uncertain about Hamlet and her situation.
Hamlet and Brutus both face a moral problem, they are both forced to kill: Hamlet by his respect for his late father, and Brutus by his conscience and certain treacherous members of the senate.
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)?
A couple weeks for not much time has passed, but just enough so that Ophelia spurns Hamlet's advances to her.
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 probably knows now that Hamlet is on to him. Claudius asks Hamlet whether there is any offense intended by the play, and demands at the point when the murder occurs in the play for light. It seems that the play reminds him of his past act (the murder of his brother). Hamlet responds by making merry with the actors, and goes to Horatio to ask whether Horatio agrees with Hamlet. Claudius, knowing that Hamlet knows, is bent on sending Hamlet away to England.
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 decides to send Hamlet to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern--to keep Hamlet under surveillance. Rosencratz, obsequious as he is, tells Clauiud that a king is never alone, but always has the force of his subjects behind him. This seems to connect to the use of "we" by the royal family; they are never alone in their endeavors.
2. Where is Polonius going?
Polonius is going to Gertrude's room to listen in on Hamlet and his mother's conversation. He hopes to gain an advantage by using Hamlet's supposed trust of his mother to find his true motives.
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 that he has committed a foul deed--the murder of his brother, and that this guilty conscience keeps him from praying for forgiveness. Claudius, is not repentant, for he does not want to give up what he has gained though the murder: the crown and Gertrude. The play has awoken his guilty conscience (or rather the knowledge that he is guilty, for he does not seems repentant). Claudius says in the end that his words reach Heaven, but without his thoughts. Meaning that his prayer and attempt at saving his soul has not been genuine.
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?
Claudius wants to kill Hamlet. There is a difference between killing once, and killing twice--especially to cover up the first murder.
Claudius is not honest to Gertrude. He knows that Gertrude needs Hamlet, but he decides to kill him to save his neck. Claudius is betraying everyone.
Claudius gives himself exception to rules that he applies to those around him.
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 keeps Ophelia in the castle so that she does not spread word of what had happened. He is piteous toward Ophelia, at least in part, but it may be for the sake of "looking" concerned.
Claudius wants to know what happened between Gertrude and Hamlet.
3. How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet?
Claudius does not seem to be grieved for Polonius, he gave him an "obscure" funeral in the words of Laertes. Polonius is trying to use Polonius and Laertes to kill off Hamlet.
Claudius obviously sees Hamlet as a threat. He could have told the people of Polonius' assassination and they would have forgiven Hamlet, but Claudius wants to spite Hamlet.
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 does not trust any characters, and is not honest to any--including Gertrude, his wife.
Laertes is persuaded by Claudius, so he believes Claudius credible at the least.
Hamlet wants to kill Claudius to avenge his father's death.
Gertrude is unaware of Claudius' plan to get rid of Hamlet.
5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which she appears? How is she affected by the events?
Claudius is the only one who knows everything, and he uses this to his advantage, manipulating other characters to get what he wants. He uses Laertes' anger to make him "avenge" his father's death by killing Polonius, not telling him that Hamlet was unaware that he was killing Polonius, or the fact that Polonius was intruding upon Hamlet and Gertrude's privacy.
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?
We learn, although Claudius is seldom honest, that Hamlet is quite well-liked by the people of Denmark.
At this point in the play, Claudius is basically manipulating everyone--who are like his puppets. This makes sense because he is the king, and he has the advantage of knowing more (about what is going on) than any of the other characters of the play.
7. What questions are raised by your character's words and/or behavior in this act?
Does Claudius really love Gertrude?
Which does he prize more: the crown or Gertrude?
Doesn't Claudius need Hamlet to carry on the family name and bloodline? Who will be king after Claudius?
8. What was unexpected? What questions that you've previously had are answered by your character's words and /or behavior in this act?
Claudius does not succeed in feeling guilty or repenting, and now, it seems that he has become worse.
It's surprising that Laertes believes Claudius' words.
Summary
Act 4 Scene 1
Claudius finds out from Gertrude that Hamlet has killed Polonius, and taken the body somewhere, so he tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find Hamlet and ask him where the body is.
Act 4 Scene 2
Hamlet does not reveal the whereabouts of Polonius' body to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He insults how the two are being brown-nosers.
Act 4 Scene 3
Hamlet finally reveals where Polonius' body is to Claudius and Claudius plans to ship off Hamlet as soon as he can. Claudius is doing this not for Hamlet, but for himself, because he is afraid that it could easily have been him that Hamlet had slain. He plans to ask England to kill Hamlet for him.
Act 4 Scene 4
Fortinbras is with his army near Denmark, and plans to execute his revenge.
Act 4 Scene 5
Ophelia is mad because her fathr has died by Hamlet, and she was in love with Hamlet but he has rejected her (she may possibly be pregnant as well). Laertes, in revenge, plans to take over Claudius' kingdom, but as he is about to attack Claudius, the king tells him that it was not he that killed Polonius. Laertes is shocked to find his sister has gone mad.
Act 4 Scene 6
Horatio gets a letter from Hamlet telling him that he has been captured by pirates, and needs to pay a ransom. Hamlet did not make it to England, and has come back to Denmark.
Act 4 Scene 7
Claudius finds out that Hamlet is back in Denmark; he sets up a trap for Hamlet where he and Laertes will sword fight and Laertes will kill Hamlet by an "accident" so that he will not be punished. Claudius decides to set Laertes up against Hamlet. Gertrude walks in and tells Laertes that his sister has drowned.
Questions
1. Scene 1 of Act 4 in drawing.
2. 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 shortest scene of the play, Act 4 Scene 4, shows Fortinbras for the first time. This scene is significant because it emphasizes how men seem to deal with the murder of their fathers: Hamlet wants to kill Claudius; Laertes wants to take the crown away from Claudius; and Fortinbras wants his father's domains back (as well as Denmark). It seems that Hamlet is the one acting differently from Laertes and Fortinbras who both decide to take over Denmark; however, Laertes as acted quickly while Fortinbras has waited 23 years... without this scene we would not be able to make comparisons between the three characters that have lost their fathers by assassination or murder.
3. Ask questions about the scene. Has anything in the scene caused you confusion? OR Ask one of the characters in the scene a question.
Gertrude seems like a very light brained character. Claudius knew enough to know that Denmark would forgive Hamlet for killing Polonius by accident because they love him like a child. How did Gertrude not know? Shouldn't she know more than Claudius since she's been a ruler for a longer time than Claudius? Or does she not know because she is a woman and has less power and "intuition"?
It was brought up in class that Ophelia's most important scenes are passive. After looking over her death it seems that she is passive. She never acts out of her own accord and she never she thinks for her own self. Perhaps if she had someone to tell her not to go crazy, she wouldn't have gone crazy. However, if she was passive, then perhaps she just fell into the lake? Or is it passive that she doesn't try to fight back but instead kills herself?
Summary
Act 5 Scene 1
Hamlet and Horatio are walking ans they hear a gravedigger singing. Hamlet finds it ironic that the dead are treat without respect, and questions the gravedigger. The gravedigger makes many sly remarks and Hamlet finds the skull of his "nanny" whom he used to love. Hamlet holds the skull of Yoric, and reminisces. The funeral procession of Ophelia takes place where Laertes jumps into her grave and tell the diggers to bury him with her. Hamlet jumps in also when he finds out the Ophelia has died, and questions Laertes of his love. However, it is revealed that Hamlet has esteem for Laertes. Claudius and Gertrude break up Hamlet and Laertes and Claudius promises that Laertes will get his revenge.
Questions
1. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
Hamlet jumps into Ophelia's grave after he finds out that it is not the grave of just any lady, but of Ophelia. He cries out and threatens Laertes--could he really have been in love with Ophelia? If he did not love her, why jump into her grave and shock the congregation? Furthermore, why would he compare his love for Ophelia with the brotherly love that Laertes has for Ophelia? I was quite shocked though that Laertes just took out Opelia's body (that is what I'm assuming he did since he said that he wants to hug her one last time). It's interesting because in Korean funerals, the visitors and family members are not allowed to touch the body of the deceased. I'm not sure about western funerals, but I assume that people still need to show respect for the body. It kind of adds to the idea that Ophelia does not have control over herself, even her brother does not show respect for her grave and coffin and body. Or maybe, he just jumps in and hugs her body out of brotherly love and regret.
2. Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion.
Laertes only seems to grieve for Ophelia after she has died. Why couldn't he grieve for her when was alive but insane? His reaction was too short when he found out that she had gone mad. He only says "Do you see this, O God?. After that short exclamation he does not even chase after Ophelia, he talks with Claudius for a while then the scene ends. However, at Ophelia's funeral, he jumps dwn ito the grave, takes out Ophelia's body and hugs her: "Hold off the earth awhile,/ Till I have caught her once more in mine arms./ He leaps into the grave/ Now pile your dust upon the quick and dead,/ Till of this flat a mountain you have made..." Is he feeling guilty because he was there (in Denmark) when Ophelia killed herself (or possibly just fell in the water)? As the male guardian, it was his job to protect and guide her, and it seems that he did not do his job. Before Polonius' death, it seemed that both Laertes and Polonius guided her (telling her not to fool around with Hamlet), but after Polonius' death, it seems that Laertes' awareness of his responsibility to his sister deteriorated.
3. Act 5 Scene 1 Drawing Summary
Act 5 Scene 2
Hamlet tells Horatio how he escaped death. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been sentenced to death. Osric enters with an invitation for Hamlet to dual with Laertes; Claudius has "bet" that Hamlet cannot withstand Laertes' sword skills. There are carriages, horses, and swords on wager. Hamlet and Laertes fight with swords, and it seems that Hamlet has the upper hand at first, but Laertes and Hamlet scrape each other with poisoned swords. Gertrude accidentally drinks poison and dies. Hamlet kills Claudius by stabbing him and fording him to drink poison; Laertes dies. Hamlet asks Horatio to be sad for him, and to tell his story. Hamlet basically gives his kingdom to Fortinbras, and dies. Fortinbras and English ambassadors arrive to see the outcome of the tragedy. Horatio tells the story.
ONE MOTIF:
Poison.
Hamlet (the older) died by poison being dropped into this ear by Claudius, his brother.
Gertrude dies because she drinks a poisoned drink intended for Hamlet by Claudius, her husband.
Laertes dies by his own sword, but by Hamlet's scrape.
Hamlet dies by Laertes' poison and sword.
(However, Laertes and Hamlet decide not to blame each other for their respective deaths.)
Claudius dies by his own poison, but by Hamlet's stab and forcing of drinking.
So, Hamlet avenged his father, but it seem like his family (father and mother) have been killed by Claudius, his uncle. What is Shakespeare saying about family ties? Are uncles not considered very close in England at this time? Or is it particular Danish family, that just happens to be the rulers?
Fortinbras.
When Shakespeare wrote this, Elizabeth I was getting old, and didn't have any children. Is Fortinbras coming in to rule symbolic? Elizabeth ordered the execution of her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, and since Elizabeth did not have any children, Mary's son, James, would rule after her. Is Fortinbras James? Is kind of makes sense, since Fortinbras has been waiting for a long time to take over Denmark as a part of his revenge against Hamlet Sr. for killing his father. Replace Hamlet Sr. with Elizabeth I, and father with mother, and it seems to be a perfect match for the situation.
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.
Example: 2.1 – Questions: Polonius – what’s your problem? Reynaldo – are you going to spread the bad word about Laertes? I hope you don’t. Ophelia – how strongly do you feel about Hamlet? You’d better avoid him totally before something terrible happens.
3. Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
Example: 1.1 – Horatio says “Most like. It harrows me with fear and wonder.” This line really explains to us what all three of the guards are feeling when they see this ghost. They are all frightened by it, yet they wonder why it came to them and why it is dressed the way it is. It really sets the mood for the whole scene because it lets us know that they are anxious. The first few lines in this scene really shocked me because we didn’t know anything about these characters yet they were all so nervous and jumpy. Plus they were very suspicious and cautious of everything.
4. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
Example: 1.2 – King Claudius seems like a flake to me. He seems to know what he’s talking about but to me it’s like it’s rehearsed or something. I can understand him trying to be friends with Hamlet, but it seems to me that he is just doing it to make himself look good. I don’t think he means anything of what he said to Hamlet.
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?
Summaries
Act 1 Scene 1
The guards on duty see a ghost for a couple nights, and ask Horatio to help them. The ghost is the late king of Denmark, and does not speak to Horatio or the other guards. Horatio says that he will appeal to Hamlet about this issue, but expresses his fear that the ghost is a bad omen.
Act 1 Scene 2
Claudius and Gertrude announce their marriage in front of the court; Gertrude and Cludius now rule Denmark. Claudius sends two men on a mission regarding their war, and Lauis asks to be returned to France now that he has fulfilled his duty of attending Claudius' coronation. Hamlet is the only one still in mourning for his father, and the king and queen tell him not to mourn too much. Hamlet expresses his discontent at his father's untimely death, the fact that no seems to be mourning much, and that his mother has married his uncle. Hamlet also finds out from Horatio that his father's ghost appears at night; he intends to confront the ghost.
Questions
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 significance of the beginning scene is that the dead king of Denmark has come as a spirit, the audience is not given the cause for his return: is he merely haunting the castle where he used to live, or does he want to deliver a message? Without this scene, we would not know about the ghost, which will play a great part later in the play.
The significance of the second scene is that Hamlet is not content with what is happening around him: his father's death, and his mother's marriage to his uncle. Without this scene, we would not know about Hamlet's inner turmoil which goads him to act.
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.
Gertrude, how can you marry your dead husband's brother? On top of that, you only waited a few months before forgetting him? Did you think about what kind of an effect that would have on Hamlet? Is Denmark very religious at this time, because doesn't it say in the Bible, that a man can't take his brother's wife? The situation seems incredulous at best.
3. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
I found it interesting how Hamlet is the only one truly grieving his father's death. Claudius and Gertrude say that after a time is past, it is not natural to grieve for a death, but it has only been two or so months. Is it not natural that Hamlet would grieve the death of someone he used to idolize for more than a couple months? How is the court satisfied with this new marriage? It seems that Gertrude's marriage was the next big event after the king's funeral. Are people just trying to satisfy the new rulers?
Summaries
Act 1 Scene 3
Laertes tells Ophelia to stay away from Hamlet as he does not trust him to be serious about his sister. Polonius and Ophelia bid goodbye to Laertes as he leaves for France to continue his education. Polonius also tells Ophelia to disencourage Hamlet's advances. Ophelia accepts Laertes and Polonius' demands.
Act 1 Scene 4
Hamlet goes to see the ghost and asks him why he appears every night. The ghost beckons Hamlet to follow him, and Hamlet follows despite the protests of his companions. Horatio and Marcellus decide to follow Hamlet because they do not trust the spirit.
Act 1 Scene 5
The ghost tells Hamlet that he is his father's spirit, and that he has been condemned. He also tells Hamlet that Claudius murdered his father with ear poison. Hamlet swears to the ghost that he will avenge his father. Hamlet makes Horatio and Marcellus swear that they will not reveal what happened that night.
Act 2 Scene 1
Polonius sends Reynoldo to his son, Laertes. He wants Reynaldo to find out if Laertes is being a proper gentleman. Ophelia enters after Reynaldo exits, to tell her fathr that Hamlet came into her chambers looking strange and cried. Polonius begins to think that Hamlet is more than flirting with Ophelia (that Hamlet is more serious), and decides to go to Claudius.
Act 2 Scene 2
Gertrude and Claudius ask Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (old friends of Hamlet) to find out what is the matter with Hamlet. They agree to him Gertrude and Claudius. Voltemand returns from Norway with the news that Fortinbras' uncle, upon request from Denmark, told his newphew to stop his attacks. This is good news for Denmark. Polnius tells Gertrude and Claudis that Hamlet is "mad" because of his love for Ophelia, his daughter. Gertrude and Claudius seem a bit reluctant to believe, but they see a love letter addressed from Hamlet to Ophelia, and they seem more convinced. (Before Polonius' presumption, they thought that Hamlet was grieving over his father's death.) Polonius expresses to the king and queen that he will not let Hamlet continue courting Ophelia if he is not serious about her. Polonius and Hamlet are left alone, and Polonius attempt to speak to Hamlet, but Hamlet does not take him seriously. Performers arrive at the palace, and Hamlet decides reenact the murder of his father using the actors.
Questions
1. 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.
Today is as any other day, Claudius and I, we, reign Denmark, but many new events have occurred, and the course of life is looking for the better. First, we have good news from Norway. Our ambassador to the uncle of Fortinbras, Voltemand, fared back this day with news of good fortune. Norway has decided to help Denmark 'gainst his nephew, and wrote to him discouraging further actions of attack 'gainst Denmark. Furthermore, Guildernstern and Rosencrantz have arrived in answer to our request for help. They have known and grown with Hamlet, and will understand him better than can we. We hope that our efforts will prove to be fruitful. After they had gone though, we found ourselves in a puzzling situation as Polonius, who does not lie, claims that Hamlet is not mad as a cause by the death of his father and our hasty marriage, but by his love for Ophelia, Polonius' daughter. We left him to talk with Hamlet, but I do not yet know what has become of his efforts. I hope that Hamlet is mad for love and not with hate. I fear that it is my marriage that drives him mad and strange, I would abhor to be responsible for Hamlet's sickness, for a love him as any mother her son.
2. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
I've read Hamlet before, although I don't remember a bit of it, and I've known for a while that Claudius had killed the old king. The first tim eI read Hamlet, I thought that Claudius had killed his brother to usurp the throne of Denmark, just because Hamlet said the word "usurp" a couple times. However, when I heard the Ghost lament, and state the Claudius was driven also by love for Gertrude, I was quite surprised. People (in plays) often kill out of greed, but can one kill out of love? I guess they can kill out of jealousy, but why at that moment? Why couldn't Claudius have killed brother Hamlet before he married Gertrude, or why couldn't her have objected to the marriage? Does Gertrude even love Claudius? Did she only marry him to stay on the throne for a longer time? Why couldn't Hamlet have taken over? Is he too young, too immature, too indifferent? There are a series of questions that the play (in written text) cannot answer. It seems that plays are always subject to different interpretations for this reason.
3. Comment in one sentence on what you think is the significance of this scene.
Scene 1 of Act 2 was the most confusing for me, I did not understand why Polonius would send someone to accuse his son (does he not trust him?). Then, there is the scene with Ophelia sewing in her chamber, and Hamlet coming o her to cry. The latter part I partially understood: Hamlet does not have someone to confide in and trust. He can't, after finding out about his father's "murder most foul" go to Gertrude or Claudius, he can't even tell Horatio or Marcellus. Hamlet needs to vent his grief, and he chooses Ophelia, feeling that she would not scorn him. However, Ophelia really can't be trusted because she keeps reporting Hamlet's actions to Polonius. Why would she report Hamlet to her father? I guess she doesn't trust him enough to not ask her father for assistance; that, and she's a woman, so her reputation and future are at stake if she trusts Hamlet, and he fails her.
So, to sum it all up: Scene 1 of Act 2 reveals that Polonius and Ophelia cannot trust anyone: Polonius does not trust Laertes; Ophelia, not Hamlet.
Summary
Act 3 Scene 1
Gertrude, Claudius, Polonius, Guildernstern and Rosencrantz try to figure out why Hamlet is acting so crazy. Gertrude hopes that Hamlet is mad for love and not for grief, and leaves the room because Claudius commands her to. Only Ophelia, Claudius, and Polonius are left in the room, and they command Ophelia to walk into Hamlet so they could watch Hamlet's behavior. Hamlet and Ophelia meet; they talk, and Hamlet suddenly tells her to go to a nunnery, and speaks like a madman. Claudius and Polonius decide that Hamlet is not in love with Ophelia, and is mad for some other reason. Claudius suspects that something is fishy.
Questions
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 significance of this scene is that Polonius and (more importantly) Claudius find out that Hamlet is not in love with Ophelia--through the way that he treats her, telling her to go to a nunnery. (He is not necessarily telling her to go and become a nun, rather to go to a nunnery and repent for her sins.)
If this scene was not included in the play, the audience would not know that Hamlet is not in love with Ophelia; or if he was in love with her, he certainly isn't now. Then again, he could be in love with her, but trying to protect her from what he is planning by pretending that he doesn't love her since nothing good could come for Ophelia by being a part of his plan.
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.
I was surprised that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were on the King and Queen's side instead of Hamlet's. Didn't they grow up with Hamlet, shouldn't they acting on the side of Hamlet, and not ratting him out? Perhaps they were only Hamlet's friends for the sake of his title?
3. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
Ophelia does not seem to be in love with Hamlet--either that, or she is just a pawn to her father. She always does what she is told, and it doesn't help Hamlet. She told Polonius about how his mad actions; she let Polonius and Claudius spy on Hamlet. It's hard to figure her out. Does she love him, but cannot find the strength within her to defy her father (the paternal / male authority figure)?
It is also puzzling whether Hamlet is in love with Ophelia or not. Does he love her up to the point that he finds out she betrayed him (he does ask where is your father)? I see only two scenarios: one, he finds out the Ophelia has deceived him, and falls out of love feeling much betrayed; two, he finds out that he has brought Ophelia into his plan, and that she is being used by her father, so Hamlet decides to leave her out of his plan.
There were three movie versions.
Summary
Act 3 Scene 2
Hamlet instructs the actors on how he wants the play preformed. He asks Horatio to watch the king's reaction when the play reenacting him murdering the former king of Denmark is shown in front of the entire court. Before and during the play, Hamlet makes jokes with sexual puns at Ophelia. The play is about a Duchess who married the murderer of her late husband, the Duke. The king is offended and leaves. Hamlet's mother demands that he comes to her room to talk about what he has done and implied through the play. It is obvious that Guildenstern and Rosencrantz are on the side of the king and queen. Hamlet decides to go and speak to Gertrude.
Questions
1. Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion.
HORATIO Here, sweet lord, at your service. 48
HAMLET Horatio, thou art e'en as just a man/As e'er my conversation coped withal. 50
I thought it was interesting how Horatio and Hamlet treat each other so well. Horatio is very courteous (almost suspiciously so), and Hamlet trusts Horatio enough to confide in him about his secret and plan. These three lines reminded me of the theory that Hamlet may have been a woman, and (on top of that) in love with Horatio. But, I'm nearly sure that they are just good friends; homosexuality in Hamlet seems a bit far fetched although I've heard that since only men were allowed to take part in the play, there were numerous investigations of homosexuality in Shakespeare's theater.
2. Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
I really enjoyed the play within the play, and how everything the players said had a couplet rhyme scheme. The lines that had the most strong impression (and were the most enjoyable) were: "A second time I kill my husband dead,/When second husband kisses me in bed" (172-173). I made me think about how Gertrude and King Hamlet must have been like. We, as the readers and viewers of the play, never see any interaction between Gertrude and old Hamlet. I think that if Shakespeare had included a portion with Gertrude and the old King, and they were very much in love, then there would be more bitter feelings toward Gertrude in the part of the readers. (Especially if she makes such promises as the Player Queen does.)
3. 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 significance of the scene is that Hamlet now knows of Claudius' guilt. After seeing Claudius stand up after the incriminating scene of the play within the play (The Mouse Trap), Hamlet makes up his mind that the ghost was indeed the spirit of his late father.
Without this scene, the latter half of the play would not occur which I assume will be the execution of Hamlet's revenge. If Claudius was not proven to be guilty (by his actions during the play), then Hamlet would most likely not take action against him.
It is obvious to the audience that Hamlet is alone onstage. What else, then, does he mean when he begins, “Now I am alone”?
The scene takes place after Hamlet meets Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, and ddiscovers that they had been summoned by the king and queen. He had grown up with the two of them, and perhaps he is lamenting the loss of his friends--it seems that he is alone and lacking allies.
OTHER QUESTIONS
Why is the Prince calling himself a “rogue” and “peasant slave”?
A rogue is idle; Hamlet alludes to his not doing anything about his father's murder. A peasant and slave are not free men; Hamlet feels that he is not free because he os bound by duty to avenge his father.
*Hamlet compares himself to the player. What does this comparison reveal about Hamlet’s self-perception?
Hamlet probably lacks a firm grasp on reality. He often commits mad actions such as bawdy joke-making and taunting. Hamlet most likely feels like a player because he is bound to play a role: that of the son avenging his father's murder.
Throughout the play, much violence is done to ears. How does Hamlet’s “cleave the general ear” relate to other “ear” references? Shakespeare uses the word ear twenty-seven times in this play. Do any of these resonate with you?
The ear is instrumental in hearing; could it be that the use of the ear relates to the moral of the play? "Listen to the moral?" It is interesting that "murder most foul" begins with an ear, and that its vengeance is carried out with references to ears.
Hamlet uses a lot of theatrical terminology in his speech. Find some examples (“cue,” “satage,” “play”). Why might Hamlet be thinking in theatrical terms?
Perhaps Hamlet is so absorbed in playing the part of the avenging son that keeps on referring to theatrical terminology in his speech.
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?
"Yet I, /A dull and muddy-mettled rascal, peak/Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my cause,/And can say nothing..."(554-557). Hamlet compares himself to the player, who can cry for Hecuba whom he has no relation to. Hamlet wonders what he has done to avenge his father, a person he has a significant tie to. He then wonders whether it is not that he is idle, but rather a coward.
I don't think that Hamlet is a coward, for if he is a coward then he would not dare to put on a reenactment of the late King's murder on stage, knowing that it would make him into a target for Claudius (who is now king and has great power).
HOMEWORK: 3.2 (SHORT LOG -- JUST SUMMARY AND QUESTIONS; THEN ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS PUT ONTO THE WIKI
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
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 instructs the actors on how to perform, and tells them to restrain passion and not overdo the actions. He is altering the play to communicate his ideas to the audience better.
2. Why does Hamlet say he especially likes Horatio (Does Hamlet see Horatio as similar to him or different from him?)
Hamlet states that he admires Horatio's honesty. Hamlet sees Horatio as different from himself, he says that Horatio has not been touched by ill fate, and is therefore not subject to fortune's swings. It seems that Hamlet sees Horatio as one of the chosen few that are good in judgment and have a good and blessed life.
3. What function is served by the discussion of Polonius as an actor (3.1.89-96)? Hamlet was written within a year or two of Julius Caesar; what is added to the scene for the audience if Richard Burbage, playing Hamlet, also played Brutus? Can you guess what part the actor playing Polonius might have played in Julius Caesar?
The discussion of Polonius' career as a student actor is as brief as his career was. It seems that Shakespeare has created an ironic situation where the actors playing his characters are also actors in their lives as well. hamlet is playing the role of the avenging son; Gertrude is the sunny and perhaps ditzy queen; Claudius is the "noble" king; Ophelia is the fair maid; and Polonius the protective father and top consultant to the king--it seems that everyone is playing a role imposed on them by social customs. They are not what they wish to be, but rather what they are expected to be. It seems that the characters of Hamlet only act a certain way because it seems right in the eyes of society, even Hamlet, and especially Claudius. Claudius himself says that it is befitting for the court to grieve the later king's death for a longer time. Hamlet questions this approach, yet seems to take it upon himself to put on the mask of the avenging son beneath that of the prince driven to madness by grief and loss of love. No one is showing their true feelings, even Ophelia seems to be rather uncertain about Hamlet and her situation.
Hamlet and Brutus both face a moral problem, they are both forced to kill: Hamlet by his respect for his late father, and Brutus by his conscience and certain treacherous members of the senate.
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)?
A couple weeks for not much time has passed, but just enough so that Ophelia spurns Hamlet's advances to her.
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 probably knows now that Hamlet is on to him. Claudius asks Hamlet whether there is any offense intended by the play, and demands at the point when the murder occurs in the play for light. It seems that the play reminds him of his past act (the murder of his brother). Hamlet responds by making merry with the actors, and goes to Horatio to ask whether Horatio agrees with Hamlet. Claudius, knowing that Hamlet knows, is bent on sending Hamlet away to England.
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 decides to send Hamlet to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern--to keep Hamlet under surveillance. Rosencratz, obsequious as he is, tells Clauiud that a king is never alone, but always has the force of his subjects behind him. This seems to connect to the use of "we" by the royal family; they are never alone in their endeavors.
2. Where is Polonius going?
Polonius is going to Gertrude's room to listen in on Hamlet and his mother's conversation. He hopes to gain an advantage by using Hamlet's supposed trust of his mother to find his true motives.
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 that he has committed a foul deed--the murder of his brother, and that this guilty conscience keeps him from praying for forgiveness. Claudius, is not repentant, for he does not want to give up what he has gained though the murder: the crown and Gertrude. The play has awoken his guilty conscience (or rather the knowledge that he is guilty, for he does not seems repentant). Claudius says in the end that his words reach Heaven, but without his thoughts. Meaning that his prayer and attempt at saving his soul has not been genuine.
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?
Claudius wants to kill Hamlet. There is a difference between killing once, and killing twice--especially to cover up the first murder.
Claudius is not honest to Gertrude. He knows that Gertrude needs Hamlet, but he decides to kill him to save his neck. Claudius is betraying everyone.
Claudius gives himself exception to rules that he applies to those around him.
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 keeps Ophelia in the castle so that she does not spread word of what had happened. He is piteous toward Ophelia, at least in part, but it may be for the sake of "looking" concerned.
Claudius wants to know what happened between Gertrude and Hamlet.
3. How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet?
Claudius does not seem to be grieved for Polonius, he gave him an "obscure" funeral in the words of Laertes. Polonius is trying to use Polonius and Laertes to kill off Hamlet.
Claudius obviously sees Hamlet as a threat. He could have told the people of Polonius' assassination and they would have forgiven Hamlet, but Claudius wants to spite Hamlet.
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 does not trust any characters, and is not honest to any--including Gertrude, his wife.
Laertes is persuaded by Claudius, so he believes Claudius credible at the least.
Hamlet wants to kill Claudius to avenge his father's death.
Gertrude is unaware of Claudius' plan to get rid of Hamlet.
5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which she appears? How is she affected by the events?
Claudius is the only one who knows everything, and he uses this to his advantage, manipulating other characters to get what he wants. He uses Laertes' anger to make him "avenge" his father's death by killing Polonius, not telling him that Hamlet was unaware that he was killing Polonius, or the fact that Polonius was intruding upon Hamlet and Gertrude's privacy.
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?
We learn, although Claudius is seldom honest, that Hamlet is quite well-liked by the people of Denmark.
At this point in the play, Claudius is basically manipulating everyone--who are like his puppets. This makes sense because he is the king, and he has the advantage of knowing more (about what is going on) than any of the other characters of the play.
7. What questions are raised by your character's words and/or behavior in this act?
Does Claudius really love Gertrude?
Which does he prize more: the crown or Gertrude?
Doesn't Claudius need Hamlet to carry on the family name and bloodline? Who will be king after Claudius?
8. What was unexpected? What questions that you've previously had are answered by your character's words and /or behavior in this act?
Claudius does not succeed in feeling guilty or repenting, and now, it seems that he has become worse.
It's surprising that Laertes believes Claudius' words.
Summary
Act 4 Scene 1
Claudius finds out from Gertrude that Hamlet has killed Polonius, and taken the body somewhere, so he tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find Hamlet and ask him where the body is.
Act 4 Scene 2
Hamlet does not reveal the whereabouts of Polonius' body to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He insults how the two are being brown-nosers.
Act 4 Scene 3
Hamlet finally reveals where Polonius' body is to Claudius and Claudius plans to ship off Hamlet as soon as he can. Claudius is doing this not for Hamlet, but for himself, because he is afraid that it could easily have been him that Hamlet had slain. He plans to ask England to kill Hamlet for him.
Act 4 Scene 4
Fortinbras is with his army near Denmark, and plans to execute his revenge.
Act 4 Scene 5
Ophelia is mad because her fathr has died by Hamlet, and she was in love with Hamlet but he has rejected her (she may possibly be pregnant as well). Laertes, in revenge, plans to take over Claudius' kingdom, but as he is about to attack Claudius, the king tells him that it was not he that killed Polonius. Laertes is shocked to find his sister has gone mad.
Act 4 Scene 6
Horatio gets a letter from Hamlet telling him that he has been captured by pirates, and needs to pay a ransom. Hamlet did not make it to England, and has come back to Denmark.
Act 4 Scene 7
Claudius finds out that Hamlet is back in Denmark; he sets up a trap for Hamlet where he and Laertes will sword fight and Laertes will kill Hamlet by an "accident" so that he will not be punished. Claudius decides to set Laertes up against Hamlet. Gertrude walks in and tells Laertes that his sister has drowned.
Questions
1. Scene 1 of Act 4 in drawing.
2. 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 shortest scene of the play, Act 4 Scene 4, shows Fortinbras for the first time. This scene is significant because it emphasizes how men seem to deal with the murder of their fathers: Hamlet wants to kill Claudius; Laertes wants to take the crown away from Claudius; and Fortinbras wants his father's domains back (as well as Denmark). It seems that Hamlet is the one acting differently from Laertes and Fortinbras who both decide to take over Denmark; however, Laertes as acted quickly while Fortinbras has waited 23 years... without this scene we would not be able to make comparisons between the three characters that have lost their fathers by assassination or murder.
3. Ask questions about the scene. Has anything in the scene caused you confusion? OR Ask one of the characters in the scene a question.
Gertrude seems like a very light brained character. Claudius knew enough to know that Denmark would forgive Hamlet for killing Polonius by accident because they love him like a child. How did Gertrude not know? Shouldn't she know more than Claudius since she's been a ruler for a longer time than Claudius? Or does she not know because she is a woman and has less power and "intuition"?
It was brought up in class that Ophelia's most important scenes are passive. After looking over her death it seems that she is passive. She never acts out of her own accord and she never she thinks for her own self. Perhaps if she had someone to tell her not to go crazy, she wouldn't have gone crazy. However, if she was passive, then perhaps she just fell into the lake? Or is it passive that she doesn't try to fight back but instead kills herself?
Summary
Act 5 Scene 1
Hamlet and Horatio are walking ans they hear a gravedigger singing. Hamlet finds it ironic that the dead are treat without respect, and questions the gravedigger. The gravedigger makes many sly remarks and Hamlet finds the skull of his "nanny" whom he used to love. Hamlet holds the skull of Yoric, and reminisces. The funeral procession of Ophelia takes place where Laertes jumps into her grave and tell the diggers to bury him with her. Hamlet jumps in also when he finds out the Ophelia has died, and questions Laertes of his love. However, it is revealed that Hamlet has esteem for Laertes. Claudius and Gertrude break up Hamlet and Laertes and Claudius promises that Laertes will get his revenge.
Questions
1. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
Hamlet jumps into Ophelia's grave after he finds out that it is not the grave of just any lady, but of Ophelia. He cries out and threatens Laertes--could he really have been in love with Ophelia? If he did not love her, why jump into her grave and shock the congregation? Furthermore, why would he compare his love for Ophelia with the brotherly love that Laertes has for Ophelia? I was quite shocked though that Laertes just took out Opelia's body (that is what I'm assuming he did since he said that he wants to hug her one last time). It's interesting because in Korean funerals, the visitors and family members are not allowed to touch the body of the deceased. I'm not sure about western funerals, but I assume that people still need to show respect for the body. It kind of adds to the idea that Ophelia does not have control over herself, even her brother does not show respect for her grave and coffin and body. Or maybe, he just jumps in and hugs her body out of brotherly love and regret.
2. Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion.
Laertes only seems to grieve for Ophelia after she has died. Why couldn't he grieve for her when was alive but insane? His reaction was too short when he found out that she had gone mad. He only says "Do you see this, O God?. After that short exclamation he does not even chase after Ophelia, he talks with Claudius for a while then the scene ends. However, at Ophelia's funeral, he jumps dwn ito the grave, takes out Ophelia's body and hugs her: "Hold off the earth awhile,/ Till I have caught her once more in mine arms./ He leaps into the grave/ Now pile your dust upon the quick and dead,/ Till of this flat a mountain you have made..." Is he feeling guilty because he was there (in Denmark) when Ophelia killed herself (or possibly just fell in the water)? As the male guardian, it was his job to protect and guide her, and it seems that he did not do his job. Before Polonius' death, it seemed that both Laertes and Polonius guided her (telling her not to fool around with Hamlet), but after Polonius' death, it seems that Laertes' awareness of his responsibility to his sister deteriorated.
3. Act 5 Scene 1 Drawing
Summary
Act 5 Scene 2
Hamlet tells Horatio how he escaped death. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been sentenced to death. Osric enters with an invitation for Hamlet to dual with Laertes; Claudius has "bet" that Hamlet cannot withstand Laertes' sword skills. There are carriages, horses, and swords on wager. Hamlet and Laertes fight with swords, and it seems that Hamlet has the upper hand at first, but Laertes and Hamlet scrape each other with poisoned swords. Gertrude accidentally drinks poison and dies. Hamlet kills Claudius by stabbing him and fording him to drink poison; Laertes dies. Hamlet asks Horatio to be sad for him, and to tell his story. Hamlet basically gives his kingdom to Fortinbras, and dies. Fortinbras and English ambassadors arrive to see the outcome of the tragedy. Horatio tells the story.
ONE MOTIF:
Poison.
Hamlet (the older) died by poison being dropped into this ear by Claudius, his brother.
Gertrude dies because she drinks a poisoned drink intended for Hamlet by Claudius, her husband.
Laertes dies by his own sword, but by Hamlet's scrape.
Hamlet dies by Laertes' poison and sword.
(However, Laertes and Hamlet decide not to blame each other for their respective deaths.)
Claudius dies by his own poison, but by Hamlet's stab and forcing of drinking.
So, Hamlet avenged his father, but it seem like his family (father and mother) have been killed by Claudius, his uncle. What is Shakespeare saying about family ties? Are uncles not considered very close in England at this time? Or is it particular Danish family, that just happens to be the rulers?
Fortinbras.
When Shakespeare wrote this, Elizabeth I was getting old, and didn't have any children. Is Fortinbras coming in to rule symbolic? Elizabeth ordered the execution of her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, and since Elizabeth did not have any children, Mary's son, James, would rule after her. Is Fortinbras James? Is kind of makes sense, since Fortinbras has been waiting for a long time to take over Denmark as a part of his revenge against Hamlet Sr. for killing his father. Replace Hamlet Sr. with Elizabeth I, and father with mother, and it seems to be a perfect match for the situation.