Act 1.1 Summary: At night outside a castle in Denmark, an officer named Bernardo comes to relieve the watchman Francisco. Francisco thanks Bernardo and prepares to go home. Soon, Marcellus, another watchman, and Horatio join Bernardo. Bernardo and Marcellus tell Horatio about the apparition, which looks like the recently deceased King Hamlet, they have seen over the past two nights. Horatio is skeptical, but then the ghost suddenly appears before the men. Terrified, Horatio acknowledges that the ghost does indeed resemble the dead King of Denmark. He thinks that the ghost must bring warning of impending misfortune for the country. Horatio tries to speak to it. The ghost remains silent and disappears. Horatio suggests to tell Prince Hamlet, the dead king’s son, about the apparition because he believes that if it the ghost is really King Hamlet, it will talk to his beloved son.
Act 1.2 Summary: In the morning, King Claudius gives a speech to his courtiers, saying that he mourns his brother but has chosen to balance Denmark’s mourning with the delight of his marriage with Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother. When Laertes expresses his desire to return to France, where he was studying, Claudius and Polonius give permission. Claudius turns to Prince Hamlet saying that Hamlet should stop mourning since all fathers die, and all sons must lose their fathers. He also urges Hamlet to think of him as a father, reminding Hamlet that he stands in line to succeed to the throne upon Claudius’s death. Claudius and Gertrude asks Hamlet to not go back to school at Wittenberg and Hamlet obeys. Alone, Hamlet exclaims that he wishes he could die and laments his father’s death and his mother’s hasty marriage to his uncle. Horatio, a close friend of Hamlet at the university in Wittenberg, and other watchmen come in to tell about the ghost they have seen. Stunned, Hamlet decides to go to see the apparition.
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?
Hamlet’s soliloquy in Act1.2 seems to be the most significant scene. Because it shows Hamlet’s lament towards his father’s death and his mother’s hasty marriage with Claudius, the scene implies Hamlet’s state of mind and personality as well as his relationship with other characters. Without this scene, which gives ample information about the protagonist, the play would not make much sense to the audience who would not understand Hamlet’s character. Through this soliloquy, the play makes a smooth transition from introduction of the plot to Hamlet’s personality.
2. Ask questions about the scene. Has anything in the scene caused you confusion? OR Ask one of the characters in the scene a question -- or ask ME a question.
Why does the play start with a conversation of watchmen who do not have much authority in the castle? Why can't it begin with Prince Hamlet's soliloquy on Act1.2 which would give direct information about the plot and Hamlet's personality?
3. Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
Hamlet’s furious comment about Gertrude seems to be a condemnation of women in general: “Frailty, thy name is woman!” (I.ii.146). It seems to foreshadow that all female characteristics in the play would have somewhat frail characteristics. Furthermore, this comment reflects not only Hamlet's agonizing state of mind towards Gertrude's hasty marriage but also her character. This phrase shows Hamlet's belief that Gertrude's quick marriage to his uncle is a sign of her weakness. Her incestuous inconstancy shows that she does not think critically about her situation and King Hamlet's death. It is evident that Gertrude is more worried about making safe choices. It would be interesting to observe how Gertrude and other female characters will turn out in the end. Will all female characters be frail as Hamlet has generalized in the beginning? We'll see.
Entry#2: Character Analysis
Chosen Scene: 1.5. --113 (“Wither wilt thou lead me?” to “Adieu, adieu, adieu. Remember me”).
LINES: Hamlet 13; Ghost, 88 *My character is Gertrude and Claudius. When the ghost talks about each character and the murder, I will act out accordingly so that the audience can "see" what the ghost is describing (like the flashbacks in cartoons). Since Gertrude and Claudius are not present in the scene itself, I'll just refer to the conversation between the ghost and Hamlet to answer the questions.
What does your character want in the chosen scene?
According to the ghost, Claudius seems to have wanted both Gertrude and the throne.
What does the character do to get it?
Claudius murders King Hamlet by putting liquid into his ears.
What obstacles stand in his or her way?
King Hamlet was the ultimate obstacle for Claudius because King Hamlet
How does your character really feel about what is happening in the scene? How can you tell?
*Claudius and Gertrude were not in the scene.
What do other characters say about your character in the scene?
In ghost's perspective, Claudius is an "incestuous...adulterate beast" (1.5.42) who used "witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gift" to win "the will of [the ghost's] most seeming-virtuous queen" (1.5.43-46). In addition, Claudius appears as "a serpent" that murders King Hamlet and takes the throne. King Hamlet loathes Claudius for he believes that Claudius killed him and tainted Gertrude. By using strong negative words of King Hamlet, Shakespeare creates a dark, vengeful atmosphere within Hamlet and persuades the audience to see that Claudius has committed a sin, and now, to restore balance to the kingdom, the sin must be punished.
Gertrude is portrayed as a frail queen who got easily allured by Claudius's wits and gifts. This echoes Hamlet's phrase: “Frailty, thy name is woman!" Again, King Hamlet's language implies that she is a weak character. However, it is apparent that the King loves her because he asks Hamlet not to "contrive against [his] mother aught--leave her to heaven."
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.
*Claudius and Gertrude were not in the scene.
How does this scene add to your knowledge of the character?
Claudius is an evil character who murdered King Hamlet, took his throne, and married the king's queen. He is lustful, shrewd, and conniving. Gertrude seems to be an innocent, naive queen for she quickly married Claudius without questioning King Hamlet's sudden death.
Entry#3: Act 1.3-5 and Act 2.1-2.2
Act 1.3 Summary: Laertes prepares to leave for France. He cautions her sister Ophelia against falling in love with Hamlet, who is responsible not only for his own feelings but for his position in the state that it may be impossible for him to marry her. Polonius enters and gives Laertes a great deal of advice about how to behave with integrity and practicality. When Laertes leaves, Polonius asks her about her relationship with Hamlet. She tells him that Hamlet claims to love her. He forbids Ophelia to associate with Hamlet anymore, saying that she is too young to know love. Ophelia pledges to obey.
Act 1.4 Summary: At night, Hamlet keeps watch outside the castle with Horatio and Marcellus, waiting for the ghost to appear. Shortly after midnight, trumpets and gunfire sound from the castle, and Hamlet expresses his disgust for the new king's custom of spending the night carousing. Then the ghost appears and beckons Hamlet to follow it out into the night. Hamlet himself is unsure whether his father’s apparition is truly the King’s spirit or an evil demon, but he declares that he cares nothing for his life and that the ghost can do nothing to harm his soul. He follows after the apparition and disappears into the darkness. Horatio and Marcellus, stunned, declare that the event bodes ill for the nation. Quickly, Horatio and Marcellus follow after Hamlet and the ghost.
Act 1.5 Summary: In the darkness, the ghost speaks to Hamlet, claiming to be his father’s spirit. The ghost tells Hamlet that Claudius had killed him. It exhorts Hamlet to seek revenge, telling him that Claudius has corrupted Denmark and Gertrude. But the ghost urges Hamlet not to act against his mother in any way. As dawn breaks, the ghost disappears. Intensely moved, Hamlet swears to remember and obey the ghost. Horatio and Marcellus arrive and ask Hamlet what has happened. Hamlet refuses to tell them, and insists that they swear upon his sword not to reveal what they have seen. He tells them further that he will pretend to be a madman and makes them swear not to give any hint that they know anything about his motives. The three men swears.
Act 2.1 Summary: Polonius dispatches his servant Reynaldo to spy on Laertes’ personal life. As Reynaldo leaves, Ophelia enters, visibly upset. She tells Polonius that Hamlet has gone wild. Polonius says that Hamlet must be mad with his love for Ophelia and thinks that this lovesick might be the cause of Hamlet’s moodiness. Then he hurries out to tell Claudius of his idea.
Act 2.2 Summary: In the castle, Claudius and Gertrude welcome Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two of Hamlet’s friends. Concerned about Hamlet’s weird behavior and his apparent inability to recover from his father’s death, the king and queen have summoned his friends in the hope that they might be able to cheer Hamlet out of his melancholy. Polonius then enters, announcing the return of the ambassadors, Voltimand and Cornelius, whom Claudius sent to Norway. They enter and tell Claudius that the king of Norway has persuaded Fortinbras to stop attacking Denmark. Hearing this good news, Claudius is joyous. Polonius brings up Hamlet and tells the King and the Queen about the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia. They decide to test Hamlet while he walks accompanied by Ophelia.
1. 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.
What is the definition of madness in the play Hamlet? Is Hamlet mad from the beginning?
2. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
I am disappointed by Claudius. His carelessness in Act2.2 just proves that he is only concerned about his throne, not his country. Let's think about Fortinbras for a second. Fortinbras is the grieving son of a dead king, a prince whose uncle inherited the throne in his place. He has devoted himself to the pursuit of revenge. In Act2.2, we realize that Fortinbras’s uncle has forbidden him to attack Denmark but has given him permission to ride through Denmark on his way to attack Poland. This at least suggests the possibility that the King of Norway is trying to trick Claudius into allowing a hostile army into his country. It is notable that Claudius appears indifferent to the fact that a powerful enemy will be riding through his country with a large army. However, Claudius seems much more worried about Hamlet’s madness. If Claudius had been a shrewd king, he would have immediately realized the impending threat. However, his carelessness to conceive the situation more deeply shows that he is a politician who is more concerned about threats from within his state.
3. Drawing
Entry#4: Act3.1
Act 3.1 Summary: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern tells Claudius and Gertrude that they have been unable to learn the cause of Hamlet's melancholy. They also tell Hamlet’s enthusiasm for the players. Encouraged, Gertrude and Claudius agree that they will see the play that evening. As Rosencrantz and Guildenstern leaves, Claudius orders Gertrude to leave as well, saying that he and Polonius will spy on Hamlet’s confrontation with Ophelia. Hamlet enters, speaking to himself about the question of whether to commit suicide to end the pain of life. Ophelia, having received orders from Polonius, tells Hamlet that she wishes to return the tokens of love that he has given her. He starts to angrily denounces about the wretchedness of mankind and urges Ophelia to go to a nunnery. Finally, he wishes to end all marriages. As he storms out, Ophelia mourns that Hamlet is, indeed, insane. Claudius and Polonius emerge from behind the tapestry and Claudius says that Hamlet's madness is not caused by love for Ophelia. He further notes that Hamlet doesn't seem insane. Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England.
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?
Hamlet's soliloquy is the most significant part of this scene because it not only shows Hamlet's philosophical debate about whether to commit suicide or not but also his awareness that somebody is watching. In fact, he never says “I” or “me” in the entire speech. He’s not trying to “express” himself at all, but rather he is making an argument to convince the listeners.
The play would be rather confusing without the scene because Hamlet's soliloquy shows his agonizing mind in carrying out the deed and implies his shrewd awareness that Claudius and Polonius are watching. By putting this scene in. Shakespeare establishes Hamlet as a smart protagonist who is insightful and careful in taking revenge for his father.
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.
Did Hamlet truly love her or was he just using her for his own benefit?
3. Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
Yes!!! I have been waiting for this quote, like many of the readers; "To be, or not to be--that is the question." Now that I am reading from the very beginning, I understand how this quote is significant in this scene. The phrase itself is simple but there are lots of meaning behind this. Hamlet doesn't directly say what he's really talking about. While the quote is questioning about whether to kill himself or not, it also suggests that he is toying with suicide. This also establishes his perspective upon life that it is not worthy to live a life when one cannot carry out the assigned deed. The quote is the simplified philosophical debate within Hamlet, which further adds beauty to Hamlet's soliloquy.
Entry#5: Act 3.2
Act 3.2 Summary: Hamlet lectures the players on how to act the parts he has written for them. He also asks Horatio to watch Claudius and see how he reacts when he sees the play. The players enter and act out a brief, silent version of the play to come called a “dumbshow.” The players begin to enact the play in full, and the plot is about a man who kills the king is the king’s nephew and marries the king's queen. Throughout, Hamlet keeps up a running commentary on the characters and their actions, and continues to tease Ophelia with oblique sexual references. When the murderer pours the poison into the sleeping king’s ear, Claudius rises and cries out for light. Chaos ensues as the play comes to a sudden halt and the king flees the room. When the scene quiets, Hamlet is left alone with Horatio. Hamlet and Horatio agree that the king’s behavior was telling. The queen wishes to see Hamlet.
Soliloquy Questions
It is obvious to the audience that Hamlet is alone onstage. What else, then, does he mean when he begins, “Now I am alone”?There are literal and figurative meanings to this phrase.
Hamlet literally means that he is alone. He is not watched by Polonius and Claudius in this scene. Figuratively, he implies that his relationships with others such seem ending. His love between Ophelia seems to end because Hamlet directly asked Ophelia to go to a nunnery and end all marriages. He is also preparing to fully take revenge as soon as he finds out whether Claudius has, indeed, killed King Hamlet.
Why is the Prince calling himself a “rogue” and “peasant slave”?
Rogue, by definition, means a dishonest or unprincipled man. Hamlet calls himself a rogue because the play he intended to show is not truly for fun but for his own plan to find out whether Claudius has killed King Hamlet or not. Also, Hamlet has acted like a madman, which makes him a dishonest person for he has not truly showed himself. Hamlet also refers to himself as a peasant slave to emphasize the vanity of royalty. Although his father died, Hamlet cannot directly take revenge because Claudius is a king. His incapability to act makes Hamlet to think of himself as a peasant slave, who is at the bottom of the hierarchy, having no power or free-will to carry out a deed that goes against morality and rules.
Hamlet compares himself to the player. What does this comparison reveal about Hamlet’s self-perception?
Hamlet's comparison shows anger towards himself. While he compliments the player that "he would drown the stage with tears and cleave the general ear with horrid speech, make mad the guilty and appal the free..." (2.2.550-553) he criticizes himself as "a dull and muddy-mettled rascal." His anger towards himself shows how he hates his incapability to directly take revenge for his father, when a player can freely take action by performing. Although he perceives himself as a player, he is frustrated in face of the reality that he has to take steps carefully before carrying out the deed.
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?
"Ear" references from the play:
"let us once again assail your ears,"
"I would not hear your enemy say so, Nor shall you do my ear that violence To make it truster of your own report Against yourself."
"Season your admiration for a while With an attent ear,"
Shakespeare uses "ear" often when characters are making important comments or taking decisive actions. Such "ear" references as well as Hamlet's "cleave the general ear" imply that the characters within the play but and the audience who are watching the play should carefully listen and remember as if to "cleave" an ear. It further means that the character's comments or action shall be forever remembered for it will be decisive in the play and thus, throw an important question/message 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?
Examples
"Had he the motive and the cue for passion That I have?" (2.2.549-550)
"He would drown the stage with tears And cleave the general ear with horrid speech." (2.2.550-551)
"I have heard That guilty creatures, sitting at a play, Have by the very cunning of the scene Been struck so to the soul that presently They have proclaim'd their malefactions." (2.2.578-5581)
Because Hamlet considers himself as a player in a play, hiding his true emotions, he also conceives everything around him as parts of a play. In this light, his soliloquy has double meanings because the play that the royalty is watching is exactly the same as the murder. He believes that the royalty are also players of a play for they are "guilty creatures sitting at a play [and] have by the very cunning of the scene." Therefore, not only is he portraying the play itself but also the royalty who seem to be acting.
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?
Examples
"Yet I, Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my cause, And can say nothing; no, not for a king Upon whose property and most dear life A damned defeat was made" (2.2.556-559). As I have mentioned before, Hamlet perceives himself as a coward because, unlike a player who can punish the guilty and free the innocent by giving a speech to the audience, he is unable to carry out his deed directly. He criticizes himself for his hesitation, or the necessary steps that must be taken before killing a king.
I don't think Hamlet is a coward. He is just carefully preparing himself to kill a king. Because he is unsure that Claudius has killed his father, it is necessary to take precaution methods.
Entry#6: Questions (Act3)
Answer 5 of the 8.
1. What advice does Hamlet have for the actors? Why?
Hamlet asks the actors to say the lines naturally and smoothly. The play had to appear real so that Claudius wouldn’t think that it was planned for a purpose. Also, in order to observe Claudius’s reaction to the murder scene, it was necessary for Hamlet to give precautions to the actors.
2. Why does Hamlet say he especially likes Horatio (Does Hamlet see Horatio as similar to him or different from him?
Hamlet likes Horatio because he has been a good friend ever since they met in Wittenberg. Horatio is rational and loyal to Hamlet.
Hamlet thinks Horatio is different from him for Horatio “is not passion’s slave.” Unlike Hamlet who is determined, obsessed to take revenge for his father, Horatio is free from his emotions. It is evident that Hamlet envies Horatio in a positive way for he does not have to carry out a deed and controlled by emotions.
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)?
Four months has passed since the death of King Hamlet.
6. What is Claudius' mood as he stops the play at 3.2.247? How does Hamlet respond? If Hamlet has learned that Claudius is indeed guilty (if that's why he stopped the play and not for some other reason), Claudius has also learned something from the presentation of the play. What has Claudius learned?
Claudius is shocked and angry that the play is depicting what he has done to King Hamlet. Seeing that Claudius rises and cries out for light, Hamlet exults at the success of his stratagem, interpreting Claudius’s interruption as a sign of mental confrontation with his own crime. Claudius will have learned that someone, possibly Hamlet, knows that he has killed King Hamlet.
8. Read Hamlet's fifth soliloquy carefully (3.2.358-69). How is it different from the other soliloquies? What is the mood of the soliloquy? How do you react to it? What about line 360? What is happening to Hamlet?
This soliloquy shows Hamlet’s confidence for he now feels sure that Claudius has killed his father. It clearly shows his determination as he can “drink hot blood” and “be cruel.” I was happy that Hamlet does not have to hesitate any more because he he has found a clear evidence. Line 360 seems to refer to a proverb: “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Hamlet perceives that Claudius’s reaction is the final straw that will lead to his cataclysmic failure. It is evident that Hamlet has changed for he is no longer cautious, careful, and reserved. He is determined to kill Claudius because everything is sure now.
Answer 3 of the following.
2. Where is Polonius going?
He is going the queen’s room and hide to listen to Gertrude’s conversation with 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?
When the king is alone, Claudius immediately expresses his guilt and grief over his sin. The play, indeed, had an effect on him for he longs to ask for forgiveness. However, he says that he can’t ask for forgiveness because he is unprepared to give up that which he gained by committing the murder, namely, the crown and the queen.
4. What happens when Hamlet enters? Why doesn't Hamlet kill Claudius then? What is ironic about Hamlet's decision?
Hamlet decides to kill Claudius. But he halts as he thinks that if he kills Claudius while he is praying, he will end the king’s life at the moment when he was seeking forgiveness for his sins, sending Claudius’s soul to heaven. Hamlet thinks this is hardly an adequate revenge because Claudius killed Hamlet’s father before he had time to make his last confession, ensuring that his brother would not go to heaven. Hamlet’s hesitation is ironic because he seemed ready to put his desire for revenge into action as he was satisfied that the play has proven his uncle’s guilt. When Claudius prays, it is a real certainty that Claudius murdered his brother. He had a chance. He has been waiting for this moment for so long. But he waits.
Entry#7: Act4
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?
Acting as the wronged son operating with open fury, Laertes has all the moral legitimacy that Claudius lacks, the legitimacy that Hamlet has forfeited through his murder of Polonius and his delay in avenging his father’s death.
2. In each scene where your character appears, what is his or her motivation and objective? In other words, what does this person really want?
Laertes is trying to take revenge for his father. He initially believes that it is Claudius’s responsibility. However, after hearing Claudius’s version of events, Laertes decides to kill Hamlet to take revenge for his father.
3. How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet?
As soon as Laertes thinks that Hamlet is responsible for his father’s death, he is filled with anger. When Claudius later asks Laertes how far he would go to avenge his father, Laertes replies that he would slit Hamlet’s throat in the church (IV.vii.98). This statement, indicating his willingness to murder Hamlet even in a sacred place of worship, shows how Laertes is feel with hatred towards 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 makes good comments about Laertes so that Laertes wouldn't take revenge on him. Claudius refers Laertes as "a good child and a true gentleman." By soothing him down, Claudius effectively persuades that he is not responsible for Polonius’s death and says that Laertes’ desire for revenge is a credit to him, so long as he seeks revenge upon the proper person. Claudius convinces Laertes to hear his version of events, and Laertes gets persuaded.
Laertes initially calls Claudius a "vile king" because he thought the King was responsible for Polonius's death. However, as soon as he gets persuaded by Claudius, Laertes listens to Claudius.
Laertes dearly loved Ophelia as he called her: "Dear maid, kind sister, sweet Ophelia!" But Laertes seems to be a little indifferent when he hears that she's dead. It is because he is consumed by anger, determined to revenge.
Laertes is angry towards Hamlet because he is persuaded by Claudius that Hamlet is responsible for Polonius's death. Laertes even says: "To cut his throat i'th' church." Not only does this show his deep hatred towards Hamlet but also his hot-tempered personality easily agitated by others.
5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which she appears? How is she affected by the events?
Act 4.5: Laertes storms into the hall, furious to avenge his father’s death. His action makes the scene more intense and makes the audience to wonder how Claudius will react to Laertes's indignation. In addition, his anger makes the scene more fast-paced and dynamic.
Laertes's anger is agitated by Claudius, who wants to take advantage in Polonius's death.
Act 4.7: As soon as he is persuaded by Claudius that Hamlet is responsible for his father's death, Laertes plans to kill him. His strong determination to revenge makes the scene intense.
Laertes is mad and willing to take revenge for his father.
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?
Laertes and Hamlet both display impulsive reactions when angered. Once Laertes discovers his father has been murdered Laertes immediately assumes the slayer is Claudius. As a result of Laertes's speculation he instinctively moves to avenge Polonius's death.
"To hell, allegiance! vows, to the blackest devil! Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit! I dare damnation: to this point I stand, that both worlds I give to negligence, let come what comes; only I'll be revenged most thoroughly for my father."
This quote provide insight into Laertes's mind displaying his desire for revenge
at any cost. In contrast to Laertes speculation of his father's
killer, Hamlet presumes the individual spying on his conversation with
Gertrude is Claudius("Nay, I know not: is it the King?" Act 3, Scene 4
line 28). Consequently, Hamlet consumed with rage automatically thrusts out attempting to kill Claudius, but instead strikes Polonius. Hamlet's and Laertes's imprudent actions are incited by fury and frustration. Sudden anger prompts both Hamlet and Laertes to act spontaneously, giving little thought to the consequences of their actions.
But at the sametime, Laertes is Hamlet’s best foil throughout the play, and in this scene the contrast between the two, each of whom has a dead father to avenge, reaches its peak. Whereas Hamlet is reflective and has difficulty acting, Laertes is active and has no use for thought. He has no interest in moral concerns, only in his consuming desire to avenge Polonius.
7. What questions are raised by your character's words and/or behavior in this act?
Will Laertes eventually find out the truth behind Polonius's death?
Do Laertes and Fortinbras have any similarities?
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 initially thought Laertes loved her sister very much. However, when he is consumed by anger, it seems he's more preoccupied to take revenge for his father than mourning for his sister's suicide. I realized he is rather simple-minded and foolish in a way because he is easily persuaded by Claudius. Laertes seemed to be a minor character in Hamlet, but now I realize that he is the most obvious foil of Hamlet.
Entry#8: Act5.1
Act 5.1 Summary: In the churchyard, two gravediggers make a grave for Ophelia. They debate whether she should receive a proper funeral rights since her suicide violates Christian doctrine. Hamlet and Horatio watch the two gravediggers Hamlet wonders whose grave they are digging. One gravedigger does not clearly answer and he tells Hamlet that the skull belong to Yorick, not realizing that Hamlet is the prince. Hamlet realizes that all men will eventually become dust, even great men. When the funeral procession for Ophelia enters, Hamlet realizes that Ophelia is dead. When Laertes was infuriated by the priest who said that giving Ophelia a proper Christian burial was inappropriate, Hamlet leaps in and mourns for her. Laertes and Hamlet break into a fight and Gertrude and Claudius declare that Hamlet is mad. Hamlet storms off, and Horatio follows. The king urges Laertes to be patient, and to remember their plan for revenge.
1. Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion.
The relationship between Gertrude and Hamlet seemed to have changed over time. Initially, Gertrude seemed to be a mother who's willing to give up everything for her son. However, her attitude changed as she started to perceive Hamlet as a mad man. When Hamlet and Gertrude had a direct conversation after "Mousetrap" play, she seemed to just admit the fact the Hamlet was mad as she succumbed to his request. In Act 5.1, Gertrude openly accepts that Hamlet is mad for she immediately agrees when Claudius says: "O, he is mad..." Her response, "For love of God, forbear him," seems to echo the departing relationship between Gertrude and Hamlet for it seems that Gertrude does not contemplate deeply Hamlet's thoughts but only her position as part of the royalty.
2. 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.
Dear, Diary.
I am angry! I am mad! Today, there was a funeral procession for Ophelia and guess whom I saw! I saw Hamlet. Never expected to see him at that time, at that place, I became furious. I was furious when the priest who said that to give Ophelia a proper Christian burial would profane the dead. Hamlet immediately jumped in to Ophelia's grave and started to weep for her. I was very upset. How can he weep for him when he killed Ophelia's father, my father?!! If I had my sword with me, I would have killed him at that moment. But luckily, I didn't have one and Claudius stopped me, reminding me of the plan we had. I will revenge for my father. You know I will.
Laertes
3. 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?
Entry#9: Act5.2
Act 5.2 Summary: The next day at Elsinore Castle, Hamlet tells Horatio how he plotted to overcome Claudius’s scheme to have him murdered in England by replacing the sealed letter. Because of this, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern will die but Hamlet tells Horatio that he has to sympathy for them because they betrayed him. Osric, a foolish courtier who contradicts himself by complimenting Hamlet and the praising Laertes, comes in and starts to flatter. Against Horatio's advice, Hamlet agrees to fight Laertes. At the beginning of the fight, Hamlet asks Laertes for forgiveness and Laertes tells him that he will not forgive Hamlet until an elderly comes to advise in this matter. However, he accepts Hamlet's offer of love. The duel begins, and when Hamlet hits Laertes, Gertrude drinks from the cup, which was meant to give to Hamlet, and she dies. Laertes hits Hamlet with the poisoned sword and immediately they manage to exchange swords, and Hamlet wounds Laertes with Laertes’ own blade. When Laertes tells Hamlet that the king is to blame both for the poison on the sword and for the poison in the cup, Hamlet runs Claudius through with the poisoned sword and forces him to drink down the rest of the poisoned wine. Claudius dies. Hamlet urges Horatio not to die but live and tell his story. He finally wishes Fortinbras to be King of Denmark and then dies. Fortinbras comes in and Horatio decides to tell this tragedy. Fortinbras orders Hamlet to be carried away like a soldier.
1. Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion.
In Act 5.2, the relationship between Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern becomes clear. When Hamlet tells Horatio that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are "not near [his] conscience," the audience can immediately tell that Hamlet felt betrayed when they catered to Claudius. His cold statement that "they did make love to this employment" further shows how Hamlet thought about the relationship with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: their deaths do not matter to Hamlet because he thinks they deserve such consequences.
2. 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.
Dear, Diary.
Hamlet is dead...I still cannot forget how he told me to live, to live and tell his story. His agonizing face makes me feel gloomy. I told him not to go on a duel with Laertes. I just had the bad feeling for it. Why does the consequence have be like this? It doesn't have to be this way!!! If Claudius had not died, I would have killed him to revenge for Hamlet. I remember his last wish...making Fortinbras to become the king I wonder whether he'll restore the power of royalty. I'll help him as best as I can to make Denmark a better king and live long to tell this story and my friend Hamlet...who bravely fought to revenge for his father.
Hamlet
3. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
I think ear plays a major part in the play to convey Shakespeare's message about language. Words are used communicate ideas, but they can also be used to distort the truth. Claudius effectively uses the slipperiness of language to manipulate his power. Now that I'm thinking of the ears now, I got to look at King Hamlet's death in a different angle. The ghost tells Hamlet that Claudius put liquid into King Hamlet's ears. However, we all know that people don't die because of that. Maybe the ghost's story could be interpreted in a figurative way that Claudius killed King Hamlet through words (verbal violence): for example, Claudius could have framed him, causing King Hamlet to commit suicide. Furthermore, before Hamlet dies, he tells Horatio to live and tell his story. Again, through ears, people will hear. Every scheme and stories are passed on through conversations and apparently, ears are there to hear it. In this respect, it is no wonder that the word 'ear' comes out frequently through out the play.
Entry#1: Act 1.1-2
Act 1.1 Summary: At night outside a castle in Denmark, an officer named Bernardo comes to relieve the watchman Francisco. Francisco thanks Bernardo and prepares to go home. Soon, Marcellus, another watchman, and Horatio join Bernardo. Bernardo and Marcellus tell Horatio about the apparition, which looks like the recently deceased King Hamlet, they have seen over the past two nights. Horatio is skeptical, but then the ghost suddenly appears before the men. Terrified, Horatio acknowledges that the ghost does indeed resemble the dead King of Denmark. He thinks that the ghost must bring warning of impending misfortune for the country. Horatio tries to speak to it. The ghost remains silent and disappears. Horatio suggests to tell Prince Hamlet, the dead king’s son, about the apparition because he believes that if it the ghost is really King Hamlet, it will talk to his beloved son.Act 1.2 Summary: In the morning, King Claudius gives a speech to his courtiers, saying that he mourns his brother but has chosen to balance Denmark’s mourning with the delight of his marriage with Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother. When Laertes expresses his desire to return to France, where he was studying, Claudius and Polonius give permission. Claudius turns to Prince Hamlet saying that Hamlet should stop mourning since all fathers die, and all sons must lose their fathers. He also urges Hamlet to think of him as a father, reminding Hamlet that he stands in line to succeed to the throne upon Claudius’s death. Claudius and Gertrude asks Hamlet to not go back to school at Wittenberg and Hamlet obeys. Alone, Hamlet exclaims that he wishes he could die and laments his father’s death and his mother’s hasty marriage to his uncle. Horatio, a close friend of Hamlet at the university in Wittenberg, and other watchmen come in to tell about the ghost they have seen. Stunned, Hamlet decides to go to see the apparition.
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?
Hamlet’s soliloquy in Act1.2 seems to be the most significant scene. Because it shows Hamlet’s lament towards his father’s death and his mother’s hasty marriage with Claudius, the scene implies Hamlet’s state of mind and personality as well as his relationship with other characters. Without this scene, which gives ample information about the protagonist, the play would not make much sense to the audience who would not understand Hamlet’s character. Through this soliloquy, the play makes a smooth transition from introduction of the plot to Hamlet’s personality.
2. Ask questions about the scene. Has anything in the scene caused you confusion? OR Ask one of the characters in the scene a question -- or ask ME a question.
Why does the play start with a conversation of watchmen who do not have much authority in the castle? Why can't it begin with Prince Hamlet's soliloquy on Act1.2 which would give direct information about the plot and Hamlet's personality?
3. Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
Hamlet’s furious comment about Gertrude seems to be a condemnation of women in general: “Frailty, thy name is woman!” (I.ii.146). It seems to foreshadow that all female characteristics in the play would have somewhat frail characteristics. Furthermore, this comment reflects not only Hamlet's agonizing state of mind towards Gertrude's hasty marriage but also her character. This phrase shows Hamlet's belief that Gertrude's quick marriage to his uncle is a sign of her weakness. Her incestuous inconstancy shows that she does not think critically about her situation and King Hamlet's death. It is evident that Gertrude is more worried about making safe choices. It would be interesting to observe how Gertrude and other female characters will turn out in the end. Will all female characters be frail as Hamlet has generalized in the beginning? We'll see.
Entry#2: Character Analysis
Chosen Scene: 1.5. --113 (“Wither wilt thou lead me?” to “Adieu, adieu, adieu. Remember me”).LINES: Hamlet 13; Ghost, 88
*My character is Gertrude and Claudius. When the ghost talks about each character and the murder, I will act out accordingly so that the audience can "see" what the ghost is describing (like the flashbacks in cartoons). Since Gertrude and Claudius are not present in the scene itself, I'll just refer to the conversation between the ghost and Hamlet to answer the questions.
What does your character want in the chosen scene?
According to the ghost, Claudius seems to have wanted both Gertrude and the throne.
What does the character do to get it?
Claudius murders King Hamlet by putting liquid into his ears.
What obstacles stand in his or her way?
King Hamlet was the ultimate obstacle for Claudius because King Hamlet
How does your character really feel about what is happening in the scene? How can you tell?
*Claudius and Gertrude were not in the scene.
What do other characters say about your character in the scene?
In ghost's perspective, Claudius is an "incestuous...adulterate beast" (1.5.42) who used "witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gift" to win "the will of [the ghost's] most seeming-virtuous queen" (1.5.43-46). In addition, Claudius appears as "a serpent" that murders King Hamlet and takes the throne. King Hamlet loathes Claudius for he believes that Claudius killed him and tainted Gertrude. By using strong negative words of King Hamlet, Shakespeare creates a dark, vengeful atmosphere within Hamlet and persuades the audience to see that Claudius has committed a sin, and now, to restore balance to the kingdom, the sin must be punished.
Gertrude is portrayed as a frail queen who got easily allured by Claudius's wits and gifts. This echoes Hamlet's phrase: “Frailty, thy name is woman!" Again, King Hamlet's language implies that she is a weak character. However, it is apparent that the King loves her because he asks Hamlet not to "contrive against [his] mother aught--leave her to heaven."
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.
*Claudius and Gertrude were not in the scene.
How does this scene add to your knowledge of the character?
Claudius is an evil character who murdered King Hamlet, took his throne, and married the king's queen. He is lustful, shrewd, and conniving. Gertrude seems to be an innocent, naive queen for she quickly married Claudius without questioning King Hamlet's sudden death.
Entry#3: Act 1.3-5 and Act 2.1-2.2
Act 1.3 Summary: Laertes prepares to leave for France. He cautions her sister Ophelia against falling in love with Hamlet, who is responsible not only for his own feelings but for his position in the state that it may be impossible for him to marry her. Polonius enters and gives Laertes a great deal of advice about how to behave with integrity and practicality. When Laertes leaves, Polonius asks her about her relationship with Hamlet. She tells him that Hamlet claims to love her. He forbids Ophelia to associate with Hamlet anymore, saying that she is too young to know love. Ophelia pledges to obey.Act 1.4 Summary: At night, Hamlet keeps watch outside the castle with Horatio and Marcellus, waiting for the ghost to appear. Shortly after midnight, trumpets and gunfire sound from the castle, and Hamlet expresses his disgust for the new king's custom of spending the night carousing. Then the ghost appears and beckons Hamlet to follow it out into the night. Hamlet himself is unsure whether his father’s apparition is truly the King’s spirit or an evil demon, but he declares that he cares nothing for his life and that the ghost can do nothing to harm his soul. He follows after the apparition and disappears into the darkness. Horatio and Marcellus, stunned, declare that the event bodes ill for the nation. Quickly, Horatio and Marcellus follow after Hamlet and the ghost.
Act 1.5 Summary: In the darkness, the ghost speaks to Hamlet, claiming to be his father’s spirit. The ghost tells Hamlet that Claudius had killed him. It exhorts Hamlet to seek revenge, telling him that Claudius has corrupted Denmark and Gertrude. But the ghost urges Hamlet not to act against his mother in any way. As dawn breaks, the ghost disappears. Intensely moved, Hamlet swears to remember and obey the ghost. Horatio and Marcellus arrive and ask Hamlet what has happened. Hamlet refuses to tell them, and insists that they swear upon his sword not to reveal what they have seen. He tells them further that he will pretend to be a madman and makes them swear not to give any hint that they know anything about his motives. The three men swears.
Act 2.1 Summary: Polonius dispatches his servant Reynaldo to spy on Laertes’ personal life. As Reynaldo leaves, Ophelia enters, visibly upset. She tells Polonius that Hamlet has gone wild. Polonius says that Hamlet must be mad with his love for Ophelia and thinks that this lovesick might be the cause of Hamlet’s moodiness. Then he hurries out to tell Claudius of his idea.
Act 2.2 Summary: In the castle, Claudius and Gertrude welcome Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two of Hamlet’s friends. Concerned about Hamlet’s weird behavior and his apparent inability to recover from his father’s death, the king and queen have summoned his friends in the hope that they might be able to cheer Hamlet out of his melancholy. Polonius then enters, announcing the return of the ambassadors, Voltimand and Cornelius, whom Claudius sent to Norway. They enter and tell Claudius that the king of Norway has persuaded Fortinbras to stop attacking Denmark. Hearing this good news, Claudius is joyous. Polonius brings up Hamlet and tells the King and the Queen about the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia. They decide to test Hamlet while he walks accompanied by Ophelia.
1. 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.
What is the definition of madness in the play Hamlet? Is Hamlet mad from the beginning?
2. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
I am disappointed by Claudius. His carelessness in Act2.2 just proves that he is only concerned about his throne, not his country. Let's think about Fortinbras for a second. Fortinbras is the grieving son of a dead king, a prince whose uncle inherited the throne in his place. He has devoted himself to the pursuit of revenge. In Act2.2, we realize that Fortinbras’s uncle has forbidden him to attack Denmark but has given him permission to ride through Denmark on his way to attack Poland. This at least suggests the possibility that the King of Norway is trying to trick Claudius into allowing a hostile army into his country. It is notable that Claudius appears indifferent to the fact that a powerful enemy will be riding through his country with a large army. However, Claudius seems much more worried about Hamlet’s madness. If Claudius had been a shrewd king, he would have immediately realized the impending threat. However, his carelessness to conceive the situation more deeply shows that he is a politician who is more concerned about threats from within his state.
3. Drawing
Entry#4: Act3.1
Act 3.1 Summary: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern tells Claudius and Gertrude that they have been unable to learn the cause of Hamlet's melancholy. They also tell Hamlet’s enthusiasm for the players. Encouraged, Gertrude and Claudius agree that they will see the play that evening. As Rosencrantz and Guildenstern leaves, Claudius orders Gertrude to leave as well, saying that he and Polonius will spy on Hamlet’s confrontation with Ophelia. Hamlet enters, speaking to himself about the question of whether to commit suicide to end the pain of life. Ophelia, having received orders from Polonius, tells Hamlet that she wishes to return the tokens of love that he has given her. He starts to angrily denounces about the wretchedness of mankind and urges Ophelia to go to a nunnery. Finally, he wishes to end all marriages. As he storms out, Ophelia mourns that Hamlet is, indeed, insane. Claudius and Polonius emerge from behind the tapestry and Claudius says that Hamlet's madness is not caused by love for Ophelia. He further notes that Hamlet doesn't seem insane. Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England.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?
Hamlet's soliloquy is the most significant part of this scene because it not only shows Hamlet's philosophical debate about whether to commit suicide or not but also his awareness that somebody is watching. In fact, he never says “I” or “me” in the entire speech. He’s not trying to “express” himself at all, but rather he is making an argument to convince the listeners.
The play would be rather confusing without the scene because Hamlet's soliloquy shows his agonizing mind in carrying out the deed and implies his shrewd awareness that Claudius and Polonius are watching. By putting this scene in. Shakespeare establishes Hamlet as a smart protagonist who is insightful and careful in taking revenge for his father.
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.
Did Hamlet truly love her or was he just using her for his own benefit?
3. Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
Yes!!! I have been waiting for this quote, like many of the readers; "To be, or not to be--that is the question." Now that I am reading from the very beginning, I understand how this quote is significant in this scene. The phrase itself is simple but there are lots of meaning behind this. Hamlet doesn't directly say what he's really talking about. While the quote is questioning about whether to kill himself or not, it also suggests that he is toying with suicide. This also establishes his perspective upon life that it is not worthy to live a life when one cannot carry out the assigned deed. The quote is the simplified philosophical debate within Hamlet, which further adds beauty to Hamlet's soliloquy.
Entry#5: Act 3.2
Act 3.2 Summary: Hamlet lectures the players on how to act the parts he has written for them. He also asks Horatio to watch Claudius and see how he reacts when he sees the play. The players enter and act out a brief, silent version of the play to come called a “dumbshow.” The players begin to enact the play in full, and the plot is about a man who kills the king is the king’s nephew and marries the king's queen. Throughout, Hamlet keeps up a running commentary on the characters and their actions, and continues to tease Ophelia with oblique sexual references. When the murderer pours the poison into the sleeping king’s ear, Claudius rises and cries out for light. Chaos ensues as the play comes to a sudden halt and the king flees the room. When the scene quiets, Hamlet is left alone with Horatio. Hamlet and Horatio agree that the king’s behavior was telling. The queen wishes to see Hamlet.Soliloquy Questions
It is obvious to the audience that Hamlet is alone onstage. What else, then, does he mean when he begins, “Now I am alone”?There are literal and figurative meanings to this phrase.
Hamlet literally means that he is alone. He is not watched by Polonius and Claudius in this scene. Figuratively, he implies that his relationships with others such seem ending. His love between Ophelia seems to end because Hamlet directly asked Ophelia to go to a nunnery and end all marriages. He is also preparing to fully take revenge as soon as he finds out whether Claudius has, indeed, killed King Hamlet.
Why is the Prince calling himself a “rogue” and “peasant slave”?
Rogue, by definition, means a dishonest or unprincipled man. Hamlet calls himself a rogue because the play he intended to show is not truly for fun but for his own plan to find out whether Claudius has killed King Hamlet or not. Also, Hamlet has acted like a madman, which makes him a dishonest person for he has not truly showed himself. Hamlet also refers to himself as a peasant slave to emphasize the vanity of royalty. Although his father died, Hamlet cannot directly take revenge because Claudius is a king. His incapability to act makes Hamlet to think of himself as a peasant slave, who is at the bottom of the hierarchy, having no power or free-will to carry out a deed that goes against morality and rules.
Hamlet compares himself to the player. What does this comparison reveal about Hamlet’s self-perception?
Hamlet's comparison shows anger towards himself. While he compliments the player that "he would drown the stage with tears and cleave the general ear with horrid speech, make mad the guilty and appal the free..." (2.2.550-553) he criticizes himself as "a dull and muddy-mettled rascal." His anger towards himself shows how he hates his incapability to directly take revenge for his father, when a player can freely take action by performing. Although he perceives himself as a player, he is frustrated in face of the reality that he has to take steps carefully before carrying out the deed.
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?
"Ear" references from the play:
- "let us once again assail your ears,"
- "I would not hear your enemy say so, Nor shall you do my ear that violence To make it truster of your own report Against yourself."
- "Season your admiration for a while With an attent ear,"
Shakespeare uses "ear" often when characters are making important comments or taking decisive actions. Such "ear" references as well as Hamlet's "cleave the general ear" imply that the characters within the play but and the audience who are watching the play should carefully listen and remember as if to "cleave" an ear. It further means that the character's comments or action shall be forever remembered for it will be decisive in the play and thus, throw an important question/message 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?
Examples
- "Had he the motive and the cue for passion That I have?" (2.2.549-550)
- "He would drown the stage with tears And cleave the general ear with horrid speech." (2.2.550-551)
- "I have heard That guilty creatures, sitting at a play, Have by the very cunning of the scene Been struck so to the soul that presently They have proclaim'd their malefactions." (2.2.578-5581)
Because Hamlet considers himself as a player in a play, hiding his true emotions, he also conceives everything around him as parts of a play. In this light, his soliloquy has double meanings because the play that the royalty is watching is exactly the same as the murder. He believes that the royalty are also players of a play for they are "guilty creatures sitting at a play [and] have by the very cunning of the scene." Therefore, not only is he portraying the play itself but also the royalty who seem to be acting.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?
Examples
- "Yet I, Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my cause, And can say nothing; no, not for a king Upon whose property and most dear life A damned defeat was made" (2.2.556-559). As I have mentioned before, Hamlet perceives himself as a coward because, unlike a player who can punish the guilty and free the innocent by giving a speech to the audience, he is unable to carry out his deed directly. He criticizes himself for his hesitation, or the necessary steps that must be taken before killing a king.
I don't think Hamlet is a coward. He is just carefully preparing himself to kill a king. Because he is unsure that Claudius has killed his father, it is necessary to take precaution methods.Entry#6: Questions (Act3)
Answer 5 of the 8.1. What advice does Hamlet have for the actors? Why?
Hamlet asks the actors to say the lines naturally and smoothly. The play had to appear real so that Claudius wouldn’t think that it was planned for a purpose. Also, in order to observe Claudius’s reaction to the murder scene, it was necessary for Hamlet to give precautions to the actors.
2. Why does Hamlet say he especially likes Horatio (Does Hamlet see Horatio as similar to him or different from him?
Hamlet likes Horatio because he has been a good friend ever since they met in Wittenberg. Horatio is rational and loyal to Hamlet.
Hamlet thinks Horatio is different from him for Horatio “is not passion’s slave.” Unlike Hamlet who is determined, obsessed to take revenge for his father, Horatio is free from his emotions. It is evident that Hamlet envies Horatio in a positive way for he does not have to carry out a deed and controlled by emotions.
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)?
Four months has passed since the death of King Hamlet.
6. What is Claudius' mood as he stops the play at 3.2.247? How does Hamlet respond? If Hamlet has learned that Claudius is indeed guilty (if that's why he stopped the play and not for some other reason), Claudius has also learned something from the presentation of the play. What has Claudius learned?
Claudius is shocked and angry that the play is depicting what he has done to King Hamlet. Seeing that Claudius rises and cries out for light, Hamlet exults at the success of his stratagem, interpreting Claudius’s interruption as a sign of mental confrontation with his own crime. Claudius will have learned that someone, possibly Hamlet, knows that he has killed King Hamlet.
8. Read Hamlet's fifth soliloquy carefully (3.2.358-69). How is it different from the other soliloquies? What is the mood of the soliloquy? How do you react to it? What about line 360? What is happening to Hamlet?
This soliloquy shows Hamlet’s confidence for he now feels sure that Claudius has killed his father. It clearly shows his determination as he can “drink hot blood” and “be cruel.” I was happy that Hamlet does not have to hesitate any more because he he has found a clear evidence. Line 360 seems to refer to a proverb: “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Hamlet perceives that Claudius’s reaction is the final straw that will lead to his cataclysmic failure. It is evident that Hamlet has changed for he is no longer cautious, careful, and reserved. He is determined to kill Claudius because everything is sure now.
Answer 3 of the following.
2. Where is Polonius going?
He is going the queen’s room and hide to listen to Gertrude’s conversation with 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?
When the king is alone, Claudius immediately expresses his guilt and grief over his sin. The play, indeed, had an effect on him for he longs to ask for forgiveness. However, he says that he can’t ask for forgiveness because he is unprepared to give up that which he gained by committing the murder, namely, the crown and the queen.
4. What happens when Hamlet enters? Why doesn't Hamlet kill Claudius then? What is ironic about Hamlet's decision?
Hamlet decides to kill Claudius. But he halts as he thinks that if he kills Claudius while he is praying, he will end the king’s life at the moment when he was seeking forgiveness for his sins, sending Claudius’s soul to heaven. Hamlet thinks this is hardly an adequate revenge because Claudius killed Hamlet’s father before he had time to make his last confession, ensuring that his brother would not go to heaven. Hamlet’s hesitation is ironic because he seemed ready to put his desire for revenge into action as he was satisfied that the play has proven his uncle’s guilt. When Claudius prays, it is a real certainty that Claudius murdered his brother. He had a chance. He has been waiting for this moment for so long. But he waits.
Entry#7: Act4
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?Acting as the wronged son operating with open fury, Laertes has all the moral legitimacy that Claudius lacks, the legitimacy that Hamlet has forfeited through his murder of Polonius and his delay in avenging his father’s death.
2. In each scene where your character appears, what is his or her motivation and objective? In other words, what does this person really want?
Laertes is trying to take revenge for his father. He initially believes that it is Claudius’s responsibility. However, after hearing Claudius’s version of events, Laertes decides to kill Hamlet to take revenge for his father.
3. How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet?
As soon as Laertes thinks that Hamlet is responsible for his father’s death, he is filled with anger. When Claudius later asks Laertes how far he would go to avenge his father, Laertes replies that he would slit Hamlet’s throat in the church (IV.vii.98). This statement, indicating his willingness to murder Hamlet even in a sacred place of worship, shows how Laertes is feel with hatred towards 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 makes good comments about Laertes so that Laertes wouldn't take revenge on him. Claudius refers Laertes as "a good child and a true gentleman." By soothing him down, Claudius effectively persuades that he is not responsible for Polonius’s death and says that Laertes’ desire for revenge is a credit to him, so long as he seeks revenge upon the proper person. Claudius convinces Laertes to hear his version of events, and Laertes gets persuaded.
Laertes initially calls Claudius a "vile king" because he thought the King was responsible for Polonius's death. However, as soon as he gets persuaded by Claudius, Laertes listens to Claudius.
Laertes dearly loved Ophelia as he called her: "Dear maid, kind sister, sweet Ophelia!" But Laertes seems to be a little indifferent when he hears that she's dead. It is because he is consumed by anger, determined to revenge.
Laertes is angry towards Hamlet because he is persuaded by Claudius that Hamlet is responsible for Polonius's death. Laertes even says: "To cut his throat i'th' church." Not only does this show his deep hatred towards Hamlet but also his hot-tempered personality easily agitated by others.
5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which she appears? How is she affected by the events?
Act 4.5: Laertes storms into the hall, furious to avenge his father’s death. His action makes the scene more intense and makes the audience to wonder how Claudius will react to Laertes's indignation. In addition, his anger makes the scene more fast-paced and dynamic.
Laertes's anger is agitated by Claudius, who wants to take advantage in Polonius's death.
Act 4.7: As soon as he is persuaded by Claudius that Hamlet is responsible for his father's death, Laertes plans to kill him. His strong determination to revenge makes the scene intense.
Laertes is mad and willing to take revenge for his father.
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?
Laertes and Hamlet both display impulsive reactions when angered. Once Laertes discovers his father has been murdered Laertes immediately assumes the slayer is Claudius. As a result of Laertes's speculation he instinctively moves to avenge Polonius's death.
"To hell, allegiance! vows, to the blackest devil! Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit! I dare damnation: to this point I stand, that both worlds I give to negligence, let come what comes; only I'll be revenged most thoroughly for my father."
This quote provide insight into Laertes's mind displaying his desire for revenge
at any cost. In contrast to Laertes speculation of his father's
killer, Hamlet presumes the individual spying on his conversation with
Gertrude is Claudius("Nay, I know not: is it the King?" Act 3, Scene 4
line 28). Consequently, Hamlet consumed with rage automatically thrusts out attempting to kill Claudius, but instead strikes Polonius. Hamlet's and Laertes's imprudent actions are incited by fury and frustration. Sudden anger prompts both Hamlet and Laertes to act spontaneously, giving little thought to the consequences of their actions.
But at the sametime, Laertes is Hamlet’s best foil throughout the play, and in this scene the contrast between the two, each of whom has a dead father to avenge, reaches its peak. Whereas Hamlet is reflective and has difficulty acting, Laertes is active and has no use for thought. He has no interest in moral concerns, only in his consuming desire to avenge Polonius.
7. What questions are raised by your character's words and/or behavior in this act?
Will Laertes eventually find out the truth behind Polonius's death?
Do Laertes and Fortinbras have any similarities?
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 initially thought Laertes loved her sister very much. However, when he is consumed by anger, it seems he's more preoccupied to take revenge for his father than mourning for his sister's suicide. I realized he is rather simple-minded and foolish in a way because he is easily persuaded by Claudius. Laertes seemed to be a minor character in Hamlet, but now I realize that he is the most obvious foil of Hamlet.
Entry#8: Act5.1
Act 5.1 Summary: In the churchyard, two gravediggers make a grave for Ophelia. They debate whether she should receive a proper funeral rights since her suicide violates Christian doctrine. Hamlet and Horatio watch the two gravediggers Hamlet wonders whose grave they are digging. One gravedigger does not clearly answer and he tells Hamlet that the skull belong to Yorick, not realizing that Hamlet is the prince. Hamlet realizes that all men will eventually become dust, even great men. When the funeral procession for Ophelia enters, Hamlet realizes that Ophelia is dead. When Laertes was infuriated by the priest who said that giving Ophelia a proper Christian burial was inappropriate, Hamlet leaps in and mourns for her. Laertes and Hamlet break into a fight and Gertrude and Claudius declare that Hamlet is mad. Hamlet storms off, and Horatio follows. The king urges Laertes to be patient, and to remember their plan for revenge.1. Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion.
The relationship between Gertrude and Hamlet seemed to have changed over time. Initially, Gertrude seemed to be a mother who's willing to give up everything for her son. However, her attitude changed as she started to perceive Hamlet as a mad man. When Hamlet and Gertrude had a direct conversation after "Mousetrap" play, she seemed to just admit the fact the Hamlet was mad as she succumbed to his request. In Act 5.1, Gertrude openly accepts that Hamlet is mad for she immediately agrees when Claudius says: "O, he is mad..." Her response, "For love of God, forbear him," seems to echo the departing relationship between Gertrude and Hamlet for it seems that Gertrude does not contemplate deeply Hamlet's thoughts but only her position as part of the royalty.
2. 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.
Dear, Diary.
I am angry! I am mad! Today, there was a funeral procession for Ophelia and guess whom I saw! I saw Hamlet. Never expected to see him at that time, at that place, I became furious. I was furious when the priest who said that to give Ophelia a proper Christian burial would profane the dead. Hamlet immediately jumped in to Ophelia's grave and started to weep for her. I was very upset. How can he weep for him when he killed Ophelia's father, my father?!! If I had my sword with me, I would have killed him at that moment. But luckily, I didn't have one and Claudius stopped me, reminding me of the plan we had. I will revenge for my father. You know I will.
Laertes
3. 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?
Entry#9: Act5.2
Act 5.2 Summary: The next day at Elsinore Castle, Hamlet tells Horatio how he plotted to overcome Claudius’s scheme to have him murdered in England by replacing the sealed letter. Because of this, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern will die but Hamlet tells Horatio that he has to sympathy for them because they betrayed him. Osric, a foolish courtier who contradicts himself by complimenting Hamlet and the praising Laertes, comes in and starts to flatter. Against Horatio's advice, Hamlet agrees to fight Laertes. At the beginning of the fight, Hamlet asks Laertes for forgiveness and Laertes tells him that he will not forgive Hamlet until an elderly comes to advise in this matter. However, he accepts Hamlet's offer of love. The duel begins, and when Hamlet hits Laertes, Gertrude drinks from the cup, which was meant to give to Hamlet, and she dies. Laertes hits Hamlet with the poisoned sword and immediately they manage to exchange swords, and Hamlet wounds Laertes with Laertes’ own blade. When Laertes tells Hamlet that the king is to blame both for the poison on the sword and for the poison in the cup, Hamlet runs Claudius through with the poisoned sword and forces him to drink down the rest of the poisoned wine. Claudius dies. Hamlet urges Horatio not to die but live and tell his story. He finally wishes Fortinbras to be King of Denmark and then dies. Fortinbras comes in and Horatio decides to tell this tragedy. Fortinbras orders Hamlet to be carried away like a soldier.1. Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion.
In Act 5.2, the relationship between Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern becomes clear. When Hamlet tells Horatio that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are "not near [his] conscience," the audience can immediately tell that Hamlet felt betrayed when they catered to Claudius. His cold statement that "they did make love to this employment" further shows how Hamlet thought about the relationship with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: their deaths do not matter to Hamlet because he thinks they deserve such consequences.
2. 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.
Dear, Diary.
Hamlet is dead...I still cannot forget how he told me to live, to live and tell his story. His agonizing face makes me feel gloomy. I told him not to go on a duel with Laertes. I just had the bad feeling for it. Why does the consequence have be like this? It doesn't have to be this way!!! If Claudius had not died, I would have killed him to revenge for Hamlet. I remember his last wish...making Fortinbras to become the king I wonder whether he'll restore the power of royalty. I'll help him as best as I can to make Denmark a better king and live long to tell this story and my friend Hamlet...who bravely fought to revenge for his father.
Hamlet
3. Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
I think ear plays a major part in the play to convey Shakespeare's message about language. Words are used communicate ideas, but they can also be used to distort the truth. Claudius effectively uses the slipperiness of language to manipulate his power. Now that I'm thinking of the ears now, I got to look at King Hamlet's death in a different angle. The ghost tells Hamlet that Claudius put liquid into King Hamlet's ears. However, we all know that people don't die because of that. Maybe the ghost's story could be interpreted in a figurative way that Claudius killed King Hamlet through words (verbal violence): for example, Claudius could have framed him, causing King Hamlet to commit suicide. Furthermore, before Hamlet dies, he tells Horatio to live and tell his story. Again, through ears, people will hear. Every scheme and stories are passed on through conversations and apparently, ears are there to hear it. In this respect, it is no wonder that the word 'ear' comes out frequently through out the play.