Hamlet 1.1 Summary
This scene begins off with two watchmen named Bernardo and Francisco guarding a castle in Denmark. They approach each other without being able to see through the darkness. As Bernardo takes Francisco’s place, another man named Marcello enters the scene. The two men try to prove the existence of a ghost of, supposedly, the dead King Hamlet to Horatio. The ghost then appears in front of them without a word, giving them the sense the the ghost is a warning about the nation’s future. As they discuss this, Fortinbras, the young Prince of Norway, is also mentioned regarding the conquer of their forfeited lands. Soon, the ghost reappears, but once again leaves without a word.
Questions:
Why do they attempt to question or speak to the ghost? Are they believing that the ghost would reply and have a conversation with them? It seems strange to me the way they approach the ghost with more curiosity than simple fear. Character Analysis:
Although his name is only mentioned briefly, Fortinbras caught my attention while I read the first scene. His relationship with Denmark as well as his family connections with Hamlet seems like it will be a start or trigger to something big later on in the the play. Quotes: Marcello - Shall I strike at it with my partisan?
This quote was quite amusing for me because they even got the thought about striking a ghost. Usually, when I think about ghosts, I picture a figure that is a bit transparent and that people are able to walk through them.
Hamlet 1.2 Summary
This scene starts off with King Claudius announcing his marriage with Gertude, mother of Prince Hamlet. Fortinbras wrote a letter demanding land back from King Claudius. The King and his wife ask Hamlet why he still mourns and keeps his black clothing on, expressing his sadness. King Claudius tries to persuade Hamlet to think that people all die. He also tells Hamlet that he wishes for Hamlet not to go to Wittenberg. When Hamlet obeys Claudius and Gertude, Claudius is extremely happy. However, Hamlet alone feels a desire to die because of the fact that his mother has moved on with her life so easily. Then, the guards from the first scene enter and tell Hamlet about the ghost, leading Hamlet to want to be there with them at night.
Lim's Hamlet Reading Log #2
Hamlet 1.3 Summary
In this scene, Laertes is about to take a ship to France. Before he leaves, he talks to his sister Ophelia about Hamlet and his 'unreal' love towards her. Then, Polonius enters. Laertes eventually leaves for his trip and Polonius tells Ophelia once again to watch out for Hamlet. Both men mention that he is in a position and situation where his love for Ophelia can't last long. Hamlet 1.4 Summary
After hearing about the ghost from the two guards, Hamlet's curiosity brings him out to guard the castle. Once the ghost appears, it asks Hamlet to follow, which he does. Horatio and Marcellus are worried and decide to follow Hamlet and the ghost into the forest. Hamlet 1.5 Summary
This scene's majority is spoken by the ghost. He tells Hamlet that he is King Hamlet. He explains about how he died--poisoned by a serpent, Hamlet's uncle. Hearing that Claudius was the one that had killed King Hamlet, Prince Hamlet is not pleased. The ghost tells Hamlet to plan out a revenge for Caludius, but not Gertude. The ghost then leaves. Hamlet 2.1 Summary
Polonius send Reynaldo, his servant, to go spy on Laertes in France. He will attempt to spread rumors about Laertes. Then, Ophelia enters and tells Polonius about a strange act that Hamlet has done: he took her and held her without talking. Polonius concludes that Hamlet must be mad with love for Ophelia because she has been staying away from him. He exits to tell Claudius this interpretation. Hamlet 2.2 Summary
Two of Hamlet's friends named Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are called by the King and Queen as an attempt to improve Hamlet's mood. The king and queen want the friends to figure out what's wrong with Hamlet or solve his depression. Polonius then comes with news that Fortinbras is not to start a war with Denmark. Then, of course, Polonius mentions the situation with Hamlet and his madness for Ophelia, showing the love letters and such. He plans a mission to prove this madness by getting Hamlet to say something about his love for Ophelia. The talks ends up as a mystery--Hamlet does talk nonsense, but he still seems to make sense in his own way. Later when Hamlet meets his friends, he is pleased. When asked why they are here, their secrets about being sent by the King and Queen are revealed. As they all watch actors, but it only amuses Hamlet for a short while. He later decides to use this play for his own advantage and revenge.
Reactions:
When I read the part where Polonius plans out a talk with Hamlet to find out if he really is madly in love with Ophelia, I somehow sensed some immaturity. They are people in a high position and status, yet the best they can do at that time to figure out this mystery is to hide out during the night and watch a conversation go on? Also, the last part of Act 1 made me wonder whether or not it was worth their time to investigate so much. However, I still couldn't think of more options myself. Significance:
I think the significance of Act 2's first couple scenes seems to be a bridge of the play's beginning and climax. These scenes play as an instrument for explaining how, when, and why things happen throughout the entire play. Without the scene, the audience wouldn't realize what Hamlet's intentions of his actions towards Claudius are. They would be lost without knowing the fact that Caludius killed King Hamlet. Questions:
How exactly does Hamlet expect to use the play as a tool for his revenge?
Does Gertude already know about this fact, or is she being fooled by Claudius too?
What does Hamlet plan to do if something goes wrong and his plan backfires?
Lim's Hamlet Reading Log #3
Hamlet 3.1 Summary
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern tells the king and queen of their unaccomplished goal of finding out Hamlet's reason for his insanity. Polonius and Claudius watch the play, which pleases Hamlet. Then, they decide to spy in Hamlet as he talks to Ophelia. At first, Hamlet talks to himself about whether or not he should commit suicide. This is where the famous quote appears: “To be, or not to be: that is the question” (III.i.58). When Ophelia talks to Hamlet about returning his letters and such, he states that he has never loved her. This explosion however still brings him a bit of pity. Seeing this, and coming back out from their hideout, the king and queen decide to send Hamlet to England, where he would be able to clear his mind and come back to his senses.
Relationships:
The relationship between Ophelia and Hamlet is still left a mystery. Is it love, or is it simple confusion? Clearly since the beginning of the play, Ophelia mentioned how Hamlet flirted with her. However, in this scene Hamlet states that "[he] never gave [Ophelia] aught" (III.i.97). He seems so sure about his answer that it even confuses the audience. Questions:
Is it just me, or does it seem like Ophelia, Polonius, and Claudius are more obsessed over Hamlet than Hamlet is over Ophelia? This then leads to my next question. Are the assumptions made about Hamlet's condition reliable? How true are Polonius's statements? Quote:
"To be, or not to be--that is the question" (III.i. 58).
Yes, we've all heard this quote before. However, not until today did I know the whole meaning of this quote and why Hamlet had said this line. Now that I read the story of Hamlet until now, I understand what he meant when he expressed his confusion about whether or not he should "be." Drawing:
Lim's Hamlet Reading Log #4
Hamlet 5.1 Summary
This act begins with the burial of Ophelia. The gravediggers talk about whether or not Ophelia should be given a Christian burial because it seems like she committed suicide, and those who kill themselves do not deserve a Christian burial. Hamlet and Horatio enter and ask the two gravediggers about whose grave this is. After some talk, Hamlet later realizes that the skull they find belonged to Yorick, a man he knew as a child. From seeing this skull, Hamlet comes to a realization that all men end up as dust--so small and worthless. The funeral for Ophelia then proceeds with Gertude, Claudius, Laertes, and others. While hidden, Hamlet sees that the lady who is being buried is Ophelia. Laertes leaps into the grave and holds Ophelia for one last time. Hamlet, seeing this, also runs out and fights with Laertes. He says that he loved Ophelia, and he would do anything for her. The people around them break them apart and Hamlet leaves the scene, Horatio following. Claudius calms Laertes down by reminding him about the revenge they must proceed later on.
Drawing:
Is Hamlet's way of ending love the only way love ends? Is there an end to love? It seems like love in this case is very cruel and hurtful, not beautiful as we see in media and other stories today.
Questions:
If Hamlet loved Ophelia so much, why did he 'act' mad all this time?
What are Hamlet's priorities?
How efficient was Hamlet's plan for revenge until now?
If Hamlet could turn back, would he change how things ended for Polonius?
Significance:
This scene ends Hamlet's and Laertes's reason for life and love. Without this scene, Hamlet would never know that Ophelia died untill much later. He might never know at all if Laertes and Claudius killed him before someone was to tell him in person that Ophelia committed suicide. This scene creates the connection between the end of the love stories in Hamlet and the death of Hamlet, Laertes, Claudius, and Gertude.
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?
Lim - soliloquy questions
Lim's Hamlet Reading Log #1
Hamlet 1.1 Summary
This scene begins off with two watchmen named Bernardo and Francisco guarding a castle in Denmark. They approach each other without being able to see through the darkness. As Bernardo takes Francisco’s place, another man named Marcello enters the scene. The two men try to prove the existence of a ghost of, supposedly, the dead King Hamlet to Horatio. The ghost then appears in front of them without a word, giving them the sense the the ghost is a warning about the nation’s future. As they discuss this, Fortinbras, the young Prince of Norway, is also mentioned regarding the conquer of their forfeited lands. Soon, the ghost reappears, but once again leaves without a word.
Questions:
Why do they attempt to question or speak to the ghost? Are they believing that the ghost would reply and have a conversation with them? It seems strange to me the way they approach the ghost with more curiosity than simple fear.
Character Analysis:
Although his name is only mentioned briefly, Fortinbras caught my attention while I read the first scene. His relationship with Denmark as well as his family connections with Hamlet seems like it will be a start or trigger to something big later on in the the play.
Quotes:
Marcello - Shall I strike at it with my partisan?
This quote was quite amusing for me because they even got the thought about striking a ghost. Usually, when I think about ghosts, I picture a figure that is a bit transparent and that people are able to walk through them.
Hamlet 1.2 Summary
This scene starts off with King Claudius announcing his marriage with Gertude, mother of Prince Hamlet. Fortinbras wrote a letter demanding land back from King Claudius. The King and his wife ask Hamlet why he still mourns and keeps his black clothing on, expressing his sadness. King Claudius tries to persuade Hamlet to think that people all die. He also tells Hamlet that he wishes for Hamlet not to go to Wittenberg. When Hamlet obeys Claudius and Gertude, Claudius is extremely happy. However, Hamlet alone feels a desire to die because of the fact that his mother has moved on with her life so easily. Then, the guards from the first scene enter and tell Hamlet about the ghost, leading Hamlet to want to be there with them at night.
Lim's Hamlet Reading Log #2
Hamlet 1.3 SummaryIn this scene, Laertes is about to take a ship to France. Before he leaves, he talks to his sister Ophelia about Hamlet and his 'unreal' love towards her. Then, Polonius enters. Laertes eventually leaves for his trip and Polonius tells Ophelia once again to watch out for Hamlet. Both men mention that he is in a position and situation where his love for Ophelia can't last long.
Hamlet 1.4 Summary
After hearing about the ghost from the two guards, Hamlet's curiosity brings him out to guard the castle. Once the ghost appears, it asks Hamlet to follow, which he does. Horatio and Marcellus are worried and decide to follow Hamlet and the ghost into the forest.
Hamlet 1.5 Summary
This scene's majority is spoken by the ghost. He tells Hamlet that he is King Hamlet. He explains about how he died--poisoned by a serpent, Hamlet's uncle. Hearing that Claudius was the one that had killed King Hamlet, Prince Hamlet is not pleased. The ghost tells Hamlet to plan out a revenge for Caludius, but not Gertude. The ghost then leaves.
Hamlet 2.1 Summary
Polonius send Reynaldo, his servant, to go spy on Laertes in France. He will attempt to spread rumors about Laertes. Then, Ophelia enters and tells Polonius about a strange act that Hamlet has done: he took her and held her without talking. Polonius concludes that Hamlet must be mad with love for Ophelia because she has been staying away from him. He exits to tell Claudius this interpretation.
Hamlet 2.2 Summary
Two of Hamlet's friends named Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are called by the King and Queen as an attempt to improve Hamlet's mood. The king and queen want the friends to figure out what's wrong with Hamlet or solve his depression. Polonius then comes with news that Fortinbras is not to start a war with Denmark. Then, of course, Polonius mentions the situation with Hamlet and his madness for Ophelia, showing the love letters and such. He plans a mission to prove this madness by getting Hamlet to say something about his love for Ophelia. The talks ends up as a mystery--Hamlet does talk nonsense, but he still seems to make sense in his own way. Later when Hamlet meets his friends, he is pleased. When asked why they are here, their secrets about being sent by the King and Queen are revealed. As they all watch actors, but it only amuses Hamlet for a short while. He later decides to use this play for his own advantage and revenge.
Reactions:
When I read the part where Polonius plans out a talk with Hamlet to find out if he really is madly in love with Ophelia, I somehow sensed some immaturity. They are people in a high position and status, yet the best they can do at that time to figure out this mystery is to hide out during the night and watch a conversation go on? Also, the last part of Act 1 made me wonder whether or not it was worth their time to investigate so much. However, I still couldn't think of more options myself.
Significance:
I think the significance of Act 2's first couple scenes seems to be a bridge of the play's beginning and climax. These scenes play as an instrument for explaining how, when, and why things happen throughout the entire play. Without the scene, the audience wouldn't realize what Hamlet's intentions of his actions towards Claudius are. They would be lost without knowing the fact that Caludius killed King Hamlet.
Questions:
How exactly does Hamlet expect to use the play as a tool for his revenge?
Does Gertude already know about this fact, or is she being fooled by Claudius too?
What does Hamlet plan to do if something goes wrong and his plan backfires?
Lim's Hamlet Reading Log #3
Hamlet 3.1 SummaryRosencrantz and Guildenstern tells the king and queen of their unaccomplished goal of finding out Hamlet's reason for his insanity. Polonius and Claudius watch the play, which pleases Hamlet. Then, they decide to spy in Hamlet as he talks to Ophelia. At first, Hamlet talks to himself about whether or not he should commit suicide. This is where the famous quote appears: “To be, or not to be: that is the question” (III.i.58). When Ophelia talks to Hamlet about returning his letters and such, he states that he has never loved her. This explosion however still brings him a bit of pity. Seeing this, and coming back out from their hideout, the king and queen decide to send Hamlet to England, where he would be able to clear his mind and come back to his senses.
Relationships:
The relationship between Ophelia and Hamlet is still left a mystery. Is it love, or is it simple confusion? Clearly since the beginning of the play, Ophelia mentioned how Hamlet flirted with her. However, in this scene Hamlet states that "[he] never gave [Ophelia] aught" (III.i.97). He seems so sure about his answer that it even confuses the audience.
Questions:
Is it just me, or does it seem like Ophelia, Polonius, and Claudius are more obsessed over Hamlet than Hamlet is over Ophelia? This then leads to my next question. Are the assumptions made about Hamlet's condition reliable? How true are Polonius's statements?
Quote:
"To be, or not to be--that is the question" (III.i. 58).
Yes, we've all heard this quote before. However, not until today did I know the whole meaning of this quote and why Hamlet had said this line. Now that I read the story of Hamlet until now, I understand what he meant when he expressed his confusion about whether or not he should "be."
Drawing:
Lim's Hamlet Reading Log #4
Hamlet 5.1 SummaryThis act begins with the burial of Ophelia. The gravediggers talk about whether or not Ophelia should be given a Christian burial because it seems like she committed suicide, and those who kill themselves do not deserve a Christian burial. Hamlet and Horatio enter and ask the two gravediggers about whose grave this is. After some talk, Hamlet later realizes that the skull they find belonged to Yorick, a man he knew as a child. From seeing this skull, Hamlet comes to a realization that all men end up as dust--so small and worthless. The funeral for Ophelia then proceeds with Gertude, Claudius, Laertes, and others. While hidden, Hamlet sees that the lady who is being buried is Ophelia. Laertes leaps into the grave and holds Ophelia for one last time. Hamlet, seeing this, also runs out and fights with Laertes. He says that he loved Ophelia, and he would do anything for her. The people around them break them apart and Hamlet leaves the scene, Horatio following. Claudius calms Laertes down by reminding him about the revenge they must proceed later on.
Drawing:
Is Hamlet's way of ending love the only way love ends? Is there an end to love? It seems like love in this case is very cruel and hurtful, not beautiful as we see in media and other stories today.
Questions:
If Hamlet loved Ophelia so much, why did he 'act' mad all this time?
What are Hamlet's priorities?
How efficient was Hamlet's plan for revenge until now?
If Hamlet could turn back, would he change how things ended for Polonius?
Significance:
This scene ends Hamlet's and Laertes's reason for life and love. Without this scene, Hamlet would never know that Ophelia died untill much later. He might never know at all if Laertes and Claudius killed him before someone was to tell him in person that Ophelia committed suicide. This scene creates the connection between the end of the love stories in Hamlet and the death of Hamlet, Laertes, Claudius, and Gertude.
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?