Summary:
When guards Bernardo and Mercellus were standing watch, the ghost of the deceased King Hamlet showed himself upon them. The following night, the two guards keep watch with Horatio, who denies that the ghost appeared. Despite his claims, the ghost appears. The guards, concerned about what that would mean for the kingdom, agree to report the incident to Hamlet.
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?
This scene is significant because it sets the overall mood of the play and reveals the context of the events that will unfold.
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.
Ghost: Why don't you communicate with the characters?
Ms. Porter: How did the king die?
Bernardo, Horatio, Marcellus: If the Ghost is the King, why do you not address him with respect?
3) Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
BERNARDO: What, is Horatio there?
HORATIO: A piece of him
I enjoyed very much Horatio's reaction to Bernardo's question. This short line gives us insight into Horatio's sarcastic humor and comical attributes.
Like many comical characters in Shakespeare's plays, we can infer that Horatio is not of very high status.
SCENE 1.2
Summary:
The royal family and the king's men are introduced. Polonius sends his son over to France. Gertrude and King Claudius begs Hamlet to not leave to Denmark. Horatio and his group of soldiers arrive at the scene to inform of the ghost and sparks the interests of Hamlet.
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?
This scene is very important - for one thing, we get to see Hamlet, the protagonist of the play - because it reveals the politics of Denmark and how it has been affected by the King's death. We begin to sympathize for Hamlet, who is very saddened by the death of 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.
Gertrude: Why would you marry your husband's brother like right after your husband dies?
Hamlet: Why are you such a drama queen? Why are you so obedient?
Claudius: Why are you such a show off?
Ms. Porter: Why is Laertes's scene important?
3) Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
I think Gertrude is very selfish in that she marries the brother of her dead husband right after the death of him. This shows that she is a woman who is hungry for power, willing to do away moral values and principles when granted a position of power. If she had really loved him, she would have stepped up and taken action instead of marrying Claudius and feigning womanliness.
I can relate to Hamlet well, and I believe he has all the reasons to feel sorrow. He, unlike his mother, is moral and rational. However, I do not like his meekness to Claudius - if I were in his position, I would have not stayed passive. But, unlike Antigone, Hamlet does not want to cause much trouble - there has been too much destruction and havoc already.
Entry #2: 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2
1.3
Summary:
Ophelia is talking to Laertes about Hamlet's attempts to woo her. Laertes warns Ophelia that although it may seem that Hamlet loves Ophelia as of now, that his love is shortlived. Wondering about the talk between the two, Polonius asks about the conversation and agrees with Laertes that Hamlet's love for Ophelia is only temporary.
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?
We gain insight into Hamlet's feelings for Ophelia, this scene also shows the pomposity of Polonius and Laertes and how protective they are of Ophelia.
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.
Laertes: why are you so dubious of Hamlet?
Ophelia: why are you so obedient?
3) Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
"Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood,
A violet in the youth of primy nature,Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting,The perfume and suppliance of a minute."
Says Laertes to Ophelia. The quote describes Hamlet's love for Ophelia; he argues that it is shortlived, and fickle. I love the comparisons that Laertes uses to describe the emotion, for it delivers the sentiment without having to spell it out. 'perfume and suppliance of a minute' shows that the love for Ophelia is temporal as is a fragrance of perfume. It does not linger.
1.4
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?
Rising Action - this scene prepares the audience for the ultimate revelation that is to change the fate of the story altogether.
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.
Hamlet: Why do you trust the ghost?
3) Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
"My fate cries out
And makes each petty artery in this bodyAs hardy as the Nemean lion’s nerve.Still am I called.—Unhand me, gentlemen."
This quote is a good indication of Hamlet's values; he staunchly advocates his principles, even if it may risk his life.
He is brave and unafraid to face his fate. I liked the reference to Nemean lion, for it shows the hardiness of his personality and
the grit of Hamlet. I believe Hamlet is a character I can relate to - he is the character that I aspire to be.
1.5
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?
This scene is crucial to the understanding of the play, as we learn that Claudius brutally murdered King Hamlet, greedy for power.
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.
Ms. Porter: Why does Hamlet not treat the ghost as he would his father?
Hamlet: why do you not let your fellows know of the secret, hence conspire against Claudius together?
3) Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
2.1
Summary:
Within the scene, the ghost finally speaks for the first time. And he only addresses Hamlet about his death. He reveals himself as the father of Hamlet and that he had been brutally murdered. However, the conversation is cut off in the middle as the ghost suddenly disappears, leaving much unanswered questions to Hamlet. Then, Hamlet makes the two soldiers swear on his sword not to ever reveal to anybody what they had seen that night.
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?
This, I believe is of minor importance as it does not contribute much to the larger progression of the play, which focuses around the actions of Hamlet and his strife to avenge 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.
3) Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
2.2
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?
4.1
Character Questions: LAERTES
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?
He is very rash and headstrong. Laertes is at the same time, very charismatic; he has the ability to mobilize people with his leadership.
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?
The purpose of Laertes' appearance was simple: he wanted to find out the truth about his father's death, and seek revenge.
3. How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet?
He is only concerned about who killed his father. The rationale behind the killing is overlooked; he burns with the desire to kill the one who killed his father. Since Claudius also sees Hamlet as a threat to his well being, he manipulates Laertes' anger to put him on his side. When Laertes finds out about Hamlet, he promises to kill him and cut his throat. Claudius tempts him further, and feigns innocence.
4. What do other characters say about your character and how do they react to him? How does your character feel about other characters?
Laertes is touted as the new king of Denmark. The common people see him as a savior to the corrutption that has been plaguing the kingdom following King Hamlet's death. Claudius sees Laertes as an individual with a common foe; Hamlet.
5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which she appears? How is she affected by the events?
Laertes is a foil to Hamlet. Laertes and Hamlet have both been deprived of their fathers and seek revenge. When Laertes enters the scene, we know that he will bring with him rage and despair. He is determined to kill, and is a definite influence on the plot of the story. He is at the same time, greatly affected by the events. He is very troubled by his sister's madness and eventual death.
6. How is your character important to this act? In other words, do you learn something new about the plot through him? Do you gain any insights about Hamlet by comparing/contrasting him to your character?
Laertes sets a new tone in the play. His entrance marks the beginning of a series of ki
7. What questions are raised by your character's words and/or behavior in this act?
8. What was unexpected? What questions that you've previously had are answered by your character's words and /or behavior in this act?
Entry #1: 1.1, 1.2 -------------- 3/31/10
SCENE 1.1
Summary:
When guards Bernardo and Mercellus were standing watch, the ghost of the deceased King Hamlet showed himself upon them. The following night, the two guards keep watch with Horatio, who denies that the ghost appeared. Despite his claims, the ghost appears. The guards, concerned about what that would mean for the kingdom, agree to report the incident to Hamlet.
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?
This scene is significant because it sets the overall mood of the play and reveals the context of the events that will unfold.
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.
Ghost: Why don't you communicate with the characters?
Ms. Porter: How did the king die?
Bernardo, Horatio, Marcellus: If the Ghost is the King, why do you not address him with respect?
3) Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
BERNARDO: What, is Horatio there?
HORATIO: A piece of him
I enjoyed very much Horatio's reaction to Bernardo's question. This short line gives us insight into Horatio's sarcastic humor and comical attributes.
Like many comical characters in Shakespeare's plays, we can infer that Horatio is not of very high status.
SCENE 1.2
Summary:
The royal family and the king's men are introduced. Polonius sends his son over to France. Gertrude and King Claudius begs Hamlet to not leave to Denmark. Horatio and his group of soldiers arrive at the scene to inform of the ghost and sparks the interests of Hamlet.
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?
This scene is very important - for one thing, we get to see Hamlet, the protagonist of the play - because it reveals the politics of Denmark and how it has been affected by the King's death. We begin to sympathize for Hamlet, who is very saddened by the death of 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.
Gertrude: Why would you marry your husband's brother like right after your husband dies?
Hamlet: Why are you such a drama queen? Why are you so obedient?
Claudius: Why are you such a show off?
Ms. Porter: Why is Laertes's scene important?
3) Describe your reactions to a character, action, or idea you confronted in the scene.
I think Gertrude is very selfish in that she marries the brother of her dead husband right after the death of him. This shows that she is a woman who is hungry for power, willing to do away moral values and principles when granted a position of power. If she had really loved him, she would have stepped up and taken action instead of marrying Claudius and feigning womanliness.
I can relate to Hamlet well, and I believe he has all the reasons to feel sorrow. He, unlike his mother, is moral and rational. However, I do not like his meekness to Claudius - if I were in his position, I would have not stayed passive. But, unlike Antigone, Hamlet does not want to cause much trouble - there has been too much destruction and havoc already.
Entry #2: 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2
1.3
Summary:
Ophelia is talking to Laertes about Hamlet's attempts to woo her. Laertes warns Ophelia that although it may seem that Hamlet loves Ophelia as of now, that his love is shortlived. Wondering about the talk between the two, Polonius asks about the conversation and agrees with Laertes that Hamlet's love for Ophelia is only temporary.
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?
We gain insight into Hamlet's feelings for Ophelia, this scene also shows the pomposity of Polonius and Laertes and how protective they are of Ophelia.
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.
Laertes: why are you so dubious of Hamlet?
Ophelia: why are you so obedient?
3) Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
"Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood,
A violet in the youth of primy nature,Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting,The perfume and suppliance of a minute."
Says Laertes to Ophelia. The quote describes Hamlet's love for Ophelia; he argues that it is shortlived, and fickle. I love the comparisons that Laertes uses to describe the emotion, for it delivers the sentiment without having to spell it out. 'perfume and suppliance of a minute' shows that the love for Ophelia is temporal as is a fragrance of perfume. It does not linger.
1.4
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?
Rising Action - this scene prepares the audience for the ultimate revelation that is to change the fate of the story altogether.
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.
Hamlet: Why do you trust the ghost?
3) Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
"My fate cries out
And makes each petty artery in this bodyAs hardy as the Nemean lion’s nerve.Still am I called.—Unhand me, gentlemen."
This quote is a good indication of Hamlet's values; he staunchly advocates his principles, even if it may risk his life.
He is brave and unafraid to face his fate. I liked the reference to Nemean lion, for it shows the hardiness of his personality and
the grit of Hamlet. I believe Hamlet is a character I can relate to - he is the character that I aspire to be.
1.5
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?
This scene is crucial to the understanding of the play, as we learn that Claudius brutally murdered King Hamlet, greedy for power.
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.
Ms. Porter: Why does Hamlet not treat the ghost as he would his father?
Hamlet: why do you not let your fellows know of the secret, hence conspire against Claudius together?
3) Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
2.1
Summary:
Within the scene, the ghost finally speaks for the first time. And he only addresses Hamlet about his death. He reveals himself as the father of Hamlet and that he had been brutally murdered. However, the conversation is cut off in the middle as the ghost suddenly disappears, leaving much unanswered questions to Hamlet. Then, Hamlet makes the two soldiers swear on his sword not to ever reveal to anybody what they had seen that night.
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?
This, I believe is of minor importance as it does not contribute much to the larger progression of the play, which focuses around the actions of Hamlet and his strife to avenge 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.
3) Quote lines from the scene that you enjoyed and comment on them.
2.2
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?
4.1
Character Questions: LAERTES
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?
He is very rash and headstrong. Laertes is at the same time, very charismatic; he has the ability to mobilize people with his leadership.
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?
The purpose of Laertes' appearance was simple: he wanted to find out the truth about his father's death, and seek revenge.
3. How does your character feel about the events in Act 4? about Hamlet?
He is only concerned about who killed his father. The rationale behind the killing is overlooked; he burns with the desire to kill the one who killed his father. Since Claudius also sees Hamlet as a threat to his well being, he manipulates Laertes' anger to put him on his side. When Laertes finds out about Hamlet, he promises to kill him and cut his throat. Claudius tempts him further, and feigns innocence.
4. What do other characters say about your character and how do they react to him? How does your character feel about other characters?
Laertes is touted as the new king of Denmark. The common people see him as a savior to the corrutption that has been plaguing the kingdom following King Hamlet's death. Claudius sees Laertes as an individual with a common foe; Hamlet.
5. How does your character affect the events of each scene in which she appears? How is she affected by the events?
Laertes is a foil to Hamlet. Laertes and Hamlet have both been deprived of their fathers and seek revenge. When Laertes enters the scene, we know that he will bring with him rage and despair. He is determined to kill, and is a definite influence on the plot of the story. He is at the same time, greatly affected by the events. He is very troubled by his sister's madness and eventual death.
6. How is your character important to this act? In other words, do you learn something new about the plot through him? Do you gain any insights about Hamlet by comparing/contrasting him to your character?
Laertes sets a new tone in the play. His entrance marks the beginning of a series of ki
7. What questions are raised by your character's words and/or behavior in this act?
8. What was unexpected? What questions that you've previously had are answered by your character's words and /or behavior in this act?