I would honestly say that I enjoyed Hamlet a lot. I thought the story was very strange and interesting (ghosts, impending war, intense fencing matches, etc.) I was very intrigued throughout most of the play and was truly surprised with the ending and the many other plot twists. I found the characters to be relate-able because haven't we all so desperately sought revenge at some point? I also found Hamlet and Ophelia to be very likable and by the end of the play I really cared about what happened to both of them.
I'm not completely sure about how I feel about Shakespeare in general. I enjoyed Hamlet as well as Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, but I detested Julius Caesar. I think I'll always either like or dislike an individual book/play rather than the entire works of the author. I, however, have no doubt that Shakespeare was a great writer and his plays are very clever, thought-provoking and overall entertaining.
I really enjoyed watching the movie along with reading the play. It goes without saying that this made the story a lot easier to follow. Also because Hamlet is a play, I find it only appropriate that we see the story instead of just read the story. I enjoyed the interpretation I watched and I liked seeing clips from the other versions of the play in class. I'm interested in seeing the modernized version.
I thought some of the mini-projects we did for Hamlet we're really fun. I enjoyed the twitter project and I like the re-writing the soliloquy project as well. These gave us a lot of freedom to be creative and give our input and our own personal interpretation of the play. I can't say I enjoyed the blogging. Not because of the project itself but because I'm not a computer savvy person (it took me a long time to figure this out) and I can confidently say that I won't be continuing blogging recreationally. Overall I enjoyed my Hamlet experience and I'm looking forward to the next Shakespeare play I'll read in high school.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Role of Parents in Hamlet
The role of parents in Hamlet have been very significant throughout the play thus far. They play a part in both the apparent and underlying plots in the story. They drive their children's actions which leads to plot twists and overall makes Hamlet interesting as we watch these tragic and sometimes strange interactions between parent and child.
The most obvious and perhaps important parent role in the play is that of Old Hamlet's. The kings role as a good father in his life, and a driving force of Hamlet's developing insanity after his death sets off the plot of the play. Hamlet is driven by the love he felt for his dead father and the anger instilled in him by the ghost to plot against Claudius throughout the play. Gertrude's role as Hamlet's mother differs greatly than the role of his father. By marrying Claudius she gives Hamlet reason to feel that women are weak and makes him distrust them. She also most likely attributes to Hamlet's unusual interest in his mother's sexuality. I think this is because her actions in the play have led to Hamlet's literal disgust with the idea of her as a sexual being. This probably has to do with his anger at how she betrayed his father.
Polonius' role as Ophelia and Laertes' father is also significant in the play. Polonius does everything in his power to be in total control of his daughter. He takes great interest in her relationship with Hamlet and even commands to take certain actions in the relationship. This treatment leads to Ophelia's fate toward the end of the play. She loses her mind because there was no longer a man in her life to control and manipulate it. Polonius' traits are apparent in his son. Polonius was a man of action. For example, instead of sitting around wondering how Laertes was behaving in Paris he sends someone to spy on him. This type of action is seen in Laertes when he responds to his father's death by bursting in the castle with an angry mob.
A less evident parental role influencing the play that of Old Fortinbras. Although Old Fortinbras is dead upon the beginning of the play readers have to assume his influence upon Prince Fortinbras was great. This is because the prince seems to be doing everything in his power throughout the play to avenge his father, just as Hamlet wishes to do. For all we know maybe King Fortinbras appeared to Prince Fortinbras as a spirit as well. This would certainly drive the prince's actions.
It is apparent that the roles of parents are significant in Hamlet. From empowering fathers like King Hamlet to manipulative and sneaky ones like Polonius, every parent in this play has an important role in the unraveling of the plot. They're decisions and even orders drive their children's actions and this is why they somehow effect every character in the play.
The most obvious and perhaps important parent role in the play is that of Old Hamlet's. The kings role as a good father in his life, and a driving force of Hamlet's developing insanity after his death sets off the plot of the play. Hamlet is driven by the love he felt for his dead father and the anger instilled in him by the ghost to plot against Claudius throughout the play. Gertrude's role as Hamlet's mother differs greatly than the role of his father. By marrying Claudius she gives Hamlet reason to feel that women are weak and makes him distrust them. She also most likely attributes to Hamlet's unusual interest in his mother's sexuality. I think this is because her actions in the play have led to Hamlet's literal disgust with the idea of her as a sexual being. This probably has to do with his anger at how she betrayed his father.
Polonius' role as Ophelia and Laertes' father is also significant in the play. Polonius does everything in his power to be in total control of his daughter. He takes great interest in her relationship with Hamlet and even commands to take certain actions in the relationship. This treatment leads to Ophelia's fate toward the end of the play. She loses her mind because there was no longer a man in her life to control and manipulate it. Polonius' traits are apparent in his son. Polonius was a man of action. For example, instead of sitting around wondering how Laertes was behaving in Paris he sends someone to spy on him. This type of action is seen in Laertes when he responds to his father's death by bursting in the castle with an angry mob.
A less evident parental role influencing the play that of Old Fortinbras. Although Old Fortinbras is dead upon the beginning of the play readers have to assume his influence upon Prince Fortinbras was great. This is because the prince seems to be doing everything in his power throughout the play to avenge his father, just as Hamlet wishes to do. For all we know maybe King Fortinbras appeared to Prince Fortinbras as a spirit as well. This would certainly drive the prince's actions.
It is apparent that the roles of parents are significant in Hamlet. From empowering fathers like King Hamlet to manipulative and sneaky ones like Polonius, every parent in this play has an important role in the unraveling of the plot. They're decisions and even orders drive their children's actions and this is why they somehow effect every character in the play.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Love letter to Ophelia
Dear Ophelia,
I'm writing you this letter because you haven't answered any of my calls. I left you messeges on your machine but I guess its broken because you haven't called back...With this in mind I took the liberty of sending you a new answering machine a few weeks ago but I guess it must have gotten lost in the mail because you still haven't called back. Come to think of it, I hope this letter makes it to you. I'm sure you've been very busy lately which is why I've heard less from you. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I'll be periodically calling you at intervals of 15 minutes, sending you frequent text messeges and regularly checking your Facebook. I'll also be standing outside of your window every night this week holding a boom box over my head hoping you might come outside to greet me. I miss you dearly my love.
Love, Hamlet xxooxxoo
I'm writing you this letter because you haven't answered any of my calls. I left you messeges on your machine but I guess its broken because you haven't called back...With this in mind I took the liberty of sending you a new answering machine a few weeks ago but I guess it must have gotten lost in the mail because you still haven't called back. Come to think of it, I hope this letter makes it to you. I'm sure you've been very busy lately which is why I've heard less from you. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I'll be periodically calling you at intervals of 15 minutes, sending you frequent text messeges and regularly checking your Facebook. I'll also be standing outside of your window every night this week holding a boom box over my head hoping you might come outside to greet me. I miss you dearly my love.
Love, Hamlet xxooxxoo
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Hamlet and Ophelia: Before the Play
This story takes place at Ophelia's sixteenth birthday party thrown by her father, Polonius in an extravagant castle in Denmark.
Polonius: My dear Ophelia, for your sixteenth birthday I've had the castle decorated in your honor and invited all of your closest friends for a party I want you to remember for the rest of your life. I have some important duties to attend to so I'll be leaving now. You have a great time.
Ophelia observes the beautifully decorated hall for her party and feels greatful as all of her closest friends pour in through the door bearing gifts. She greets her friends as they show up. She looks through the crowd of her guests and spots Hamlet with his friends Horatio, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern. She blushes when she sees him and her girl friends (other noblewomen in Denmark)notice. They laugh at Ophelia and snicker about how she is in love with Hamlet.
Ophelia's friends: Ophelia and Hamlet sittin' in a tree, k.i.s.s.i.n.g..
The party goers mingle as ROphelia admires Hamlet from afar. She notices he looks slightly disturbed. Maybe annoyed?
Horatio aside to Hamlet: Hamlet you're at a party you should be having a good time.
Hamlet: I can't be bothered with these childish gatherings. I have alot of preparation for when I become king and this party is just a waste of my time.
Party goer: I have an idea. Lets play spin the bottle!
The party goer obtains a wine bottle and all of the guests gather around in a circle.
Hamlet catches Ophelia's eye as she looks at him with longing. "I should be going now" thought Hamlet. As he walks toward the door Rosencrantz and Guildenstern call him over.
Rosencrantz: Come play spin the bottle, Hamlet.
Guildenstern: Don't be a party pooper.
"To play or not to play. That is the question," thought Hamlet. He was clearly superior to these foolish children and their games, but Hamlet has admired Ophelia for years and it seemed as though she wanted him to stay. Hamlet joined the other guests in the circle.
Party goer: Here we go!
The party goer spins the bottle and the two ends stop in between Ophelia and Hamlet. The two shudder and meet eyes as the guests chuckle and snicker.
Horatio: Now you have to kiss the birthday girl, Hamlet.
The two lean in to kiss as everyone watches. They slowly get closer and closer when Laertes bursts through the door.
Laertes: Where's the birthday girl!? Hey little sis! Birthday punches!
Ophelia sighs as the guests leave the circle. She looks at Hamlet and the two exchange a smile.
Horatio to Hamlet: Are you having a good time yet?
Hamlet: (thinking about Ophelia) I'm glad I came after all.
Polonius: My dear Ophelia, for your sixteenth birthday I've had the castle decorated in your honor and invited all of your closest friends for a party I want you to remember for the rest of your life. I have some important duties to attend to so I'll be leaving now. You have a great time.
Ophelia observes the beautifully decorated hall for her party and feels greatful as all of her closest friends pour in through the door bearing gifts. She greets her friends as they show up. She looks through the crowd of her guests and spots Hamlet with his friends Horatio, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern. She blushes when she sees him and her girl friends (other noblewomen in Denmark)notice. They laugh at Ophelia and snicker about how she is in love with Hamlet.
Ophelia's friends: Ophelia and Hamlet sittin' in a tree, k.i.s.s.i.n.g..
The party goers mingle as ROphelia admires Hamlet from afar. She notices he looks slightly disturbed. Maybe annoyed?
Horatio aside to Hamlet: Hamlet you're at a party you should be having a good time.
Hamlet: I can't be bothered with these childish gatherings. I have alot of preparation for when I become king and this party is just a waste of my time.
Party goer: I have an idea. Lets play spin the bottle!
The party goer obtains a wine bottle and all of the guests gather around in a circle.
Hamlet catches Ophelia's eye as she looks at him with longing. "I should be going now" thought Hamlet. As he walks toward the door Rosencrantz and Guildenstern call him over.
Rosencrantz: Come play spin the bottle, Hamlet.
Guildenstern: Don't be a party pooper.
"To play or not to play. That is the question," thought Hamlet. He was clearly superior to these foolish children and their games, but Hamlet has admired Ophelia for years and it seemed as though she wanted him to stay. Hamlet joined the other guests in the circle.
Party goer: Here we go!
The party goer spins the bottle and the two ends stop in between Ophelia and Hamlet. The two shudder and meet eyes as the guests chuckle and snicker.
Horatio: Now you have to kiss the birthday girl, Hamlet.
The two lean in to kiss as everyone watches. They slowly get closer and closer when Laertes bursts through the door.
Laertes: Where's the birthday girl!? Hey little sis! Birthday punches!
Ophelia sighs as the guests leave the circle. She looks at Hamlet and the two exchange a smile.
Horatio to Hamlet: Are you having a good time yet?
Hamlet: (thinking about Ophelia) I'm glad I came after all.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Themes in Chapter 8
In this chapter we learn of how Gatsby came into his money and also of Daisy and his relationship. The American dream is a symbol in this chapter because we now understand what Gatsby was dreaming for (to make up for lost time with Daisy) and how he chased his dream when he became wealthy. Immortality is a theme because even though it seemed that all hope was lost for Gatsby and Daisy he still carried some hope until the very end of his life.
Colors in Chapter 7
In chapter 7 the color green is used to describe George Wilson's face. Nick says his face was "green in the sunlight." In this chapter I think the color is used to symbolize jealousy. Also in this chapter "Daisy and Jordan lay upon an enormous couch, like silver idols weighing down their own white dresses against the singing breeze of the fans." The white dresses seem to symbolize something different now than they did in the beginning of the book because they are weighing the girls down. Yellow is used to describe Gastby's yellow station wagon and as I said in my last post about colors, yellow symbolizes corruption.
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