Delayed...but good news

Act 3 logs will be posted August 29th or 30th...yeah, yeah, I've been delayed due to excessive grading of Hamlet Logs. The good news is that although you need to read all of Act 3 this week, I'm not assigning any homework over Labor Day Weekend! Hey, it isn't called Labor Day for nothin, ey? Unless you're one of the procrastinators in the room and will be catching up on your reading/logging all weekend...

"Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, you cannot play upon me." --Hamlet, Act 3:2

Hire's Hamlet Log Act 2:2

OK - here is is, 3rd block. Geez.

1. Summary: Hamlet's good friends, Rosencranz and Guildenstern, arrive in Elsinore at the request of King Claudius to spy on Hamlet and try and figure out why he is acting so strangely. (My question here is...why is Claudius doing this? He knows why Hamlet is so upset...even Gertrude says "probably his father's death and our o'rehasty marriage." But is he just putting on a front that he cares about young Hamlet...covering his bases even more, or does he really care about him?) Polonius butts in briefly to tell the King that he knows why Hamlet is acting "mad." Claudius is like...oooh, tell me, tell me! and then agrees to let news of Fortinbras be heard before the Hamlet gossip. V & C say that they talked to Fortinbras's old Uncle and he agreed to tell Fortinbras to chill out on the attacking land. Claudius is pleased and is like "ok, get out" (so he can hear the gossip about Hamlet.) Polonius tells C &G how madly in love Hamlet is with Ophelia...he reads snipits of love letters and such...they quibble about if it could possibly be true and decide (of course) to spy on him and Ophelia. Hamlet comes in all emo (keep in mind here that he knows that Claudius killed his dad...) and is rather rude to Polonius (the father of the woman who just dissed him in the last scene). His behaviour strengthens Polonius's theory of why Hamlet is mad. Rosencranz and Guidenstern convieniently show up and Hamlet immediately calls them out as spies. There's some witty banter about sexy stuff...off color Shakespeare, you cad. So they talk about how the king and queen are "concerned" about Hamlet's well-being...a.k.a. mental state. Hamlet mentions that he is mad "north-northwest" and I'll talk about that later! Yay, players (actors) come...Polonius is all excited because he loves the theater...Hamlet is rude again, calling him Jephthath. (ouch) Hamlet asks one of the players to perform a speech (a scene) so he chooses a scene from the Aeneid...when Phrryus kills king Priam during the Trojan war. A long scene...but for some reason, Hamlet is into it...(why do you think so?) ANYHOO...Polonius leaves and Hamlet asks the players to perform a one of his "favorite" plays tonight..."The Murder of Gonzago." He also asks if he could insert like 16 additional lines of dialogue into the play and the actors agree. THEN, Hamlet's second most famous soliloquy: he relates back to the scene the players just told about Priam's death in the Trojan War. Hamlet is impressed at how the actor's portrayal of the scene moved him so much that he, in fact, grew pale. He's like "whoa...this actor is so good, so filled with passion when performing a scene that he has no real connection with! (what's he to him or him to Hecuba [ Priam's wife]). What is this actor dude had the same motive for passion that I have! What would the audience at that performance think?!" Then Hamlet is like all down on himself...he is embarrased that he's not man enough to face Claudius right away, by himself...he's embarrassed that he has to sit and think about it...talk to himself about it...instead of doing something about it straight away. (like a whore...unpack my heart...) Then he's like..."oh well, I'll do it my way...in my own time." But in the meantime...I'll see his reaction to this play (and the lines I've added). Everyone at the play will see how guilty Claudius looks and then everyone will know and....well, maybe he'll confess everything right there! That's what happens, in a nutshell.


3. Questions: How should Gertrude say her lines 59-60? What's her tone?
Based on the conversation in lines 404-444, what is Polonius and Hamlet's relationship like? And why?
Hamlet makes many comparisons and allusions in his last rant in lines 575 on. What are the most profound comparisons and what is your reaction to him at this point?
What's the level of Hamlet's "maddness" and what does he mean when he says his is mad "north-northwest"?
Why the heck is there the bit about Priam and Hecuba that takes SO LONG in this scene? What's the point of these lines? Is there any bigger meaning at all? What is Shakespeare doing here?!!!

4. Lines 595-609 - "Like a Johnadreams, unpregnant of my cause, and can say nothing....remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindless villian!! These are great lines...and I can really connect with what Hamlet is feeling right now. You know when you are so mad at someone...that all you want to do is tell everyone how mad you are at them! You can't confront them because you have no idea what you'll say. Well, poor Hamlet feels like he can't tell anyone...they probably won't believe him (think about why). He's completely on emotional overload and it's hard to function when you have so much on your plate. I think this part of his "maddness" is genuine. I think he plays it up in front of authority figures, but I think he is genuinely suffering too.

You guys are bums...

I'm sad that people are not responding to my brilliant insights. I'll be at home crying all weekend...

Hire's Hamlet Log 2:1

Act 2, Scene 1
(I need to start numbering my choices)

Number 5: I want to react to Polonius as a character and his idea of why it is good to send someone to spy on your son and spread bad rumors about him. First of all, I love Polonius; I love his character. He’s a great stage character because he’s quirky and he interacts with the audience. He is longwinded and his speeches reek with puns and double entendres. In this scene, we really get to know Polonius’s personality. He’s funny, yet kind of two faced and unnatural. Wait till you see K.B.’s interpretation of this scene, I really like it. So he sends Reynaldo to not only spy on Laertes, but to spread crazy rumors about him. But…he says to “breath his faults so quaintly that they may seem the taints of liberty.” Lines 34-35. So like, make it seem like he’s a cool bad kid. Then, if Laertes doesn’t disagree…it must be true! I just wonder what Polonius’s punishment would be for Laertes if this scam does work. This scheming actually reminds me of my dad when I was in high school! (scary as that may be) He wants the best for his son, that’s apparent, but it’s a weird approach. I think it shows that Polonius is a little “off” in his thinking.
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Number 7: If I were playing Ophelia in this scene…I would have to make some of my own interpretations of things. For example, how involved do I think that Hamlet and Ophelia are/were? Personally, I think they are/were definitely dating/courting. Why else would Ophelia act the way she does later on? I also think that she obeys her father (perhaps out of fear...maybe respect) when he tells her to stop seeing Hamlet. However, I don’t think that’s why he’s so crazy in this scene. I think his franticness and weirdness is because of the ghost and his message. He goes to Ophelia for comfort…which she must deny to him because of her father. Anyhoo…if I was playing her…and I see Hamlet come into the room all disheveled, I think I would go to him! A lot happens before this actual scene takes place that the audience doesn’t see. So when Ophelia explains it to her father in this scene, she must be completely clear to the audience. I would probably stretch the lines slowly and really pantomime the actions out…or use Polonius (wait, that might be weird) or a prop of some kind to stand for Hamlet. This is a very important scene that is often overlooked. It helps to define Hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship. (and much is left open to interpretation.)
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Number ? kind of #2: The same sorts of things go arry in lots of Shakespeare plays. For example, in Romeo and Juliet, if only people took regular baths, the plague would not have been an issue, and instead of getting quarrentined in a house he had been blessing, he could have delivered Friar Lawrence’s letter to Romeo and no one would be dead. (Except Tyblat and Mercutio) In Othello, if Iago would have gotten the job in the first place, Desdemona’s dad wasn’t so racist and certain secrets were revealed, no one would be dead either. In Hamlet, Polonius and Ophelia are confused as to why Hamlet is so distressed. Therefore…they go and tell King Claudius who comes up with a plan involving more spying, eventually conspiring, and everyone ends up dead again. This scene starts the misconceptions that Shakespeare plays are famous for.

Hire's Hamlet Log 1:5

Act 1, scene 5

I love the ghost’s first lines “Mark me.” So simple and Hamlet easily obeys “I will.” I noticed that this rhythm and empasis of words from father to son are similar. 2 stressed syllables for each of them. It's like all the ghost had to do was say 2 words and Hamlet was sold. Do you think Hamlet knows it is his father even before the ghost says “I am your father’s spirit…” I think he does know…especially because of all the fate references in scene 4 and all the emotion and suspense in scenes 1-3 leading up to this moment. Hamlet is very moldable at this point and time. He is grief stricken and vulnerable.

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I wonder what the Old Hamlet and his brother, Claudius’s relationship was like before the murder. Did they get along? Were they always fighting for power? Was Claudius upset because his older brother was king and he was craving power? I’m not sure...but I bet there was some sort of brotherly conflict and Claudius (evil as he is) took it to the extreme. Old Hamlet uses some harsh words in his speech in lines 49-99 against his brother. He uses “incestuous,” “adulterate beast,” “witchcraft,” “shameful lust,” “wretch,” etc... Harsh words for his brother, huh? Or has it always been this way? What do you think?
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What does Old King Hamlet think about Gertrude? Is he mad at her? He calls her a “seeming virtuous queen” but he also says that “lust, though to a radiant angel linked”...so, is Gertrude the radiant angel and Claudius the lust? He also says how he thinks the relationship is bad for the reputation of Denmark (line 90) Let not the royal bed of Denmark be a couch for luxury and damned incest.” I mean, they are at war here...and while this ghost is visiting young Hamlet, new King Claudius is partying it up with his new queen. The ghost seems angry, but I think more at Claudius for tricking Gertrude into this. Or did he force her into it? I wonder if she was in on the murder or if Claudius had her fooled too. King Hamlet then says “leave her to heaven… (lines 93-95) Does it seem like Gertrude is happy about her new husband? Indifferent? How can you tell? What must the kingdom think of all of this...imagine the presidency in the US...yikes. What are some of Claudius's qualities that might allow his people to be more at ease with such a weird situation?


Lines 210-211
“O cursed spite
That ever I was born to set it right!” ----fate again

Hire's Hamlet Log 1:4

Act 1, scene 4

There are many hints in this scene of something “rotten” yet to come. There is a lot of foreshadowing…

lines 74-75 “and my soul, what can it do to that?” We will see what happens to Hamlet’s soul.
Lines 80-86 “…assume some horrible form which might deprive your sovereignty of reason and draw you into madness?” The ghost may have something to say that will change your life forever and may jeopardize your kingly duties.
Line 91 “my fate cries out” He’s already talking about fate and he hasn’t seen the ghost’s face yet.
Line 100 “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” Ah yes…they just have a feeling that nothing good can come of this meeting between father and son…

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My first reaction to Hamlet throughout this scene is that he is so melodramatic! But I still love him. In his first speech he is ranting to Horatio and company about how he disapproves of his uncle’s carousing about and refuses to accept this “custom” (line 14) He's still brewing over his new father and his mother's betrayal...it seems...to his father and himself. He then talks about how power can ruin even the best of men…hmmm...more foreshadowing? His next speech, when he is musing over why the ghost has come goes on even more. He pleads to the ghost to enter and speak to him. “Let me not burst in ignorance!” So much emotion over still speculation. Finally, Hamlet's reaction to Horation and company after the ghost has left seems almost irrational. Why does he feel he can suddenly not trust his old freind(s)? The part about "offense" around line 150 is an example. It's Shakespeare playing with the language again...dramatic irony on Horatio and company's part...but also emphasizes the degree that this ghost has affected him. He believes this ghost whole-heartedly and will give up everything based on the knowledge of this offense that has occured.

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A lot is left up to fate in this scene. Hamlet speaks of his fate and believes the ghost has something to do with it. Also, when Hamlet leaves with the ghost, instead of stopping him, Horatio insists “let heaven direct it.” (Line 101) Is this something to say about the time period/belief system of Shakespeare’s day? Why is Horatio trying to protect Hamlet so forcefully? What is Hamlet's response to Horatio's pleas? Why such a heavy reliance on fate rather than man’s will? Can one control their own fate?

Hire's Hamlet Log 1:3

Act 1, scene 3


Everyone seems so concerned about Ophelia and Hamlet’s relationship…why? How serious are they really? What is a tender really? Has Hamlet like played/used other women before? Why does he have such a bad reputation with women? Check out the diction in this section… Polonius is known for his use of language. This relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia is highly questioned and debated…and has a lot to do with the rest of the play and the events that ensue… Are these two in love or just smitten or like messin around or like hangin out…hmm. What do YOU think and WHY?

The relationship between Polonius and Ophelia is freaky. Can you imagine having a conversation like this with your father!? Awkward City. Do you think she’s really going to obey him and not talk to Hamlet anymore? Hmmm…does Polonius scare her that easily/badly? Are her last words to him sarcastic or serious?


This would be a hard scene to stage because there is a lot of dialogue and not a lot of suggested movement…I envision Polonius pacing around Ophelia who stands almost completely still because she is just baffled that she is actually having this conversation. Polonius is a protective father…so I see him kinda getting in Ophelia’s face a bit perhaps. Or like taking her by the shoulders and really looking her straight in the eye. Polonius is like that wise father…who thinks he’s wise and is imparting all of his wisdom on his naïve girl…who knows how naïve Ophelia really is… I can see him looking out into the audience a lot…identifying/connecting with them like they know his advice rings true.

Hire's Hamlet Log 1:2

Act 1, scene 2

I’d like to comment on the relationship between Hamlet and his new dad, Claudius. The first words out of Hamlet’s mouth are derogatory towards King Claudius. We haven’t heard any hint of dislike about Claudius until now. Hamlet doesn’t respect their marriage at all. (not even 2 months dead…) He obsesses about his mother’s response to his father’s death. Lots of repetition here. He calls it incest and never directly responds to Claudius. He responds to (addresses) his mother, I think out of sadness alone. I think that Claudius isn’t giving Hamlet time enough to grieve. It’s only been a month and a half since his dad died and his mom already married his uncle! I think that Claudius is only strengthening Hamlet’s depression by acting like everything is normal. ( everyone’s dad dies…get over it). Seems like Claudius is really milking it too…I mean, he goes on and on about the circle of life and how it’s no big deal. Note: after this speech, Hamlet muses about wanting to be a part of the circle of life…the dead and decaying part. (1:2, lines 133-137).

I can just tell that Claudius is a sleeze from his first speech he gives in lines 1-38. He is so brief in explaining why he and Gertrude are married. He basically says that it’s a sad but happy time that they are getting married and that everyone should just accept it and move on because of the impending war with Fortinbras. He seems to compliment the late king to such an extent that it is almost forced. “our dear brother” (twice) and “our valiant brother” are examples of Claudius choosing his words carefully.

“A little more than kin and less than kind” Line 67 These are Hamlet’s first words about his uncle. And this is also the audience’s first whisper of a negative comment about the new king, Claudius. The audience could have listened to Claudius’s first speech and thought nothing wary or suspicious of him. Hamlet’s aside (secret) to the audience gives the audience a hint at his questionable nature. We also get Hamlet’s negative opinion on his mother’s marriage to his uncle. The KIN and KIND is a bit of Shakespearian word play. Hamlet does this a lot…I think it proves his intelligence…ability to manipulate language…he’s well educated. I think that it elevates Hamlet above Claudius…his ability to be sarcastic and identify with the audience.

Hire's Hamlet Log 1:1

Act 1, scene 1

Summary: Basically, we get that Old King Hamlet (of Denmark) is dead for some reason. His ghost is wandering around at 1 am every night and freaking out the 4 guards. We also learn that the king of Norway (Fortinbras) dared old King Hamlet to fight him for some land. Old Ham killed him and therefore won the land and now Fortinbras’s hot-headed son (also Fortinbras) is going to try and take back his land. Everyone agrees that that this ghost is probably an omen for something bad to come.


Horatio: If thou art privy to thy country’s fate
Which happily foreknowing may avoid,
O, speak!
Or if thou hast uphoarded in thy life
Extorted treasure in the womb of the earth,
For which, they say, you spirits oft walk in death,
Speak of it.

I think that this line is important because it is foreshadowing some impending doom on Denmark and/or its people. Horatio is such a freaked out character and he’s pleading with the ghost to tell them what he wants. He is hinting at the fact that the reason the king is a ghost is because he wants to tell someone something: “uphoarded in thy life.” (because that’s usually one of the reasons why ghosts walk the earth. The fact that the ghost is just about to say something and then the cock crows leaves the audience wondering and wanting more. Why won’t the ghost just talk to them? Is he waiting to talk to his son, Hamlet? Also…I’ll connect this to a snipit of dialogue later on in Act 1:2, lines 240ish…and on. The ghost king wore his facemask helmet thing up…so that his face was clearly visible to these men. He was more sad looking than angry…despite his warlike garb. Hamlet says “my father’s spirit – in arms! All is not well” the dash suggests an emphasis on the armor and that his costume is even more disturbing than the fact that the dead king is even wandering the earth. An interesting observation. Seems normal to Hamlet that his dad has come back…but unnatural to dress for war? Then he says “I doubt some foul play” Which really means that he doubts that there wasn’t any foul play…but it’s all because of the armor…more than just the ghost.


Horatio stands out to me. He is an interesting and pivotal character…he sticks around till the end of the play. (the bitter end…) He is the one who is most scared of the ghost (pale white, trembling). And he’s the one who knows the most about the political aspects of the state (tells the story of Old King Hamlet and Fortinbras. The other three are employed by the king/the state and they bring Horatio along because he has a friendship with Hamlet. (They went to school together…Whittenberg). Compare Horatio’s speech with these men to when he speaks freely with Hamlet…later in scene 2. Hmmmmmmm.