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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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