Final Hamlet Post: My Opinion

      Over the past three years, I've studied three of Shakespeare's plays: Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, and Hamlet. Each teacher had different teaching styles and techniques when it came to teaching Shakespeare. I have to say, I liked this year the best. Freshman year, we sat in a large discussion group and read the play aloud. We would occasionally act out the lines. It was hard to follow and let's face it - some kids just can't read out loud. Sophomore year, we were assigned what to read and when and then the teacher would summarize what happened in class. In my opinion this was the worse. Half the time I was lost and ended up on Sparknotes. This year we blogged and watched the movie alongside reading the actual play and took notes. All three teachers have shown movies of the plays, but this was the first time it was shown at the same pace of the text. I was able to (for the most part) understand and decipher what was happening on my own. I liked that we would stop and catch everyone up and then continue. I also liked how at the end of each act there was always a wrap up of key points shared. In the end, I was able to to understand more about the play and how Shakespeare wrote.
     In addition to how we read Hamlet, the mini projects made it enjoyable. Frankly, Shakespeare is no walk in the park. It takes a lot of patience and concentration to thoroughly read his plays. I think the projects like the Playbill and Twitter time line provide a little bit of relaxation - but also reinforce key points about the play. For instance, the Twitter time line made us figure out what type of person each character was and put ourselves in their shoes. It made the characters more relatable. The Playbill, which we haven't finished yet, will help us to remember the positions and roles of each character in the play. The blogging assignments were a nice mix. I think if we just had continuous essays and pop quizzes, the play would quickly turn into a source of resentment and the willingness to understand and comprehend would be gone. The one thing I would change though, is the study guide questions. They were hard to maintain and would possibly be better at the end of the play. Overall, this year was special because I was able to understand the play and like it. I didn't have to rely on any secondary sources or translators which was a nice change.
      When it comes to the play itself, I am a bit undecided. I like the story line and the plot twists but I'm genuinely annoyed by most of the characters. My only favorites are Horatio and the clever gravedigger. Horatio seems to be one of the only characters who has a good head on his shoulders and is an observer. I feel like Horatio goes home at night at is like "can you guess what they did today, you'll never believe it." He always remained loyal to Hamlet and he took care of Ophelia when she went insane. I think Horatio is good-natured, mature, and a strong person. The clever gravedigger was only in one scene but made a big impact. He beat Hamlet at his own game of wit and sarcasm.  He provided long-needed comic relief. The rest of the characters, though, are hard for me to like. Laertes and his father are rude and pompus, Hamlet whines and is needy, Gertrude betrays her own son, Ophelia has a mental break down, and Rosencrantz and Guildestein are not smart at all - the list just goes on. Possibly, if the story wasn't set in a royal setting and the people in it acted rationally and maturely then maybe I would have liked it more.
       I also didn't particularly like the movie version we watched in class. It wasn't horrible, but I just think that the atmosphere and setting could have been different. Although in my opinion the acting was phenomenal. Claudius, Ophelia, and Laertes were portrayed well.  It was Hamlet who I was annoyed with. Maybe it was the fact that his beard was darker than his hair or that he was much older but I just didn't like him. I found it hard to take his soliloquies seriously, especially the one in which he compares himself to Prince Fortinbras. It was obviously fake and over dramatic. The scenes didn't flow very well. This could be a result of the play but the movie itself was rigid. Overall, it served its purpose.
     In a year from now, if you ask me about Hamlet - I'm fairly confident I'll be able to remember it. The movie and projects will certainly come to mind. I honestly enjoyed the way we learned the play this year and hope it is similar for Macbeth. The play itself is not my favorite but I don't completely hate it. I always have liked how Shakespeare paints a not-so-perfect picture and gives an inside look to human relationships. I think he understood humanity thoroughly. His plays can always hold faint remainders of our own lives. Being that we are teenagers, I think the drama and betrayal suits our lives well but it also gives insight on how not to act. This was a successful experience.
 

Act III: Parents

         I think that the role of the parents in Hamlet truly make the story what it is. It's the relationships between the parents and children that cause certain events and reactions. The parents themselves, how they act, and how they parent greatly influence the story and the characters in it. Even though there are no young children in the play and the characters are older, the parents still have very important roles in their lives. I think what adds on to this is that they are royalty, and the kids are dependent on their parents. If they were on their own, trying to survive in the real world, this story would be entirely different.
         One of the parents who stands out the most to me is Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. We still haven't found out why Gertrude married Claudius or if she knew about Old Hamlet's murder - but one thing is for certain - she acted selfishly. Gertrude was definitely not thinking about her grieving son or nation in her actions following the death. It is a well known fact that if a person has a child, his or her life must revolve around the child. Being a parent is a selfless job, and Gertrude fails at it. She should have been consoling Hamlet and trying to help him get over his father's death not betraying him. I feel her actions ostracized Hamlet and led to his suicidal thoughts in the beginning of the play. After Old Hamlet died, Hamlet didn't just lose a father but a mother as well. And I truly believe that this is what motivated him. In my opinion, Hamlet wanted to avenge his father's death but also the memory of the life he lost.
      And then there is Polonius, who is another "model" parent. Polonius is Ophelia and Laertes' father. He comes off as very controlling and abrupt. As a father, he isn't very endearing or trustworthy. He's actually quite quick to spy on his son and use his daughter. I think Polonius' role as a father is crucial to the play because it's a major factor in Ophelia's descent into madness. First, Polonius tells Ophelia she can no longer see Hamlet; showing that he cares more about his reputation than her happiness. Then, he uses her to spy on the one she loves, which is taunting her. We will never know how Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship would have progressed because whatever was there, was terminated against their will. Polonius basically takes away Ophelia's will all together which I believe is a big factor in her mental deterioration. What else do we have as humans but free will? If Polonius had been a different type of parent, I think Ophelia would have turned out fine even after his death.
        Although he's really not a father figure, I think Claudius does have a role as a parent in the play. He could have certainly gone about marrying Gertrude in a different light. Instead of treating Hamlet like he was wrong to feel remorseful and betrayed, Claudius could have a worked a completely different angle. If I was in his position, I would have sat Hamlet down ("man to man") and explained to him that he felt Hamlet wasn't ready for the throne and he married Gertrude because he was worried for her well being and stability. It's a very awkward situation, but Claudius made it worse by alienating Hamlet. This action consequently fueled Hamlet's anger and resentment leading to his need for revenge.
       One of the reasons Shakespeare's plays have lasted so long is because they perfectly capture humanity. His plays explore human emotions and reactions. They surround love, betrayal, despair and other essential feelings that create a realistic atmosphere and help the audience relate to his stories. In Hamlet, Shakespeare captures the relationship between parent and child. He emphasizes flaws and moves away from the picture perfect family - an idea that many can relate to. The parents in this story basically shape and mold the events. Their actions affect their children and change their lives. I think that it is a clear representation of how influential parents are in their children's lives and shows how destructive their mistakes can be. We are nothing more than a reflection of our parents.

       

Act II: The Love Letter

My dearest Ophelia,

          At first, I thought you had truly embraced our childish beginning and were simply playing games with my heart. At first, when you stopped appearing at our window I had assumed you were either faint or weak, or perhaps distracted by other affairs. At first, when you stopped wearing a daisy in your hair, I thought maybe you were testing my eyes, to see if I honestly payed attention to your efforts. But I do. I have been aware of every glance, smile, kiss, embrace. I keep them close to my heart with every nightfall and daybreak. I had began to memorize every part of you, so that I will always have you with me. But, my dearest Ophelia, I never imagined  you to truly be out of my sight. Where have you gone? Why do I have to rely on my memory to see your face? What have I done? Please Ophelia! Surely I have done nothing that would cause such a torturous punishment. I miss your voice, your love, your warmth. Tell me what have I done to deserve this! We were so joyous and true. I awoke one morning to find only your imprint next to me, and that was the start of the end of my world. You were and are my world, Ophelia.
          My days seem to lose meaning without you. Hours and minutes no longer have any presence or importance. I find myself slipping away from what is real. You were what held me to this earth! Twas you! I listen to your voice, I listen to old moments inside my head and can no longer hear anyone else. I need you Ophelia, and only you. I am desperate for at least a moment with you. You are my air, my life, my sanity. I came back to my father passed, and now an uncle-father. Everything had woven into an ever changing present - but I still had you! You were clear and constant. Please Ophelia, my daisy, return clarity to this disaster that has become my life. My heart's beats have slowed beyond any means of measuring and only you can repair my state. I love you Ophelia, I always have. How can you simply walk away? Have I no place in your heart? Have I been imagining our love? But ah!  What is real and what is not?  Is anything real, anymore? Am I? Please, Ophelia, I beg of you to come back and save me.

                                                                                              With all my love,
                                                                                                          Hamlet

Act I: Hamlet and Ophelia: How it all started

Polonius and Laertes are walking briskly in King Hamlet's glorious castle, the two are in the middle of a debate about the Roman Empire when the scene starts. Ophelia is following behind them quiet and respectful.

Laertes: My lord, I mean no disrespect to your opinion but this is fact. I have learned this through years of schooling, the empire fell in 457 A.D. - I am sure of it!
Polonius: Ah, my son. you are as obstinate as your mother. You simply do not remember the date correctly. The Roman Empire fell in 500 A.D. and this is the truth.
Laertes: My memory is as clear as this summer's day!
Polonius: Tis a shame, for you are still mistaken.
Ophelia: My lord, you are both mistaken, the Roman Empire fell in 476 A.D.

Polonius abruptly stops and looks at Ophelia with intense anger.

Polonius: Did I ask you to speak? Ah, Laertes as if a woman would know of such thing!

The two continue down the hallway laughing loudly as Ophelia sneaks off to a nearby open window. Her absence goes without any notice. She takes a risk and sits on the ledge with her feet dangling. Feeling hurt and insignificant she loses herself in a daydream when suddenly two hands grab her waist and push her but pull her back on the ledge. Ophelia screams.

Ophelia: My God! Is it my life you seek?!
Hamlet: No, just a laugh.

Ophelia turns to see Hamlet smiling widely over her shoulder, she can not help but laugh and turns to face him.

Ophelia: You almost scared me to death!
Hamlet: It was only for fun dear Ophelia, and to remind you how precious life is.
Ophelia: Well you have certainly succeeded.
Hamlet: I do not remember the last time we were alone together, has it been a year or more?
Ophelia: Nonsense, I see you almost every week!
Hamlet: But when is the last time we have talked about our innermost thoughts? What happened to our friendship, Ophelia? I only see you now fleetingly and only hear you when you are saying hello. I almost did not even recognize this beautiful girl sitting on the window.
Ophelia: I have been warned of you, Hamlet.
Hamlet: Do I mean to harm your life?
Ophelia: No, my lord.
Hamlet: Do I mean to hurt your family?
Ophelia: No, my lord.
Hamlet: Then where is the danger?
Ophelia: I do not know, my lord.
Hamlet: Look! Ophelia, look out at those daisies just beyond this window, do they not remind you of me?
Ophelia: Hamlet, that was years ago. We were not yet 7 years of age!
Hamlet: But you remember! That was where my lips first kissed any other, where they met yours. Ah, what an innocent age. I had not yet known what love is, but was already beginning to feel it.
Ophelia: Yes, but it we were just foolish children.
Hamlet: Foolish? Children are pure and true. Foolish, Ophelia? No, we were in love. And you cannot deny that we still are.
Ophelia: How could it be the same after all these years?
Hamlet: Just as I have grown, so has my love.

Hamlet leans closer to Ophelia.

Ophelia: My father would not approve of this.
Hamlet: But what does your father approve of? He is too concerned with Laertes to even care. Why listen to Polonius and not your own heart?
Ophelia: You are very convincing my lord.
Hamlet: Ha! Does that mean you agree?
Ophelia: I agree that we were in love, and that I should listen to my own heart. I can make my own choices and will start this very minute!
Hamlet:: Come Ophelia, let us relive the past.

Hamlet kisses Ophelia passionately.

Colors in Chapter 9

"I though of Gatsby's wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy's dock. He had come a long way to this blue lawn and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled under the night.

Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year receded before us."(189)

The green light that has followed us throughout the book has gone from representing Gatsby's unrequited love, to hope, vitality and life. Now, we learn another meaning of the green light - "the orgastic future." Gatsby would stand out in the dark night, looking at the light which cradled all of his will and hope.

Another note would be the "blue lawns" - blue can symbolize one of two things - depression and sadness or Gatsby's deeply romantic dreams and illusions. For me, it represents both. We saw a lot of blue around Gatsby in the book, whether it be in is house or on his servants and I think that emphasized that his wealth was all part of his dream to "woo" Daisy. The blue lawns, could also be referring to the depressing setting of Gatsby's house. The parties were not enjoyable unless you were drunk, and the last one had a hostile, rude atmosphere. Gatsby's house was not full of life, because he himself was empty.

Locations in Chapter 7

Chapter 7 is a really crucial chapter in the book that pretty much sets in place the events that lead up to the shocking ending.

Gatsby, Jordan, and Nick go over to the Buchanan's house for a lunch, but later decide to go into town, on the way stopping at Wilson's garage. While in the city, because of the unbearably heat they check into a room in the Plaza Hotel. (which is the only new location introduced in this chapter) It is in the Plaza where the affair between Gatsby and Daisy is revealed out into the open. Gatsby and Tom proceed to fight over Daisy in a very tense and dramatic scene. I think this happened while in a suite in the Plaza because it's such a perfect, pristine place and it's ironic that their "perfect and pristine" lives were unraveling right in its very rooms. Underneath them they could hear music and a party taking place which contrasted the awkward fighting in their suite. Their wealth changed nothing about the secrecy and immortality in their lives; lying beneath it all they were still ordinary people. Even standing in one of the most famous hotels in New York City, could not change what they had done or felt.

Themes in Chapter 4

The immortality of the 1920's and the American Dream are shown subtly in this chapter.


American Dream - Gatsby explained to Nick about the time before the war, he said, "I lived like a young rajah in all the capitals of Europe - Paris, Venice, Rome - collecting jewels, chiefly rubies, hunting big game, painting a little, things for myself only, and trying to forget something very sad that had happened long ago." (pg.70) This shows how Gatsby was somewhat living the dream, he was traveling and living without a care. He was filthy rich, young, and living extravagantly. He becomes a decorated war hero, representing bravery and integrity and all things "American." Then later on in the chapter, as Gatsby and Nick are driving, Nick describes the city "in its first wild promise of all the mystery and the beauty in the world." (pg. 73) This shows why people, including Nick, moved out east. For the lure of the American Dream and the promise of wealth and adventure. But this quote also gives the connotation that that's not what the city is; that there's a deeper, darker truth within its streets.


Immortality -  There are little things that show the immortality, for example, Gatsby used his connections and past to get out of a simple ticket. And we also meet a man, Mr. Wolfsheim, a man who turns out to be a gambler who fixed the 1919 World Series. It would have been distasteful to have interacted with a man of such sorts, but Gatsby reveres him and finds him good company.  Wolfsheim assumes Nick is a man who wants to do business, and we see a glimpse of an abruptness in him. When he learns of his mistake, he relaxes and continues merrily. To me, this shows how underneath the easy-going, care free of the 20's there was corruption and crime - and the two were intertwined.