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About Me
- Bryan Owens
- Blogs are hilarious. If you spend an hour or two just browsing peoples' blogs--you tend to learn some unfortunate things about people in general. For instance, people are generally very boring, and they think that what they are talking about is VERY important. Much like I'm doing now. This whole blogging sensation is a free, easy, accessible way for people to publish a space that is entirely their own; the purposes of which are predominately to make themselves feel self-important. Everyone has something to say about everything. I haven't decided yet if this blogging sensation, as I have flippantly deemed it, is a good thing or a bad thing. Perhaps neither, perhaps both. I don't know.
You will select a question from the list below and respond to it for the Act I thread. You will also respond to another classmate's post. (You should have two posts total for Act I).
ReplyDelete-What is "rotten in the state of Denmark," as Marcellus tells us? What do we learn about the situation in Scene I? In Scene II?
-In what ways is Scene II a contrast to Scene I? What do we learn about Gertrude, Claudius, and Hamlet in this scene?
-What is the function of the Polonius-Ophelia-Laertes family in this play? What parallels exist between their situation and that of the ruling family?
-What does Hamlet learn from the Ghost's speech?
-In scene II, why does Hamlet contemplate suicide? In his solioquy, he resolves not to commit suicide because of God's law against it. However, at the end of Act I, Hamlet resolves to murder Claudius. Discuss how religion will dictate the events of the play.
What does Hamlet learn from the ghost's speech? First off, his uncle Claudius is a murderer who killed Hamlet's father in order to get onto the throne and marry Gertrude. Second, his dead dad wants him to kill Claudius. Hamlet decides the best way to get closer to Claudius without suspicion is to act like a madman. But I think Hamlet actually goes mad from seeing the ghost, and then tries to convince himself that he's only acting mad.
ReplyDeleteKatharina Scherfler responding to:
ReplyDeleteWhat is the function of the Polonius-Ophelia-Laertes family in this play? What parallels exist between their situation and that of the ruling family? The family of Polonius is his two children: Ophilia and Laertes. The relationship the two children share with their father is a commanding and intimidation relationship. Polonius considers himself the boss of Ophelia, while Ophilia believes that it is her duty to obey her father. However, Ophilia is in love with Hamlet and therefore might defy him. As a result, neither Polonius nor her brother Laertes approved of her relationship with Hamlet. The relationship between Polonius and Laertes is worse than the relationship Polonius has with Ophilia because Polonius need to dominate, pushes his son away. Throughout Hamlet, Polonius asserts his dominance over his son, leading to a one-way relationship. While Polonius has a terrible relationship with Ophilia and Laertes. However, they seem to be more of a family when comparing them to Hamlet’s family. Hamlet despises his uncle Claudius for marrying his mother Gertrude and killing his father King Hamlet. Hamlet’s family is extremely dysfunctional throughout the play because of the murder of King Hamlet. Throughout Hamlet the relationships that the parents have with their children are not healthy. Polonius dominates his relationship with Ophelia, while he refuses to respect his son, Laertes. Hamlet and Claudius simply despise each other, while he hates his mother for remarrying so quickly after his father’s death. The family dynamics in Hamlet are dramatic and are not reprimanded until the end of the play, because they all kill each other.
Katharina responding to Brian M.:
I agree with Brian about the two things that Hamlet learned from the ghost. However, Hamlet also learned from the ghost that Claudius is a murderer that would do anything to keep the thrown, as well as Gertrude. Claudius actions will always only benefit him and no one else.
What does Hamlet learn from the Ghost's speech?
ReplyDeleteHamlet learns from the Ghost's speech that the death of his father was not an accidental one as it is believed to be. The ghost in fact is Hamlet's late father. He tells Hamlet that Claudius, his brother, murdered him to steal the throne to the kingdom of Denmark. With the appearance of this ghost the action in the play begins. Hamlet decides that he needs to uncover the truth and let it be known to everyone and to do this he decides to pretend to be mad. It is a mystery as of this moment if Hamlet has really become mad or it is all an act. However, it is debatable that he has actually become mad whenever he visits Ophelia after seeing the ghost and Ophelia, afraid of what she saw in Hamlet, runs to her father to tell him what has happened. The ghost could have been an illusion of Hamlet's mind but we cannot be sure since his servant was the one informed him of his presence.
What does Hamlet learn from the Ghost speech?
ReplyDeleteHamlet was being suspicous about everything that was going onafter his fther was murdered. He figured something wasnt right when he found out tht his mom was getting married to his uncle right after his dads death. Hamlet then confronts the ghost,and realizes that its his dad. His dad briefly explains what all had happened the night that he was murdered. He told him that his uncle and mom had everything planned out.Therefore Hamlet figured out that his doubts were right about his fathers murder all along. His dad pledged for him to seek revenge. Hamlet decides to go crazy, but we dont know if he will fake it or will truly go crazy.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn what ways is Scene II a contrast to Scene I? What do we learn about Gertrude, Claudius, and Hamlet in this scene?
ReplyDeleteScene II occurs inside Elsinore, the Danish Castle. King Claudius and Queen Gertrude attempt to establish an aura of commemoration and festivity, while banishing all feelings of abnormality. In contrast, Scene I depicts a cryptic night surrounding the Elsinore grounds. The guards Bernardo and Marcellus are fearful of the strange apparition that has appeared twice within the past two consecutive nights. Horatio likewise is full of anticipation and dread of what this ghost represents. It seems that these two scenes are opposing. One is set in the daylight among the royal commemorating family, while the other occurs at night between poor guards. Moreover, Scene II appears supercial, despite the merriment that Claudius attempts to portrait. On the other hand, Scene I allows for the forthcoming of the true emotions of guards that would otherwise be characterized as rugged and staunch.
Scene II offers the first introduction of Claudius, Gertrude, and Hamlet. Claudius is the first to speak, and the reader is immediately aware that he is not a weak individual, rather adroit and determined. Claudius has meticulously taken the time to assure that his newly aquired position was approved by the Court, regardless of the incestual connotations behind it. This already indicates a strong character, willing to undergo considerable planning to reach his goals. Claudius exhibits devisiveness and capability as a ruler when he addresses the state affairs to the court. It seems he wants the Danish to rest assured in his potency. When addressing Prince Hamlet, Claudius tries to make clear that he is in control. By referring to Hamlet of possessing “a heart unfortified” and “a mind impatient”, Claudius subtly conveys to the Court that Hamlet lacks the qualities of a ruler.
Gertrude seems undisturbed by her marriage to Claudius, a fact that Hamlet finds distressing. However, the reader learns that Gertrude is sincerely concerned with Hamlet’s condition when Gertrude pleas, “let not thy mother lose her prayers, Hamlet.”
Hamlet’s suffering is already in progress when he first appears. Hamlet finds the incestuous marriage between his mother and uncle deeply perturbing. His malcontent and distrust of the new King shows that he represents one of the only characters within the play that cannot move forward from his father’s death. Hamlet perceives foul play in “the rotten state of Denmark,” and is not fooled by the supercial commemorations and Claudius’ innocent appeals. Moreover, Gertrude’s apathy towards her late husband’s death, seems to have instilled in Hamlet an antipathy in all woman’s fidelity.
In this way the characters are introduced for the first time. Claudius and Gertrube exude a sense of merriment that is superficial, while Hamlet cannot overcome the betrayal of her mother towards her father.
In response to Brian’s comment, I’m not sure that Hamlet’s gone insane. We know that the ghost isn’t an illusion or some kind of hallucination because it is the guards which discover the phantom. We can plead temporary restraint of disbelief in regards to the fact that the ghost will only speak to Hamlet, as there is that superstitious air surrounding the ghost which explains that ghosts may only speak to those relevant to their message. It is possible that the sight of the ghost did drive Hamlet off the edge, but I don’t think so. While he acts like a nut throughout the rest of the play, he displays moments of lucidity, such as when he restrains himself from killing Claudius while the man is praying because if he does, Claudius would go to heaven, and his mission is to make sure Claudius does no such thing. In addition, he even said at the end of the first act that the easiest way to make himself seem harmless would be to pretend as though he had lost his mind. While he could be trying to rationalize his behavior to himself, an act seems more likely to me, because of his moments of lucidity and his comments at the conclusion of the first act.
ReplyDeleteJonathan Altamirano responding to: What does Hamlet learn from the Ghost’s speech?
ReplyDeleteDuring Hamlet’s soliloquy in the second scene, he contemplates suicide as he reflects on his uncle’s marriage to his mother. With disgust, he thinks on the chain of events that have led up to his uncle’s rise to power, focusing particularly on the recent marriage, comparing his uncle to a beast, and calling his mother weak for marrying only a month or two after his father’s demise. However, he keeps these emotions to himself, as he feels he cannot object. However, when his father’s ghost appears, Hamlet is made aware of several things. He learns that the story told to Denmark concerning his father’s death is only a fabrication, and the true perpetrator of his murder is Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius. He learns that his father’s ghost has returned to ask Hamlet to kill Claudius, so that his soul may be at peace. In addition, he also learns that his father’s opinion on his mother is similar to his own, as the former king talks about Queen Gertrude’s weakness, as she succumbs to Claudius’s lust. This also implies that she may have been involved in the former king’s death. Thus, what Hamlet ultimately learns is that all of the emotions which he revealed in the second scene, which serve somewhat as foreshadowing for the audience, or at the very least to express obvious distaste for Claudius, were all legitimately founded, as Claudius was the reason for King Hamlet’s death.
Priscila Cevallo’s response to Katherina S.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Katherina that Polonius’ family dynamics are a little bizarre. However, an important note to make is Ophelia’s amenability to her father and brother’s wishes in holding Hamlet at bay. This complience might be due not so much to her submission to their demands, but also because she was raised within a strong paternal and brotherly relationship where there are no hidden lies. Both Laertes and Ophelia seem to greatly respect Polonius, following his advice, and showing no reserve in telling him the truth.
Sarah Scott responding to:
ReplyDeleteIn scene II, why does Hamlet contemplate suicide? In his solioquy, he resolves not to commit suicide because of God's law against it. However, at the end of Act I, Hamlet resolves to murder Claudius. Discuss how religion will dictate the events of the play.
Hamlet wants to kill himself because of "How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable, Seem to me all the uses of this world!" He's lost all use for the world because he's been disillusioned by his mother's hasty marriage to his uncle Claudius, not even two months after his father's death. Hamlet was very close to his father, and thought him as "an excellent king," and is disgusted that his memory is so quickly shunted aside for the wicked Claudius. Hamlet resolves not to kill himself, because then he would go to hell, but then resolves to kill Claudius to avenge his father. Now, while revenge may not have been banned in the Bible by so many words, you get the feeling that it was not strongly encouraged either, especially by the time you get up to the NT, does carry It's pretty clear that religion will be used to justify the actions of the characters and will be interpreted however suits them best, but also that, as arbitrary as his theology may be, Hamlet at least will stick to his little make-shift moral code like glue. Of course, maybe Hamlet just didn't want to kill himself, and really wanted to kill Claudius anyways, and the ghostie was just giving him an excuse to do it, and Hamlet's really an amoral crazy face. That's a possibility too.
(As a potentially hilarious side note, incest (which includes getting it on with your brother's wife if he has consumated their marriage) did get the death penalty under Teh Law so, hypothetically, Hamlet could totes stone Claudius and Gertrude to death and be in the clear with the Baby Jesus.)
(Sorry for double posting- didn't notice they were organized by period)
CARMAR says,
ReplyDeleteWhat does Hamlet learn from the Ghost's speech?
Before Hamlet listened to the Ghost, he like everyone else in the kingdom thought that the kind died in his sleep of natural cause. However, once Hamlet meets the ghost he learns the horrifying truth. Hamlet learns that his father was murdered by his deceiving uncle Claudius who only wanted to gain the throne. After Hamlet learns this shocking revelation he decides to dive further into this matter and know the truth about his father’s death. By doing so he pretends to become insane in order to create a façade. However, it is not clear whether or not the façade remains a façade because upon hearing the death of his father and the truth he might have plunged into the insane and not realize it himself.
CARMAR says,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rosa post because there might be some uncertainty if Hamlet actually “heard” what the ghost had to say because what if Hamlet started to become insane since his father had died. The loss of a loved one can sometimes affect a person without them knowing. Also for some reason he might have become suspicious of his uncle who obtained the throne. Still, lets say if he did hear the ghost and what he had to say and if he does pretend to become crazy, it has been proven that if one acts a certain way for a long period of time then they do become what they are acting to be because of the repetition.
Hamlet’s urge to kill himself was due to a few different factors that where influencing his life at that point in time. His father’s death is most obvious factor in his suicidal mindset, but I think that his mother’s ill attempt to mourn her dead spouse and her sudden liking to Hamlet’s uncle was troubling young Hamlet more than his late father. But this went against his religious views so Hamlet decided with ease that he would not kill himself, but why does he set out to take his uncle’s life if he wouldn’t even take his own because it was against his religion? Religion in the play seems to be used as an excuse more than a guideline for the characters to base their lives off of. I think that the characters manipulate it so that they can get something that they really wish they could have or as an easy way to get out of something that they don’t really care to do. What I don’t really understand though is why the play doesn’t make a big deal about Hamlet wanting to kill himself, it seems as though it’s not really of any importance or the threat of his suicide isn’t ever existent.
ReplyDeleteWhat does Hamlet learn from the Ghost's speech?
ReplyDeletePrior to Hamlet’s encounter with the Ghost he was in a surreal state of disarray, contemplating suicide, and devastated by the death of his father. The Ghost is portrayed as Hamlet’s father, who tells Hamlet that he father was poisoned by Claudius in order to gain the throne. The Ghost further requests of Hamlet to kill Claudius so that the Ghost’s soul may finally be at piece, and suggests the Hamlet pretend to become delirious when associated with other people. The Ghost has once last request of Hamlet, and that is to disassociate Hamlet’s mother with the situation because she is mentally weak and was vulnerable to the deception of Claudius.
I agree with Cameron in regards to Hamlet’s motivation for wanting to commit suicide. The death/murder of his father and easiness for his mother to marry his uncle had devastating effects on Hamlet’s state of being. Suicide seemed like a very tempting option for the prince while his entire world was falling apart around him, but wouldn’t kill himself due to his religious views, as suicide is a sin. I disagree when Cameron says that religion is used as an excuse, not a guideline. Hamlet’s decision to kill his uncle was a form of retribution, seeing as how Hamlet’s uncle has sinned the Ghost of Hamlet’s father presses Hamlet to make right of the wrong that has fallen upon the kingdom.
What is "rotten in the state of Denmark," as Marcellus tells us? What do we learn about the situation in Scene I? In Scene II?
ReplyDeleteWell, even from the beginning of the play, there's a tone coming from the characters which makes it seem as if there's something not right in Denmark. For example the guards, who should be very chivalrous and confident about themselves, actually seem to be acting a bit paranoid and scared about who or what is coming near the castle. Especially after having seen the Ghost of King Hamlet which appears in Scene I. From this moment on it becomes very evident that something is not quite right and it's affecting everyone in Denmark. However, if we take into consideration what happens in Scene II about Claudius having been throned King and having married his brothers wife not even two months after he murder him, it can be easy that assume that what was truly "rotten in the state of Denmark" was the corrupted and rotten government which was now run by Claudius.
In a way I agree with what Jonathan said about Brian's post. Even though it is possible that Hamlet might have gone nutzo after having seen the ghost of his dad and finding out how his uncle was actually the one who was responsible for such actions, there are times when Hamlet seems completely normal and aware of what is truly going on around him. So, it's almost as if Hamlet was faking being mad and psychotic so he could spy on his uncle and his mom without them worrying about Hamlet hearing about their plans or what they were up to. This way he can find a way to get revenge for what they did to his dad, without anyone suspecting that he knows that really happened.
ReplyDeleteWhat does Hamlet learn from the Ghost's speech?
ReplyDeleteHamlet realizes a number of things after speaking to his late father’s ghost. First he is able to realize that that all his suspicions about his mothers wedding and his uncle’s true feelings have a meaning behind them. After being mad at his mother for marrying to quickly and thinking even an animal would grieve its partner’s death longer than her, he discovers that the real reason Gertrude doesn’t show any feelings of lament towards King Hamlet’s death is because she already knew what was going to happen. Also he doesn’t understand how his uncle Claudius can go on with his wedding, not only because he is committing incest but also because he seems to not be mourning over his brother’s death. He even tells Hamlet to move on, stating that he is mourning for too long since its just nature taking place. Also one thing I found interesting is that even though the ghost made Hamlet realize the truth about his family, he felt apprehensive about what the ghost’s real intentions. And in the end he still let his hesitance go and went through with the plan the ghost had intended to complete.
I see what both Jonathan and Brian are saying. At first I did think Hamelet was crazy and that he began taking his role as a mad man too seriously but after I read Jonathans post he made me remember that the people that actually saw the ghost first were the guards so how is it that Hamlet is crazy but the guards aren't. At the same time it makes me think that Hamlet really believes he is sane but people say that if you think you're crazy you're probably sane and if you think you're sane then you're probably crazy and even though the ghost could have only spoke to Hamlet because he was the one that would really take inportanceh in his message, it could always be that he was the only one that heard him since he was going mad. I gues I havent completely decided on what is the real explination to Hamlet's actions.
ReplyDeleteCameron says in response to Brian----
ReplyDeleteI think that Hamlet, while driven seemingly mad by the ghost of his father, isn't really going crazy. I think that a lot of his lack of normal-ness is all part of his plan, he seems to still be able to think clearly all the while acting like he is no longer sane. To me Hamlet seems to be trying to in a way throw everyone off as to disarm them and catch them off guard when he actually wants to do something, such as killing his uncle.
Well in reference to rosas comment I'd like to say that she did a job well done by referencing back to events that were mentioned in the book. One thing that would have made her response better, is if she added some analytical references. I noticed that both of us mentioned that young Hamlet would go mad and that the ghost was hamlets beloved father.She could have possibly mentioned more about what the ghost told his son. I really liked the fact that you were really detailed and informed the reader well in chronological order of what was going on in the story.
ReplyDeleteWhat does Hamlet learn from the Ghost’s speech?
ReplyDeleteIn Act 1 scene V, Hamlet meets the ghost of his father for the very first time. It is also the first time where the ghost of the deceased king talks to his son.From the ghost of his father, Hamlet learns that his father was murdered by someone. From the ghost Hamlet comes to realize that his uncle was the one who killed his father. The ghost then tells Hamlet to avenge him and kill his uncle but at the same time he tells Hamlet to not harm his mother in any way. Even though Hamlet's mother marries his uncle, the ghost asks Hamlet to only kill his uncle.Hamlet swears to the ghost that his uncle will pay for what he did.
In what ways is Scene II a contrast to Scene I? What do we learn about Gertrude, Claudius, and Hamlet in this scene?
ReplyDeleteShakespeare starts off “Hamlet” in very mysterious way. We start off with scene one in which everything begins with a question “Who’s there?”. In scene one we get introduced to Barnardo, Francisco, Marcellus, Horatio and it is also when the appearance of a ghost in known. In both scene one and two we learn a lot about the overall situation in Denmark. It is made known that the King Hamlet has died and different things are happening. As Horatio explains everything to his friends in scene one we discover that there is a rumor going on that young Fortinbras wants to battle to get his father’s land back. Then when the ghost appears we see a major outbreak of the main plot. The ghost will not speak to them though and the readers are left to wonder what it is doing there.
In scene two we get a better look at the main characters of the play including Hamlet. We also learn more about the situation in Denmark but we get deeper thoughts from the characters that are trying to take care of what is happening. Claudius who is now the king appears in this scene as a very ignorant person. He thinks that by simply writing a letter to Fortinbras uncle he will stop his plans and that everything will be alright. Gertrude is the ex-wife of King Hamlet and we learn that she has very quickly moved on to marrying Claudius and going on with life. Both Claudius and Gertrude share this characteristic, they act very nonchalant about King Hamlet’s death, but they pretend to still feel some sorrow. We realize this as they start telling Hamlet that life goes on and that he should move on because as Gertrude says “All that lives must die, Passing through nature to eternity”. From Hamlet we learn that he is still very upset by his good father’s death. He is still mourning his death and does not understand how his uncle (now step dad) and mother could have moved on so quickly. He cannot stand to think that his mother gave into lust and that possibly the death of his father could somehow be connected to Claudius and Gertrude.
In contrast both scenes tell us about the important characters and let us know what is going on. Most importantly the ghost is seen. However the ghost appears in scene one to the guards and in scene two Hamlet only hears about this apparition from the guards. The question could be, why did the ghost not directly appear to Hamlet? Perhaps because it could be foreshadowing something about the state of Denmark, as ghost are not usually good omens, and it is something that the reader was let know since the beginning.
-In scene II, why does Hamlet contemplate suicide? In his solioquy, he resolves not to commit suicide because of God's law against it. However, at the end of Act I, Hamlet resolves to murder Claudius. Discuss how religion will dictate the events of the play.
ReplyDeleteYes, the role of religion in Hamlet must seem to be complicated. Such an apparent contradiction would definitely imply this. However, this contradiction can be resolved when we consider Hamlet's motivations for the suicide and murder in question.
When he is considering suicide, he is considering it out of confusion and doubt, and supposes that it would be a sort of release. He considers suicide because the best way to simplify his life is to end it. He only considers religion as a catch, and because he's a depressing person, and he just likes feeling sorry for himself. So, he tricks himself into thinking he has no options.
When he's deciding to murder Claudius, he has morality in mind. He's intending to do justice, and so he never considers religion.
In response to Carmar comment I agree that possibly Hamlet may not be faking the insanity that he is going to go though upon discovering the truth about his fathers’ death because it was something that was bothering him and something bothersome to discover. Not to mention that seeing a ghost isn’t something that anyone would be so calm about. It isn’t exactly clear if he does in fact go crazy or just starts pretending. But one thing we do have to consider is that the ghost has to be real because not only Hamlet saw it but it was the guards who saw it first, so that apparition has to be real. Then we also have to remember that no one exactly knows, besides the reader, what happens when Hamlet goes off by himself to talk to the ghost so as to what is going to happen with Hamlets façade being real or not is just up to us to interpret based on what Shakespeare lets us know.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brian about Hamlet going legitimately crazy ant first, and then telling himself he's only acting to make him feel better. I think it's an odd thing for a person to decide to act crazy in order to get closer to someone. I just don't see how it makes any sense, and neither, I think, would Shakespeare. Either he deliberately made this part of the play irrational (likely), or Brian is right ("Never question Brian" - Mr. Halos)
ReplyDeleteWe have ourselves a dilemma...
In response to Brian's post,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brian in that he brings up a interesting point about the effects of the encounter between Hamlet and his fathers ghost.Hamlet in reality, could have gone insane after his encounter. I believe he tried to cover up his insanity by saying that he was only "acting" insane to get closer to his uncle. This way, he could in a sense, lie to himself that he really wasn't going insane but by the end of the play it is apparent that he is.
Commenting on Payton's post
ReplyDeleteAdding to Payton's comment. Religion plays a crucial role in Hamlet's decision to commit suicide. He contemplates this to end his troubles and be in "peace". However we know that someone that commits in suicide is damned. I think Hamlet does not want to commit suicide because he is afraid of going to Hell specially after what the ghost mentioned about it. In act one the ghost tells Hamlet that there is so much unthinkable suffering in it. I agree with what Payton says about the consideration of murder. Hamlet does justify as avenging his father's death therefor does not consider the consequences much.
-What does Hamlet learn from the Ghost's speech?
ReplyDeleteHamlet learns that his father past away due his uncle wanting to be the king; killed and dethrone. His uncle want to be the king and could not be done if Hamlet is still the king. Hamlet's mother married his uncle because she was weak and could not live by herself without a king. As the ghost tells Hamlet that to leave his mother alone it is not her fault that she is weak. And also take revenge over the death of his father.
-In scene II, why does Hamlet contemplate suicide? In his solioquy, he resolves not to commit suicide because of God's law against it. However, at the end of Act I, Hamlet resolves to murder Claudius. Discuss how religion will dictate the events of the play.
ReplyDeleteI believe that religion is used to the convenience of the characters in the play. The example provided shows that Hamlet does not want to kill himself because God frowns upon suicide, but he will willingly kill Claudius to avenge his father's murder. Hamlet justifies his decision to murder Claudius by deciding that it is a noble cause and would be right in the eyes of God, so it is, according to Hamlet, the lesser of the two evils. Hamlet basically uses God to justify not killing himself and killing his uncle instead. This is a convenience to Hamlet because he will be alive and avenge his father, however, neither killing himself nor his uncle is the morally right thing to do in his situation. It is as if Hamlet is using religion to rationalize his impulsive decisions. Sorry this is late...
By the way, this is Jake Simpson's post...
ReplyDeleteIn response to Payton's post:
ReplyDeleteIn hamlet's perspective, it seemed to me that he considered both suicide and murder, and found murder to be more rewarding of the two options in this act. If he is dead, he has no way to avenge his father. In terms of religion, he sort of sees that he is damned if he does kill Claudius and damned if he doesn't, because Hamlet is going to follow through with one of his plans, and if he kills himself, he goes to hell, but if he kills Claudius, he goes to hell with the knowledge that he avenged his father and dies proud.
-Jake Simpson
-In scene II, why does Hamlet contemplate suicide? In his solioquy, he resolves not to commit suicide because of God's law against it. However, at the end of Act I, Hamlet resolves to murder Claudius. Discuss how religion will dictate the events of the play.
ReplyDeleteHamlet contemplates suicide because he was so upset with the death of his father and of the marriage of his mother to Claudius. It was really upsetting to him that his mother remarried not even two months after his father’s death. He felt that his mother did not mourn all the way and somehow he now has to mourn for the both of them. Claudius being his new step father upset Hamlet because he does not believe that they are comparable at all; that they were apples to oranges. He feels that his mother betrayed him and his father by marrying so soon. He decides not to commit suicide because of God’s law. It said that he would go to hell if he committed suicide. Since God’s Law would send him to hell I think that turned him away from it because he would not be with his father for eternity, and not being with his father forever scared him even more then going to hell itself. It is ironic because at the end of the act he resolves to murder Claudius. He wanted to kill Claudius for revenge of killing his father. Religion played a big role in the society during the time period and even in society today. Religion dictated what people did during the time period. They based their beliefs of right and wrong on religion. After finding out that Claudius killed his father Hamlet wanted revenge so badly that he was going to do whatever he had to to get it. Shakespeare is not using religion consistently throughout the play because he uses it as a reason for not committing suicide but then he wants to seek revenge by killing Claudius. Both of them are sins and are against God’s Law. To me having Hamlet not being consistent when it comes to religion shows how people in real life are not consistent and have real life challenges. Hamlet is so angry about finding out his father’s killer was his own uncle that he forgets everything he once knew and followed to follow his heart by seeking revenge and doing something he thinks he father would want him to do.
Response to CamCam:
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cameron. I think that the reason Hamlet wanted to commit suicide was due to the fact that his mother was not mourning the death of his father and was now married to Claudius and not because of the death of his father. I also agree that Hamlet is using religion as an excuse and not as something he believes because he will kill someone else and not himself. Also his religion comes in role only sometimes like later on in the play when he decides not to kill Claudius while he was praying because that would send him to heaven and not to hell. That is a really good example that Hamlet is using it as an excuse because he is too afraid to actually commit the sin and makes it ok in a way because he doesn’t follow through with it.
-What does Hamlet learn from the Ghost's speech?
ReplyDeleteHamlet learns about the murderer's identity (his Uncle Claudius) and that the Ghost of his father must suffer in purgatory due to his past crimes.
Question: It makes me wonder about what the so-called "good king" has done that made him deserving of such cruel punishment?
Jake Simpson said that: "religion is used to the convenience of the characters in the play"
ReplyDeleteTo go off on an tangent here, not only in the play, but as well as in real life, people repeatedly uses religion as an excuse ( to wage wars, fulfill self, etc)