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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?
ReplyDeleteIn this scene Hamlet learns that his father was murder by Claudius. He also found out that Claudius poured poison into the Kings ear." ...A serpent stung me; so the whole ear of Denmark
Is by a forged process of my death
Rankly abused: but know, thou noble youth,
The serpent that did sting thy father's life
Now wears his crown. ..." He then begins to understand why his mother married Claudius so fast after his Fathers death.
i really like this scene of act 1 because you really don't know if its really Hamlets father. it may just be his imagination, and he could have just made it up it makes it very exciting and i wonder if he will later on appear in another scene.
why does hamlet contemplate suicide?
ReplyDeletehamlet is like so depress in this scene like he believed so much in the love his mother had for his father and then after his father died, his mother got married to his uncle that was a big surprise for him.
Now hamlet thinks that his mother is so fake since she acted so heartbroken when king hamlet died and now shes all over hamlets uncle. Hamlet concludes that his mother is selfish and now has no faith in the world or people so he wants to kill him self.
-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?
ReplyDeleteWhen Marcellus says, "rotten in the state of Denmark", he means that there are strange and evil events occurring. One of these is the appearance of Hamlet's father, King Hamlet, who died under weird circumstances. Also we learn from Horatio that the country is preparing itself for war. There seems to be some irony and foreshadowing involved. Something is definitely rotten in Denmark and that something is Claudius. He killed his own brother because his selfish wants and desires. Also, Hamlet's mother marries Claudius when the king has been dead only 2 months.
In Response to miranda's comment about "what does hamlet learn from the Ghost's speech?"
ReplyDeleteWe learn quite a bit from what the ghost tells Hamlet in this scene. But is what we learn from this fact or fiction? Is what the ghost explains to Hamlet just an imagination of his mind? Isn't Hamlet unable to grieve with his fathers death? Couldn't this "ghost" just be a way for Hamlet to achieve some sort of happiness that he could not obtain otherwise? It seems to me that Hamlet is just imagining what the ghost is saying to him. I believe that Hamlet is so unhappy that his mind is struggling to find happiness and contentment. Due to this struggle for happiness, his mind is playing tricks on him. I believe that the ghost is real but the conversations Hamlet has with him are a hoax. I believe that Shakespeare used the Ghost's conversation with Hamlet as a metaphor. A metaphor to show how the mind is deep and complex. A metaphor to show how the mind can not differentiate between real and unreal when in dire situations.
In Response to Maleeh and Miranda’s comment about “what dose hamlet learn from the Ghost’s speech?”
ReplyDeleteThis could just be away that Hamlet is grieving and Hamlet could just be making all of this up. But what reason dose Hamlet have to think that is uncle killed his father. Other then the fact that his uncle married his mother so soon. But couldn’t that just be the way things worked in that time period. Other then that why would Hamlet have any reason to think his uncle did murder his father?
Religion:
ReplyDeleteI think that Hamlets father telling him to kill his uncle stumps his religions believes. In the being of Act I he is thinking with a “clear mind”. He is still grieving but nothing is really influencing him to do something against his believes. After seeing his father and hearing what he has to say ant the end of Act I, Hamlet is filled with anger and not thinking with a “clear mind”. Being filled with anger Hamlet feels its his duty to obey his father and kill his uncle even if he knows its wrong!
A Rotten Denmark
ReplyDeleteMarcellus informs the readers about an apparition that was believed to be seen by Bernardo and Marcellus the nights before. This leads to further curiosity of the two guards which introduces us to Horatio. The believe the ghost to be of the late King that has passed. When Horatio see this allusion he concludes that it is there to bring misfortune on Denmark. He brought the reader back to a time where King Hamlet seized some of Norway's land and now it could mean Fortinbras might try to regain the land that was one conquered from his father. In scene II we find out that Horatio's theory of the ghost is some what correct. While Fortinbras did write Kind Claudius and demand him give back the land, that is not the reason the ghost has come. King Hamlet had come back to avenge his brothers throne. Make what wrong become right and let his son know the truth.
In response to Leslie
ReplyDeleteI think you make a good point about why would Hamlet have a reason to believe his uncle killed his father beside the fact of the marrying of the wife. Shakespeare really hasn't given us any evidence of of conflict between the two in the past except for that marriage. However, I do believe Hamlet has gone mad. For example, the way he treats Ophelia. But aside from his strange actions Hamlet was already grieving in his own way before the ghost appeared. I believe hes gone mad because he sees the ghost rather then him being crazy to began with and trying to deal with his loss in that way.
What does Hamlet learn from the Ghost's speech?
ReplyDeleteThe Ghost's speech basically sets the scene for what is to come and have important consequences on the play as a whole and on the way certain actors act especially Hamlet who "acts" all crazy after his encounter with the ghost.
The Ghost tells Hamlet how and who killed him. Hamlet finds out that Claudius was the one who for power and other advantages poured poison in the ear of his own brother while King Hamlet was sleeping. The Ghost actually "commands" Hamlet to avenge his (king's) death. The other thing that the Ghost speaks about is the queen. He tells Hamlet that Hamlet should not mistreat his mother and she would suffer the consequences of her own doings.
After his meeting with the ghost, Hamlet makes the other guards to promise him not to let anyone else know about it. He also decides that he would kill Claudius and do whatever the Ghost had told him.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteReligion: Response to Leslie,
ReplyDeleteI would agree to what you said, the connection between man's emotions and religion. Religion played an important part in the '1800s' society. I don't know but this is how I see it: At first Hamlet decides not to committ suicide because he sees it as something that is wrong and evil to do from religious point of view but then he decides to kill Claudius. Why? It might be because if we keep Bible or other religious books in sight we know that it is better to forgive but we have the right to avenge others because of what they did to us. This is what I have heard. Religion does not tell you to be forgiving to all and "let it go" everytime. Yes, it is much better to forgive but since Hamlet is already too depressed about his father's death and his mother marrying Claudius so soon, he does not really care about religion at this point.
Religion does play an important part as the play goes furthur. I donn't understand the fact that Hamlet does not kill Claudius while he is praying? I mean, Claudius did kill King Hamlet. Does Hamlet believe that even if someone killed someone else they can still go to heaven? Or that prayers can save a killer?.
Hamlet takes some of the decisions keeping religion in mind which shape up the play later on. But at times he just forgets religion i.e. when Ophelia is buried, Hamlet and Laertes fight on the top of her dead body.
-What does Hamlet learn from the Ghost's speech?
ReplyDeleteHe learns the truth about how his father died. They told him it was because of a snake bite, but the ghost (his father) revealed to Hamlet that his own brother (claudius) poured poison down his ear as King Hamlet was sleeping, but he made every one believe it was a snake bite. And he killed his own brother to be king himself and to marry his brother's (king hamlet) wife.
Response to Bangash..
ReplyDeleteOk, what i dont understand if Hamlet is "crazy", like i dont know if he is making it up (about seeing the ghost)....maybe he is still hurt about his father's death, and he does not want to let go, so hes just imagining this you know? or is his father's ghost really coming to him, to get revenge on claudius.??
Im more on the side, where he is actually seeing the ghost and not making it up, because like 3 more people saw it so its not just him. so maybe he isnt crazy after all.
-In what ways is Scene II a contrast to Scene I? What do we learn about Gertrude, Claudius, and Hamlet in this scene? In scene I the imagery is a dark cold night with the characters expressing apprehensive countenance. Bernado, Horatio, and Marcellus see the ghost of the deceased King Hamlet. In Scene II imagery is the complete opposite of Scene I. King Claudius announces his marriage to Gertrude to the denizens of Denmark. Gertrude has moved on and is happy with her new marriage. Prince Hamlet is a over zealous and melancholy because of his father's death. Scene I focuses more on death and scene II focuses on rebirth.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Dianalazcano2010 :
ReplyDeleteThis is a great plot point because of the major turn that is taken. Hamlet's deep mourning morphs into blood-lust towards his uncle. where before his uncle was trying to take the fatherly role, now he can only be the enemy.
Religion will dictate the scenes throughout the play, by creating irony. With this irony the reader is forced to question Hamlet's actions as rational or is he just mad. Is it just to not commit suicide yet kill another for revenge? This can bring up a universal question of faith vs. concious. When can a person tell wether it is God's will or your own selfish desires? Even if the answere is selfish desires, which I believe so in Hamlet's revenge, one with such religious beliefs must be crazy to believe it his task to carry out such a horrendous act as to killing someone. For example, Mormon Fundamentalists, Rod and Dan Lafferty both killed a new- born child because "God told them to", the two claimed that the child would turn out like it's mother. An innocent child killed because "revelation from God", I believe that Hamlet's acts are simply not far from those of the Lafferty brothers.
ReplyDeleteResponse to Bangash...
ReplyDeleteI think Hamlet does believe that someone who kills will go to heaven. His mind is so crowded with thoughts that causes his vision of religion to be impaired. His justifications are irrational. He believes he will still go to heaven by killing Claudius, so why wouldn't Claudius go to heaven? I think Shakespear's intention was to make the reader put themselves in a "mad man's shoes" and by doing so we can enhance our knowledge on the human psyche.
why does Hamlet contemplate suicide? In his solioquy, he resolves not to commit suicide because of God's law against it.
ReplyDeleteThe reason why Hamelet wanted to suicided himslef was to take away all the problems and situations that is going on in his life; hes uncle (Claduis) marrying his mother and now seeing his father (Ghost) frightens him.Is like a way to escape from the reality of his true life. Its a way of resolving it and making it just go away.
In my perspective i believe that hamlet uses Gods Laws as a excuse to not sucide himself,becuase deep inside he wants to live and find a true loving woman; using hes religion just for his benfit. For example,in the christianity religion they dont believe in ghost but when the ghost first spoke to Hamlet ,Hamelet believe all the things that the ghost said and went along believing that the ghost was his father. Not going allowing with his so called religion that believe that theirs no such things at ghost.
However, in the end of the scene it seems like Hamlet is trap not knowing if he should listen to the ghost by taking revenge or to follow his mother advice to move along and forget about it. Which makes me think that Hamlet is a kind of person that questions everything to much;thinking about things throughtly and questioning about his religion (the doughtfulness of believing without seeing).
This comment has been removed by the author.
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?
ReplyDeleteThe state of Denmark is preparing for war. In Scene I, Marcellus, Bernardo, and Horatio see the ghost of the late king, which they believe is restless because of the looming war with Norway, and so represents an omen of ill fortune for the kingdom. We learn from Horatio that the prince of Norway is getting ready to invade the lands that had been captured by the dead king. This is the reason for the nightly preperations and the ghostly appearance which Marcellus believes to be so rotten.
In Scene II the new king, Claudius, makes light of the situation, affirming to the reader that Prince Fortinbras of Norway is indeed trying to take back the lands lost by his father. King Claudius seems to take a stab at Fortinbras making him out to be too young and too foolish to think that he would actually succeed. "Colleagued with the dream of his advantage, He hath not fail'd to pester us with message..." and merely dismisses it in front of the court"So much for him."
With that he sends a message to the Prince's uncle, the current King of Norway, informing him of his nephew's actions. in describing the King, Claudius basically says he is old and feeble. "To Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras, —Who, impotent and bed-rid"
King Claudius is not at all worried, but still takes measures to keep the country safe and in his control.
In response to Cian:
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said, but I think that Hamlet is also upset because of his mother marrying his uncle so soon after the death of his father. In his solioqui in Act I Hamlet berates his mother for being two faced. "With which she followed my poor father's body, Like Niobe, all tears... married with mine uncle...within a month..."
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.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite simple to see why Hamlet would want to commit suicide. He obviously has a screwed up family life, i mean how would you feel if your dad had just been murdered and then you mom ran off and got married to your uncle of all peaple. Oh yeah, and then you find out hes the murderer.
People really do have weird views of religion. I guess i could justify killing a guy because he killed my father so he deserves the death sentence, but suicide just doesn't seem right.
in response to Leslie-
ReplyDeletewhile not having a clear mind is a possibility, i think alot of peaple in a calm state of mind wouldnt mind killing a man who killed their loved one, in fact it seems justified, even in the bible it mentions killing murderers
-what does hamlet learn from the Ghost's speech?
ReplyDeleteHamlet learns that his father was murdered. The ghost claims to be the spirit of his father. His Fathers spirit wants Hamlet to seek revenge. The Ghost claims that Hamlets father was murdered while he slept in the garden by poison being poured into his ear. Hamlet finds out that the murderer is now wearing his father’s crown as the King, making the murder Claudius his uncle. He learns not only did Claudius murder his father but also took his mother’s true love away for his selfish reasons so Hamlet must not view his mother in a bad way but instead “leave her to heaven”.
The main thing he learned was that his father was murdered by his uncle.
In response to Maleeh’s comment on Miranda’s comment about “What does Hamlet learn from the Ghost’s speech?”
ReplyDeleteThe point Maleeh gives is a strong one allowing a good different view on the Ghost. To me Maleeh has made a good point about Hamlet imagining the whole ordeal to be able to have some closure about his father’s death. Though it being a good point and all we cant just take this point as fact. There is more evidence showing that the conversation happened as stated. Maleeh’s theory was a good one yet it is still a theory. The conversation between the ghost and Hamlet where the ghost tell him about is fathers death must be believed to have happened as stated due to there being no evidence to test it. Shakespeare wrote it into the play for a reason. Maybe he did use this as a metaphor as Maleeh states but until we find out more on this matter I must be compelled to stick to the literal text of the play.
In response to Maleeh’s comment on Miranda’s comment about “What does Hamlet learn from the Ghost’s speech?”
ReplyDeleteThe point Maleeh gives is a strong one allowing a good different view on the Ghost. To me Maleeh has made a good point about Hamlet imagining the whole ordeal to be able to have some closure about his father’s death. Though it being a good point and all we cant just take this point as fact. There is more evidence showing that the conversation happened as stated. Maleeh’s theory was a good one yet it is still a theory. The conversation between the ghost and Hamlet where the ghost tells him about his fathers death must be believed to have happened as stated due to there being no evidence to test it. Shakespeare wrote it into the play for a reason. Maybe he did use this as a metaphor as Maleeh states but until we find out more on this matter I must be compelled to stick to the literal text of the play.
-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.
ReplyDeleteReligion in this play is used more as a superstition than an actual practice of faith. Because of this i think religion will ultimatly guide the actions the characters take and will make them do thing in a way that don't think will hurt them. They want to be able to do the things they want, but when it is convenient for them they use religion as an excuse for doing or not doing things they want to do and have to do. For example Hamlet decides not to commit suicide because he will go to hell, but when it comes to murdering his uncle he doesn't take this into account. I think the way they look at religion is selfish and destructive.
in response to Dianalazcano2010...
ReplyDeletei agree with you that the ghost is real. In the begining I think Hamlet is pretending to be crazy as a decoy, but ultimitly I think he truly becomes crazy. This is because the things he is doing through out the play are becoming more extreme. For example in act three when he puts on the play he acts very crazy, and at that point I think it is past the point of being something that is pretend.
What does Hamlet learn from the Ghost's speech?
ReplyDeleteHamlet finds out the apparition is the spirit of his recently deceased father. Hamlet learns that his father was did not die from a snake bite and was actually poised by his own brother Claudius in an attempt to take the kings crown. After the king dies Claudius swiftly marries Hamlet's mother attaining the king's position. The king then convinces Hamlet to take revenge on Claudius and murder him.
In response to Kimberley...
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you said in this book religion is viewed as more of a superstition rather than an actual practice of faith. However when you said they use religion as an excuse to make decisions I am not sure I agree. I believe they make decisions in fear of what will happen if they do not obey God's teachings; like going to hell, but when in the heat of a moment they may forget what is actually ethical to do. I don't think they purposefully disobey His teachings, it is more of a compulsion.
Hamlet contemplates suicide, but does not because he thinks he will go to hell, but when his father asks him to seek revenge upon Claudius he accepts the challenge. I believe when Hamlet decided not to commit suicide he had a clearer mind and used logic to decide it is not the right decision. Yet when he decides he will kill Claudius I believe he wasn't thinking as clear considering he had just seen a ghost and found out his father was actually murdered by his uncle. He didn't take things into account and evaluate things as he did with the suicide. It was an act of passion, rage, and a compulsion to kill Claudius. It was an unconscious act.
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.
ReplyDeleteReligion was big in Shakespeare's day so of course characters in written in any sort of way would have something to do with religion. People kept the faith when it proved beneficial or gave them a reason to do (or not do) something. He was in a mood of madness and seems like he took to arguing with himself. He claimed he'd off himself if it weren't an act so against God. Obviously he could find something better to do than end his life. Kill somebody else! Against God? That's okay. Religion is only referred to when it proves usefull in some way.
"-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? "
ReplyDeleteMarcellus is speaking of the state of turmoil in Demark. For reasons unknown, people are working tirelessly and preparing for some sort of conflict. He suggests that signs point to young Fortinbras, who supposedly seeks vengeance for his father (who lost all his land to the elder Hamlet) by killing King Hamlet. Despite this being incorrect, he's still right about the country preparing for war.
At Rachel's comment:
ReplyDeleteIt does seem justified. Either through Shakespeare's religious influence in the play is it suggested, or through the idea that young Hamlet may be crazy. Unable to tell the difference between right and wrong (maybe), he is bent on killing his traitorous uncle.