Here lies Ophelia, a young noblewoman of Denmark, the daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes, and potential wife of Prince Hamlet. To outside observers, Ophelia is the epitome of goodness, even though she may be childlike and naive. Most people believe that Ophelia is unworthy of a proper burial because of the state of mind she was in. Why would someone wish to deprive a human being of a proper burial? There is only one thing in life that is promised to everyone, and that is death. The death of anyone, royal or inferior, should be recognized by those who cared for them. Even if by now no one cares for her, it's her god given right to have a proper funeral.
Dear Ophelia, I don't blame you for going mad before your death. You must have been overwhelmed by Hamlet's behavior and the death of your father. People refused to pay attention to Ophelia, they never asked her what was wrong or if there was anything that could be done to help her feel better. She was ignored and viewed as mad, but did we honestly even know what the real issue was? Ophelia was alone, she didn't have anyone to comfort her in a time of great need. So here we are, paying homage to a strong woman who tried to please everyone she loved, but never received the love she truly deserved.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Monday, May 11, 2015
Hamlets Dilemma (Sarah McD)
Hamlet's dilemma underlies his entire insanity. If he kills Claudius, he will assuredly be killed himself. Hamlet is not sure he is ready for death and life is all he knows. He's fearful of the unknown. Furthermore, he is not yet ready to take responsiblity for sending another human being into the pits of death. He understands his duty to avenge his fathers murderer, and he accepts responsibility for his fathers Ghost tormenting him, but he knows that by killing Claudius he could be consigning himself to his father's fate for all eternity.
The real irony is that Hamlet does not realize that his revenge could have been complete if he had actually killed the king right then and there. Claudius was not really praying. Oh, sure, he was on his knees, but Claudius says that he knows he cannot be forgiven for the murder unless he actually and meaningfully repents. This would mean giving up his crown and queen, which we all know would never, ever happen. So when Claudius says "My words fly up, my thoughts remain below./ Words without thoughts never to heaven go," he is really admitting that he knows he isn't forgiven. If only Hamlet had known.
This scene shows a significant theme that runs through the play. Hamlet, faced with this deed to kill the King, finds difficulty carrying it out because he tends to think too much about the consequences of his actions. Moments before this scene where Claudius is praying, Hamlet gets the proof he wanted that Claudius murdered his father. At this point he says "I will drink hot blood." He is ready to kill Claudius and has the perfect opportunity. His excessive thought, however, stops him. If Hamlet actually killed Claudius right then and there, the play would have been over, so I guess it only makes sense that he didn't kill Claudius right there.
The real irony is that Hamlet does not realize that his revenge could have been complete if he had actually killed the king right then and there. Claudius was not really praying. Oh, sure, he was on his knees, but Claudius says that he knows he cannot be forgiven for the murder unless he actually and meaningfully repents. This would mean giving up his crown and queen, which we all know would never, ever happen. So when Claudius says "My words fly up, my thoughts remain below./ Words without thoughts never to heaven go," he is really admitting that he knows he isn't forgiven. If only Hamlet had known.
This scene shows a significant theme that runs through the play. Hamlet, faced with this deed to kill the King, finds difficulty carrying it out because he tends to think too much about the consequences of his actions. Moments before this scene where Claudius is praying, Hamlet gets the proof he wanted that Claudius murdered his father. At this point he says "I will drink hot blood." He is ready to kill Claudius and has the perfect opportunity. His excessive thought, however, stops him. If Hamlet actually killed Claudius right then and there, the play would have been over, so I guess it only makes sense that he didn't kill Claudius right there.
Monday, May 4, 2015
To Be or Not to Be Scene (Sarah McD)
Each interpretation of Hamlet’s Soliloquy in act 3 gives the viewer a unique insight into Hamlet’s mind. The four actors portraying Hamlet onscreen portrays varying expression, emotions, and overall psychological impression.
The Olivier version, used dramatic music which enhanced the powerful effect hamlets lines exude. The orchestral music played a vital role during the lines: “To die, to sleep;/ To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub”. In the opening scene, we see Hamlet sitting at the edge of a cliff. The camera slowly closes into his head. This symbolizes that Hamlets soliloquy will offer the viewer insight into his mind. Olivier uses stage direction, dramatic music, and an expressive voice to power the soliloquy. During the final lines, Olivier changes the tone of his voice to match the meaning of the words.
In Zeffirelli's version, when i think of Hamlet, i think of it taking place in a large stone building, such as the castle portrayed in Zeffirelli's version. During the soliloquy, the use of the castles mysterious chamber created a dark mood for Hamlet as he walked around the basement. When Hamlet first walks down the stairs and quietly says, “to be or not to be that is the question”, Zeffirelli depicts a shot of the coffin infused death chamber, setting a negative mood for the rest of Hamlets speech. As Hamlet walks through the room he becomes more and more dramatic both vocally and visually.
Branagh portrayed an eerie scene that was extremely believable. The reflection in the mirror shows Hamlet deep in thought. When he whispers to himself “that is the question”, his voice has such a great affect on the audience, captivating their attention from that very moment on. The camera angles that were chosen for this version were also very effective, as the over-the-shoulder shot is intimate and seems like the audience is standing right behind Hamlet. Incorporating this angle in the soliloquy was strategically used for the audience to get lost in the mirror image of Hamlet. Later on in the scene, as he is still questioning his life, hamlet slowly brings a dagger up from his pocket and hits the mirror. This moment is where he reached his climax of insanity, anger and regret, and would make an irrational decision at this time.
The Almereyda version is a very modern and unique depiction of Hamlets soliloquy. It opens with Hamlet aimlessly walking the aisles of a blockbuster. Hamlets wearing a suit and a winter hat, looking sad and emotionless. He walks the aisles, but isn't looking for anything, it's almost as if his mind isn't with him. He looks numb and void of life. Hamlets not speaking, but the audience hears his thoughts which let's us into him void mind. His emotions make it seem like his contemplation will lead to him killing himself. The TV's in the background show explosions and dying which basically is an illustration of what's going on in his head right now.
The Olivier version, used dramatic music which enhanced the powerful effect hamlets lines exude. The orchestral music played a vital role during the lines: “To die, to sleep;/ To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub”. In the opening scene, we see Hamlet sitting at the edge of a cliff. The camera slowly closes into his head. This symbolizes that Hamlets soliloquy will offer the viewer insight into his mind. Olivier uses stage direction, dramatic music, and an expressive voice to power the soliloquy. During the final lines, Olivier changes the tone of his voice to match the meaning of the words.
In Zeffirelli's version, when i think of Hamlet, i think of it taking place in a large stone building, such as the castle portrayed in Zeffirelli's version. During the soliloquy, the use of the castles mysterious chamber created a dark mood for Hamlet as he walked around the basement. When Hamlet first walks down the stairs and quietly says, “to be or not to be that is the question”, Zeffirelli depicts a shot of the coffin infused death chamber, setting a negative mood for the rest of Hamlets speech. As Hamlet walks through the room he becomes more and more dramatic both vocally and visually.
Branagh portrayed an eerie scene that was extremely believable. The reflection in the mirror shows Hamlet deep in thought. When he whispers to himself “that is the question”, his voice has such a great affect on the audience, captivating their attention from that very moment on. The camera angles that were chosen for this version were also very effective, as the over-the-shoulder shot is intimate and seems like the audience is standing right behind Hamlet. Incorporating this angle in the soliloquy was strategically used for the audience to get lost in the mirror image of Hamlet. Later on in the scene, as he is still questioning his life, hamlet slowly brings a dagger up from his pocket and hits the mirror. This moment is where he reached his climax of insanity, anger and regret, and would make an irrational decision at this time.
The Almereyda version is a very modern and unique depiction of Hamlets soliloquy. It opens with Hamlet aimlessly walking the aisles of a blockbuster. Hamlets wearing a suit and a winter hat, looking sad and emotionless. He walks the aisles, but isn't looking for anything, it's almost as if his mind isn't with him. He looks numb and void of life. Hamlets not speaking, but the audience hears his thoughts which let's us into him void mind. His emotions make it seem like his contemplation will lead to him killing himself. The TV's in the background show explosions and dying which basically is an illustration of what's going on in his head right now.
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