As we begin to read this play, you will note that it is comprised of questions, poses questions, and causes questions. Use this forum to comment on your questions about the play or to answer a question about the play.
Make at least one entry for each act of the play. Please title your entry with your last name and the act number. In your entry, include the act, scene, and line numbers that stimulated your reaction.
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60 comments:
Greco, Act I
"Hamlet" seems like a very complicated play. Most of my questions concern King Claudius and his sister-in-law/Queen, Gertrude. After reading Act 1 scene 2 (lns. 7-8, 66, 94-108, 114), it is clear to see how manipulative, ambitious, and decieving Claudius is. Is Gertrude forced to love Claudius, or does she have true feelings for him? Although she does not know that Claudius killed King Hamlet, she must be able to recognize his possessiveness. I do not understand how anyone can love someone that hateful. I guess my question will be answered later on in the play.
Bell- Act I:
I just wanted to note that it generally seems as if every time there is a question, important information follows. So I guess questions are an important part of Hamlet.
"Whither wilt thou lead me?" -I.v.1
I found this question ironic because it has two meanings. Hamlet is originally asking to what physical place the ghost will bring him. I found it interesting that once we find what the ghost has to say, reflection on this question shows that it could also mean that Hamlet is asking to what conclusions and actions the ghost will bring him.
Bell- Act II:
"What say you?" -II.ii.297
-The characters in Hamlet seem to dwell on what another person has to say on whatever matter or situation is occuring.
-This quote (and some others following it) was part of the dialogue of a piece I performed in for IEs this year. I was not aware the lines were taken from Hamlet. So in a way, reading Hamlet has answered a question of mine instead of caused one.
Lynch, Act I
I also have a question about King Claudius and Queen Gertrude. Even though the Queen remarried, she could still continue mourning the death of her late husband. Do you think that she is relieved that King Hamlet died? Is she secretly plotting with King Claudius? She doesn't even want Hamlet to mourn his own father's death. (Act I, Scene II, lines 68-75). Also why does Kind Claudius want Hamlet to stay in Denmark? If he is trying to take over the thrown, why would he want the one person who could take it away near him? (Act I, Scene II, lines 118-128).
Chassagne, Act 1
In regards to the questions about the Queen, I believe she honestly was in love with her late husband, and that she is not infact relieved. Her feelings she has developed for claudius I feel are innocent, and like her husband's ghost had stated to Hamlet, she is a "radiant angel". Such diction implies innocence on the Queen's behalf.
Prusinski, Act I
Throughout my reading of the play "Hamlet" many questions erupted from within. The question I pondered the most was, "Can a woman as loved as Queen Gertrude, by her son and deceased husband, turn around so quickly and love a new man?" Did she truly love King Hamlet? Is the Queen just hungry for royalty? My questions were inspired by reading Act I ln. 94-108. This passage seems to foreshadow the rest of the story and I just cant wait to see what happens.
Sanders, Act 1-
After completing the first Act of Hamlet, I found myself baffled at the complicated relationship between King Claudius and his Queen Gertrude. After reading scene two, lines 94-108, one is able to determine how much he the people of Denmark loath him, and how deceiving he is. What I do not understand is whether or not Gertrude was forced to love Claudius. I hope that my question is answered soon and that she was forced to love him because I sure do not know how anyone could love someone that horrible.
Lilienfeld, Act 1. I kind of had the same question is Lauren, it seems kind of weird that the Queen is so quick to forget about her late husband and wants Hamlet to be the same way. I kind of felt like she knew about Claudius's deception which is why she began her courtship with him immediatly after.
Lilienfeld, Act 1. I kind of had the same question is Lauren, it seems kind of weird that the Queen is so quick to forget about her late husband and wants Hamlet to be the same way. I kind of felt like she knew about Claudius's deception which is why she began her courtship with him immediatly after.
Woodard, Act I
"Is it not like the king (Scene1:57)?"
This question is posed after the first sightings of the ghost. Although the play's foundation is the assumption that the ghost is in fact young Hamlet's father, the characters cannot be one hundred percent certain that the ghost is not the devil or an evil force. Many characters later doubt the ghost's true identity, but unfortunately young Hamlet does not. If Hamlet had at least been suspicious and done some of his own investigating rather than rely on the "facts" of the possible ghost of his father, the play may not have been such a tragedy.
In Act 1, the most interesting but questionable aspect to me was the complicated love triangle involving Hamlet's fathers ghost, Claudius and Gertrude. Lines 68-75 specifically made me question Claudius's motives for murdering his own brother. Was he envious of his brother's crown? Or, perhaps, was he actually after the Queen? Hopefully more details will be filled in later on.
Burton, Act 1
I think one of the biggest questions in the play is regarding Hamlet's state of mind. In scene five, Hamlet manages to speak to the ghost although no one else could have done the same. Furthermore, he seems to joke around with the ghost a bit when Horatio is talking to him, in lines 148 to the end of the scene. Really, with all this information he just obtained, nonetheless from the ghost of his dead father, about his uncle being a murderer and his mother being an adultress, how can he maintain a steady frame of mind? I think my ultimate question is thus: how sane would you be if you were in Hamlet's position?
Rachel Priester. Act 1.
Why do both Laetres and Polonius give the same speech to Ophelia? I understand that they are concerned but isn't it redundant? What purpose does it serve to the audience? Scene 3 lines 1-135
Stinnett, Act I I do not understand why the Ghost would come back and tell Hamlet to take revenge on claudis, I understand that his death was horrible and I would want revenge too, but I would never place that burden upon my child, even after I was dead. The lines that prompted these questions were lines 10- 95 Act I scene V.
Lynch, Act II
I understand that Hamlet is going through a lot right now. The love of his life is ignoring him and the ghost of his father informed him that he was actually murdered by his brother. But I don't understand why Hamlet has gone completely mental. Why does he not recognize Polonius? ( Act II, Scene II, lines 174-178). I think that this is a little ridiculous. Is he faking it, or over doing it? Is this part of his plan?
Priester, Act II
In regards to the question about why Hamlet is acting like a crazy person, I think part of it is involuntary and the other part is purposeful. He was just informed by a ghost that his uncle killed his father, won the throne and his mother. Some of his actions are in result of being burdened with all the treacherous information and not knowing how to act yet. The other half, I think, is purposeful because he knows that everyone is watching him and he is particularily playing with Polonius. It seems as if Hamlet is tricking Polonius by pretending he doesn't recognize him because he knows how quick Polonius jumps to conclusions. This was most proven to me when Hamlet told Rosencrantz that he knew Polonius was going to come announce the arrival of the actors as if Hamlet hadn't heard the music, but Hamlet chose to act "dumb" for humor.
Act II, Scene II Lines 360-385
The one question I have, or more so a comment is that Hamlet, while some may perceive his character as "going mad," I strongly believe he merely used this supposed persona from others as a scapegoat for his intentions to murder King Claudius. There is also much questioning as to Queen Gertrude's true motives regarding her late husband's death and the hasty marriage to Claudius soon after. I believe, however, that her intentions are subliminally explained when she warmly greets two of Hamelt's closest college friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and asks them passionately to remian with Hamlet until his spirits are alive again, quelching her deepest worries (Act I, Scene II ln.'s 19-25). Queen Gertrude, like most elite women of this time period, are subordinate to the male figure in their life. As history has shown, any insubordination on the part of the "wife" or Queen, in this case, resulted almost certainly in death. Therefore, of course Gertrude is going to comply with all of Claudius's wishes. Not only will this spare her life, but additionally, she can remain in power on the throne, possibly as an inside source into Claudius's dealings.
My previous comment was ACT I.
- Alyson
Sanders, Act II
Act II reveals that Hamlet is beginning to go insane, and I understand that he feels remorse because he was just informed by a ghost that his uncle killed his father, that he won the throne., and won over his mother, but I do not understand why he does not recognize Polonius, is he overreacting?
Bell- Act III:
"What shall I do?" -III.iv.181
Although this question is specifically asked by the Queen, I feel as if all the characters in the play are asking themselves the same question. None of them seem to be able to deal with the past or even the present, and so they look to the future and to what can be later done about the consequences of their present situation. However, the faultiness of this reasoning is that they must deal with the situation as soon as it occurs, not later. The problems of this method are seen in Hamlet's character, for he questions much but does little. If he acted swiftly, the problems would not persist throughout the entire play. Then again, if he did act swiftly, a large portion of the plot would have been lost.
At the end of Act II, throughout Hamlet's monologue, the audience learns that Hamlet is going to try to guilt Claudius into confessing his crime through the acting of the players (Act II, lns. 566-584). My question is what is Hamlet going to do if Claudius does not react to the scene that should remind him of his crime?
Alyson Hoffman, Act II
Why is Polonious suddenly so cowardly? He is acting like a coniving rat of the court, bowing to every wish and demand of King Claudius with his only intention as "pleasing" the royalty. He relays that there has never been a time when he has falsified accounts to his majesty, and later, urges them to give him the honor of talking with Hamlet himself. (act II, ln.'s 154-156 and 170-171). For some reason, a foreshadow inlayed by shakespeare possibly, Polonious wants more than anything to prove to the throne that he is loyal and trustworthy. Maybe the ghost told him of Claudius's plot to kill all those unfaithful courtiers? Maybe he is afraid Hamlet will parallel himself with his father's murder and he wants the King's protection? Many things are to be resolved in the future acts.
Burton, Act II
One of the questions that comes up for Hamlet at the end of the Act is whether or not he can trust the ghost of his father. As he ponders, he remarks that "the spirit [he has] seen may be a devil (l. 593-595)." Such a grave thought certainly affects Hamlet's already-questionable state of mind. Should he go through with the plot for revenge? Or do horrid consequences await him?
Burton
N.B. The lines I cited are from scene 2.
DuBois, Act I
"Hamlet" raises a series of questions to me. I am not sure whether the Queen Gertrude knows King Claudius killed her late husband and if she is happy about it or not? Or does she just want stability with her throne because she does not want to rule the country herself? Does she even love King Claudius or is she still in love with her late husband? I think as we go on later in the play, these questions will be answered. Hamlet (Queen Gertrude's son) seems somewhat confused, but I think he will know what to do later on in the play.
Ruppert, Act I & Act II
I think an important parallel between Act I and Act II is Hamlet's reference to suicide during his soliloquy's. In ACt I scene ii, Hamlet desires for his flesh to "melt," and that God had not made a sin of "self-slaughter," (lines 129 & 132). The parallel occurs in Act II scene i, when Hamlet's soliloquy more solidly refers to his suicidal thoughts; "To be or not to be" (line 58) referring to life and death.
Lynch, Act III
Why was Hamlet so cruel and hurtful to Ophelia right after his "To be or not to be" speech (Act III, Scene 1, lines 90-150) and so nice to her at the play (Act II, Scene 2, lines 95-100)? He was so mean and now he wants to sit with her and flirt? I don't understand his intentions at all! Does he still love Ophelia or not?
Priester, Act III
In the end of Act III Scene IV the ghost reappers while Hamlet and Gertrude are sharing harsh words. Why were the guards able to see the ghost when it initially appeared in Act I? When Hamlet desperatley needs to prove his sanity, why cant' his mother see it? Is the ghost's visability circumstantial?
Hoffman, Act III
In this act, Hamlet more than ever displays sarcasm and ironic behavior. Take for instance, his conversation with Rosencrantz and Gildenstern after the revenge play. He acts happy to see his uncle so upset, acts as if his mothers wish to see him is petty and will be attending to later, all while employing the musical use of a recorder. He begs his friend to play, ironic for he just proved his fathers murder, a solemn event, and then, turns the tone of the conversation around so as to accuse and exemplify his crying heart. He asks his friend to play sweet music, then begs of him. When his friend refuses, saying he cannot, Hamlet employs a metaphor, asking why his dear comrade then believes he can play Hamlet, meaning take sides with the treasonous royalty, and also act as if he is in Hamlet's best interest. Shakespeare has a magical way with illustrating emotions, scenes and actions via text. My question is, what made Shakespeare want to convey this message of stark ironicy and sarcasm in the face of remorse, to his audience? What in his personal life or political affairs of his country inspired him to write Hamlet?
Bell- Act IV:
"What is the matter?" -IV.v.98
I think the question would more appropriately be "What isn't the matter?", especially since the King had just finished a monologue in which he names all the things that are going wrong.
Also,
"Letters, my lord, from Hamlet: These to your Majesty; this to the Queen" -IV.vii.36-38
Curiosity is eating at me. I want to know what Hamlet wrote to his mother.
Greco, Act III
My question is the same as Rachel's. I do not understand why the guards were initially able to see the ghost when later on in the play, Gertrude was blind to it.(Act III, lns. 117-141). Does the ghost get to choose who he wants to be visible to. Is the ghost to upset with Gertrude to let her see him. I would be!
Burton, Act III
"My lord, you once did love me (3.2, l. 326)." What on earth can be running through the minds of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern at this point in the play? Here they are, seeing their childhood friend going absolutely batty after a play he fabricated, being cruel and obtuse to both of them. Another question arises, however: Are the pair really true friends to the young prince? Or just pawns of the King?
Katie Sanders, Act III
Although Hamlet still has issues within himself, I do not understand why Hamlet freaked out on Ophelia after his "to be or not to be sililoquy." Why was he so rude saying all those hurtful things to her, and then right after it acting as if he did nothing wrong? Will someone please tell me if he still loves Ophelia or if he truly hates her? I am so confused!!
Genna, Act 1
The major question that I had in this act was whether or not Queen Gertrude was a good person, after all she did marry Claudius rather hastily after the death of her former husband (Scene II, lines 68-75). Therefore, by the end of the play, I would like to know what Gertrude's true feeling are toward Claudius as well as the late King Hamlet.
Genna, Act 2
In scene two of this act, Hamlet's college friends, Rozencrantz and Guildenstern were summoned by the king to visit Hamlet and attempt to find the root of his troubles (scene II, lines 1-18). My question is: Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern loyal to? The fact that the king asked such a large favor of them may lead one to believe that the king has the upperhand in the relationship and could thus use Hamlet's "friends" against him (scene II, lines 26-32).
Genna, Act 3
Throughout the play I had been wondering if Hamlet really was insane or if it was an act in order to confuse those who he believed to be conspiring against him. Contrary to other interpretations, I believe that Hamlet's stabbing of Polonius sanctified that Hamlet really was in his right mind. My reason being that prior to entering Gertrude's room, Hamlet did not seize the opportunity to kill Claudius because Claudius was praying, which (in Hamlet's mind) meant that Claudius would go to Heaven. Hamlet therefore wanted to catch Claudis taking part in a sinful act just prior to killing him (scene III, lines 73-92). Therefore, when Hamlet thought that Claudius was the one hiding/spying on Gertrude and Hamlet's conversation (scene IV, lines 25-30), Hamlet stabbed through the valence because spying was an indecent act that could in turn send Claudius to Hell. Clearly, Hamlet knew what he was doing.
Bell- Act V:
"They are not near my conscience" -V.ii.58
I wish we knew more about Rosencrantz's and Guildenstern's relationship with Hamlet before this situation. No matter what, wouldn't he feel even the slightest bit responsible for sending two men to their death? Two men he was friends with even. Though they spied on him and were not true friends, they must have had some kind of history with Hamlet. But I guess the absence of such history make it more detached and okay to not feel as guilty about what Hamlet did.
Slattery- Act I
Throughout this act, the most important question on my mind was "How will Hamlet react based on being given the information that Claudius has killed his father?" Having written this after Hamlet has put on the play for Claudius I now know of Hamlet's need for solid information and almost completely indecisive demeanor. It's a combination which I feel becomes a serious obstacle for something a passion fueled as revenge.
Slattery- Act II
In this act, Hamlet's insanity is a focal point. The question "Is Hamlet truly insane or is this insanity some sort of act?" became the question which I focused on quite closely throughout my reading. I do not feel that Hamlet is truly insane. I believe this because Hamlet, though dishevelled and acting differently than normal, does not take rash actions or say rash things that one would expect from someone suffering from true insanity. Hamlet's thoughts are just too clear in his soliloquies for him to be truly insane.
Slattery- Act III
Is the ghost just a figment of Hamlet's imagination? Has Hamlet truly been overtaken by insanity?
During the conversation with the queen, King Hamlet's ghost is only visible to Hamlet. At this point couldn't it be possible that Hamlet has been overtaken by madness? Imagine seeing the ghost of your murdered father and then being thrown into the passionate endeavor of revenge. Hamlet, being a man who finds trouble showing passion, may actually reached madness by this point in the play due to the stress he has been enduring.
Chassagne, Act II
In regards to Hamelt's behavior, I feel it is not mere loss of sanity that is the cause for his behavior. As stated by Grazia, Coloridge, and other critics of Shakespeare, Hamlet's "rants" in act II..are not rants at all, but expression of his inner thoughts, his thought process. He is not just crazy.
Chassagne Act 3,
Killing Polonius in Act 3 has me thinking that Hamlet is not as crazy as he makes out to be to the others. He is sane enough to rationalize the murdering of Claudius (which is who he beleived he had stabbed, not Polonius). If he is level-headed enough to decide carriyng out such a deed is justifyable, than Hamlet is not overcome and deemed irrational by his emotions. He has the power to exercise logic.
Corey Runte: ACT I: I thought that the complicated relationship between King Claudius and his Queen Gertrude was really perplexed. After scene two, lines 94-108, You can see how much he the people of Denmark loath him, and how deceiving he is. Very interesting situation with this love mess
Corey Runte: ACT II: Why is Hamlet acting like a crazy person? I think part of it is involuntary and the other part is purposeful. However, after reading one of the articles on Hamlet, I understood how Shakespeare purposely put Hamlet in situations where he was required to act on the spot. Some of his actions are in result of being burdened with all the treacherous information and not knowing how to act yet.
Corey Runte: ACT III: I believe that Hamlet's murder of Polonius proved that Hamlet really was in his right mind. Because, prior to entering Gertrude's room, Hamlet did not uphold the opportunity to kill Claudius simply because he was praying = Heaven.Hamlet therefore wanted to catch Claudis taking part in a sinful act just prior to killing him (scene III, lines 73-92). Interesting stuff. Still dont like Hamlet..
Katie Sanders, Act IV
In the beginning of Act IV Gertrude’s betrayal of her son is evident after she turns him in to the king. Although she does keep her promise not to reveal that Hamlet was only pretending to be insane. I do not understand why she would tell on her son to the king, yet not report what Hamlet had done to him. Is it because she truly cares and loves Hamlet?
Chassagne, Act 4
What I am wondering is if Shakespeare really did have a meaningful purpose for bringing Hamlet back to Denmark after two scenes...or was it meant to come off as sheer luck. Asides from this part, this act seems to be the most clear in meaning. Hamlet's thoughts are finally going to be put into action, thanks to the run-in with Fortinbras. Ophelia is dead, further adding fuel to Hamlet's fire. Claudius' fear cannot be any greater. Everyone's emotions are coming to a head, and becoming actions. This act is building up to the climax, and it's going to be a big one.
Kehres, Act I
For my Act I blog, instead of posing a question I am going to attempt to answer one of the questions. Valerie Greco asked if Queen Gertrude was forced to love King Claudius or if she actually did. I believe that at the time that this play was written, it was not viewed as okay or appropriate for a Queen to be unmarried. She needed someone to look after the land, and King Claudius, who had coveted her since his brother's marriage in the first place. I do not believe that she was in love with him but rather needed a husband, and Claudius was all too eager to take the position.
Kehres,Act II
For my Act II blog entry I am going to reflect on a question posed by Madelaine based on (scene II, lines 1-18). She questions where the loyalties of Rosencrantz and Guilenstorm lie. I think that this is a very good question, and one that is never truly known, and is reflected upon by all Shakespeare analysts. Personally, I believe that their loyalties lie with the King. When they went to Hamlet asking him where the body is and forcing him to tell the king, they were not looking out for Hamlet but for the king. THey do wat he says because he has such high authority, and unfortunately they let this trump the loyalty which should come with friendship.
Kehres, Act III
Lauren Lynch posed the question "Why was Hamlet so cruel and hurtful to Ophelia right after his "To be or not to be" speech (Act III, Scene 1, lines 90-150) and so nice to her at the play (Act II, Scene 2, lines 95-100)?" I believe that the reason behind this is that he was not really being nice with her at the play. It was not flirting that he was doing, but using vulgur language too harsh to be heard by a young lady's ears at the time.I do believe that he truly loved her, but he was pushing her away to avoid hurting her.
Kehres, Act IV
Katie Sanders asks the question of why Gertrude betrays her son by turning him in to her husband, King Claudius.I think this is not because she doesn't love him, but because she truly believes that he is insane, and has no where to turn to but her husband. She does not know how to handle the situation so she puts it on him. However she does not fully give away where she has run to because of the sense of loyalty that comes with the true love she has for him despite his "insanity."
Catherine Koubek
ACT 2: I do not understand why Hamlet does not do a better job explaining his situation to Ophelia. I think that if he did a better job of keeping her updated on his life than their relationship would be going a little smoother at this point rather than coming to a complete stop. Also, Why doesn't Hamlet explain his madness to polonious? It bothers me how Poloius is analyzing Hamlet completely incorrectly.
Catherine Koubek
ACT 3: Why does Hamlet make such a sneaky way of accusing his Uncle Claudius of the murder? Rather than do a play which basically calls Claudius out, I would have gone to my mother with my concerns. If she did not agree I would have prosecuted him legally. By drawing attention to himself, hamlet leaves himself vulnerable to the Kings own revenge. Questions prompted from (l. 170-239)
Catherine Koubek ACT 4:
Why does Hamlet act so strangely when he confronts his mother Gertrude in her quarters after the play? When I read it, I felt extremely uncomfortable. However, I was even more perturbed upon watching the version of Hamlet on the DVD where he actually kisses Gertrude. I rally hope that the version where Hamlet and his mother kiss is the incorrect interpretation.
Catherine Koubek ACT 5:
My main question for act five was simply, why does Hamlet and laertes go at it with eachother at Ophelia's funeral. Personally, I find it extremely disrespectful to the deceased to cause such bedlam at one's funeral. Especially considering this is her own brother and her supposid lover. This also brings up another question. Did Hamlet truley mourn Ophelia or is he simply caught up in his own sorrow? I hope that he felt guilty somewhat for her death and for being disrespectful at her burial.
Genna, Act 4
In Act IV, all of my pending questions concerning the nature of Claudius were answered. Throughout the play I had been battling with whether or not Claudius was a good man who had had a brief moment of hysteria when he killed his brother. However, when it became evident that the only reason Claudius was sending Hamlet to England was because Claudius had arranged for Hamlet to be executed upon his arrival, I realized that Claudius was a truly evil and selfish ruler.
Slattery- Act IV
How could Gertrude disclose the information, concerning Polomius' murder by Hamlet, to Claudius?
It's appauling that Gertrude could tell the one person with the most reason to kill Hamlet about the incident. Gertrude, though somewhat independent, proves herself to be mindless time and time again. This is just another bad decision that Gertrude has made in a long list of horrible decisions.
Slattery- Act V
Why can't more works of performance art end with everyone dying?
I feel that this type of ending ties up the most loose ends. I, personally, despise Hollywood's trend of leaving every single movie open to a sequel. This manner of ending any piece of work which is meant to be performed seems to be the most efficient manner.
Lynch Act IV
Why does Gertrude immediately turn in her son as a murderer? She could easily hide Polonius' death or frame someone else for his murder. (Act IV, Scene 1, lines 7-12).
Lynch Act V
I was confused as to if Shakespeare was attempting to imply that Fortinbras was going to become King, or if he was going to take pity on Denmark because so much death had just occurred. Will Horatio maybe become the next King. I think he would make a very good one. (Act V, Scene 2, lines 390-408).
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