Is
Hamlet’s plan to put on an "antic disposition" working? At what cost? What does he mean in his famous “To
be or not to be” speech? What is he debating and why is this significant? Does Hamlet know that he
is being watched by Polonius and King Claudius in his famous scene with Ophelia? What difference would this make?
Remember:
Respond to at least one other classmate-- get the dialogue going and
use textual evidence to back up your assertions! Also, this is how we
cite Shakespeare: (3.1.23).
"King It shall be so.
ReplyDeleteMadness in great ones must not (unwatched) go."(3.1.202+203)
The last line of this scene stood out to me because, this proves King Claudius was suspicious about Hamlet knowledge on his father's(K. Hamlet) death. Hamlet's plan to expose King Claudius is probably not going to work because King Claudius suspects Hamlet of a plan and he's working towards sending him off to another country.King Claudius's devious plan is all to get rid of Hamlet as well as is father. Staying in power is King Claudius' central idea, and he knows Hamlet in next in line to rule Denmark. By sending Hamlet away, he probably has no chance to come back and rule. That way King Claudius will stay in power. Also if Hamlet is miles away from Denmark, the people won't find out that King Claudius killed the late King Hamlet. In this line, King Claudius uses Hamlets "madness" to send him off. Although the question now is: Will Gertrude agree to send Hamlet away?
I totally agree with you, I feel like king Claudius knows something is up with Hamlet because he realizes that Hamlet wasn't going crazy because of his love for Ophelia but something else. So now that Claudius suspects that Hamlet knows about what happened to his father that Hamlet will want to revenge his father's death which is why Claudius is so eager to get rid of Hamlet by sending him away because then Hamlet can't hurt him. So now Claudius is very aware and he's not going to let down his guard as long as Hamlet is there in the kingdom and like you said the people in the kingdom will not know the real truth about King Hamlet's death. They will continue to live their lives and believe that king hamlet died of a snake bite and continue to support king Claudius which makes me angry because they don't understand how terrible of a man he is. Your question about if Gertrude will agree to send hamlet away, I predict that she will for some reason because Claudius will really try to convince her that it's will benefit hamlet when really he just wants Hamlet gone so he can continue to control the kingdom.
DeleteI agree with you because Claudius is truly evil. He murdered King Hamlet by putting poison in his ear, he told the kingdom a lie and married Queen Gertrude. He had a justified reason to do this because of the idea of power. He has desire and thrives for power so much, that he would even send Hamlet away to England. Gertrude might agree to send Hamlet away to England if she is convinced by Claudius.
DeleteI completely agree with you! Although Claudius may be plotting to bring Prince Hamlet down, I do admire Claudius for respecting Hamlet. Oftentimes, our hatred towards an individual can blind us, making us lose respect for them altogether. As you can see, King Claudius says, "Madness in great ones must not go unwatched." I find it extremely interesting how Claudius used the word "great" to refer to Hamlet. Obviously, Claudius knows that Hamlet will not be willing to go down without a fight!
Delete'To be or not to be-that is the question: Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or take arms against a sea of troubles And by opposing, end them.''(3.1.64+67)
ReplyDeleteThese lines really stood out to me because Hamlet is debating whether or not he wants to commit suicide. Hamlet has so much pressure on him from the ghost to avenge his death. His mom doesn't even understand what he is going through in terms not understand why he is upset about his own father's death, she is very happy with her marriage with Claudius. Claudius is ruling the kingdom and "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark"(1.4.87-89) is turning out to be a reality. Hamlet has told Horatio that he is going to put an antic disposition. Is his antic disposition so bad Hamlet is considering death? Hamlet calls himself a "rouge and peasant slave" because he feels he is nothing and doesn't belong in this corrupt kingdom. Hamlet really wants to kill himself, but he doesn't know the outcomes and consequences it could have on the kingdom. Claudius is ruling the kingdom and is guilty of a murder. If Hamlet is dead, who will tell the kingdom what horrible crime Claudius has committed? or How will he keep is promise to his father? He won't be able to do any of those things when he is dead.The Kingdom of Denmark is referred to as a garden in Hamlet's first soliloquy. Claudius is the weed in the garden and no one is taking care of it. If Hamlet doesn't take care of this problem there will be more weeds in the garden. The garden won't be beautiful and it will be destroyed. Claudius has power and uses it for the wrong reasons. Why is Hamlet giving up on himself and his kingdom? and Is Hamlet ready to fight or flight?
The reason Hamlet wishes to kill himself is because he feels powerless. His uncle, now king, has married his mother killed his father. Hamlet’s fathers ghost has asked him to take revenge forcing Hamlet into an antic disposition. Moreover, in order to find the source of Hamlets madness, the king and Queen are using both Hamlet’s closest friends and lover to spy on him. You argue that Hamlet is depressed by his dismal situation and thus wishes to escape it by suicide. I believe though that Hamlet is considering his own death as he believes it to be the only way to confront his situation. In his soliloquy, Hamlet states that he must either bear his misfortune or “take arms against a sea of troubles and, by opposing, end them. To die, to sleep no more, and by sleep we say to end...” (3.1.67-69). As Hamlet, having already called himself a coward and having yet to take revenge, believes he can only change his situation by suicide and thus ending his morose circumstances. As he believes no other ways remain for Hamlet to affront his situation. Thus Hamlet is not “flighting” but instead ‘fighting” in the only way he believes he can.
Delete"you should not have believed me, for virtue cannot so (inoculate) our old stock but we shall relish of it. I loved you not." Act 3.1.131
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me because both Hamlet and Ophelia have just confronted each other. Before Ophelia thought Hamlet was acting crazy because he was just so love that not being able to see her drove him mad when really Hamlet was still traumatized about seeing his dead father. Polonuis was than convinced by Ophelia that he was acting like the way he was because of his love for Ophelia. So Ophelia tries to talk to him and ask what's wrong because Claudius ordered her to, Hamlet was so angry at that time because he found out that his own mother and King Claudius ordered Hamlet's friend to spy on him like his own mother doesn't trust him and so I believed that Hamlet let out his anger on Ophelia and then he confessed to her that he loved her before but he doesn't love her anymore. I think this is not true I think that Hamlet still loves Ophelia but he believes that Ophelia is not on his side because lately he has been so isolated, Hamlet feels really lonely because he feels like everyone is against him. His own mother goes behind his back, he hates Claudius and his own father is dead, he feels betrayed and maybe he thinks that Ophelia is against him too and so I believed that he was outrageous at the moment he didn't know what he was saying. I don't believe he meant it. I guess he was just so caught up in the moment. Ophelia feels heartbroken as well and maybe even a bit embarrassed because Leartes was right about Hamlet and maybe she should have listened to her brother.
I agree. Hamlet was angry and redirected his feelings of hatred towards Ophelia. Despite this, I think that Hamlet’s anger towards Ophelia was justified. First, Ophelia is entirely betraying Hamlet by working for the king. In addition, Hamlet has entirely isolated himself from him step father, mother, friends and finally Ophelia. Due to his distrust for the world around him, Hamlet is isolating himself. This isolation has caused himself to become insane. Hamlet is no longer acting. I believe that this is a turning point in Hamlets life. Hamlet has begun to fall down, “the dreadful summit of the cliff,” (1.4.78) that Horatio predicted and there is no way to save him.
DeleteI disagree with you because Hamlet is still putting this antic disposition for a reason, we can never know if Hamlet's feelings about Ophelia have been huge lie after all. Remember he is at the edge of insanity. If he acts that he is crazy and believes it there is this part of him that creates a true madness. At the same time, I somewhat agree with you because if he said before that all woman were weak and are dependent on men's affections he will probably think the same way about Ophelia. But he gets angrier at her when he finds out she has become one of her fathers "whores". And she willingly does what her father says. Hamlet is mad at this but gives her one last chance. When Polonius and Claudius are watching their conversation Hamlet says "where is your father" and she replies "at home". This was her last chance to show her true opinion. If after this he shows himself hard, almost cruel, to her, it is because she was weak and tried to deceive him. She is a soft, beautiful creature with no type of power over her decisions. A woman that is truly in love but has no passion for something because her mind is so fixed with Polonius words.
Delete“A, truly, for the power of beauty will sooner transform honesty from what it is to a bawd than the force of honesty can translate into beauty into his likeness. This was sometimes a paradox, but now the time gives it proof. I did love you once.” (3.1.121-125)
ReplyDeleteHamlet believes that beauty and honesty are connected. Hamlet thinks that “the force of honesty can translate into beauty,” therefore he does not love Ophelia anymore. Hamlet knows that he can not be truthful with Ophelia about his feelings and plans but is Hamlet hinting that Ophelia is not truthful either? While I was reading this dialogue between Hamlet and Ophelia I wondered: did Hamlet know that he was being watched? I think that Hamlet knew that he is being watched. In addition, I think that what Hamlet is saying in general is sexist. His anger is to intensified and instead of just being mad at Ophelia he is projecting his anger on all females. This is completely unnecessary. In general Hamlet is sexist and there is not a single female in the play that Hamlet even looks at as an equal. He feels that he can say whatever he wants to Ophelia which leads me to my final question: is Hamlet's anger towards women justifiable?
I agree with you. I believe that he is hinting towards Ophelia to say that she is being untruthful with put coming out and just saying it. Also I think that hamlet has some trust issues especially with women because go his mom. So I think hamlet's anger towards women is justifiable but is not right. I do not think he will ever be in love with a women again so I do not think it is just Ophelia he does not love. I think after what his mother did he began to stop loving Ohelia and then he figured out Ophelia is here to spy he began to realizes there is no love for him. I do not think hamlet is sexist though. I think it is just trust issues with women.
DeleteTo be or not to be-- that is the question...." (3.1.64)
ReplyDeleteThis line stood out to me the most because it demonstrates the intellectual curiosity whether living or dying is the big issue and Hamlet doesn't only refer to him having suicidal thoughts but he speaks as if he was speaking to us. If we believe that life is worth living for but sometimes your life is taken away because you live in this inferior prison that makes you feel like you’re dead. Life isn't worth living for unless you have something you are dying for. For Hamlet, dying can be the only peace time you will ever have, it is what separates the living and the dead. Hamlets argues with himself on the advantages and disadvantages of existence, and whether it is one's right to end your life and not care about what happens in the real world. To be or not to be, Hamlet believes that we all can relate to his individual case of desperation, madness and confusion but it depends if our existence has much importance in the world. Hamlet believes that dying is much simple than living a miserable, conflicted life just thinking about revenge and hatred about someone. Some chose to end their lives because they believe death is the only option, the only way to get out of this nightmare before it destroys their soul and sprit but living with it and finding a way to escape would lead to this depression and madness that Hamlet feels. But as simple as it seems to just end the pain, we all have this fear of what will truly happen? What would our death be like? What is death? Can we stop it from approaching us? So we choose life over the risk of possible damnation, we all know that if you sin there will be a punishment for it and sinning is what makes life miserable and undesired to be part of it. Maybe the reason we are afraid to live or afraid to die is because of the failure to act and take a stand, we think so much about what will happen instead of the present. Similar to Hamlet, he knows that he has to avenge his father's death but he is squandering his time thinking about it than actually confronting him. But the question is, do we live with this anger inside of us or do we die to prevent any pain that can be caused from it?
No, he doesn't think this life is worth living. I mean, look at everything he went through..for what? Someone feeding you grapes, or the revenge that will probably not get you the justice and ease he oh so wants. Death and hatred to him is more to himself than anyone else. I believe Hamlet is a pure and innocent individual and he doesn't know how to react to anything anymore.
Delete"Thus conscience does make cowards of us all," (3.1.85)
ReplyDeleteHamlet is going through a stage in his life where he doesn't know who he could trust. Everybody seems to be plotting against him. Hamlet is struggling with his father's death; he greatly resents his mother's hasty remarriage to his father's brother (and Hamlet's uncle) Claudius. He is so distressed that he has considered suicide and is upset that God has forbidden it. In this point in time, he is questioning wheather his life is even worth living anymore. To live or not to live. The line says that his thoughts can discourage action. Hamlet sums up this soliloquy by saying that life is hard and it would make sense just to kill your self and save your self all the lies, deceit, and heartbreak. Dying seems to be the only option, the only way out of his miserable life. However, the unknown, the ignorance of not knowing what happens after death stop us. Therefore, allowing is to go through the lies, deceit, and heartbreak. What is death to Hamlet? Does he believe this his only option? What is his next course of action? Life is so full of negatives, "the whips and scorns of time, the oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely, the pangs of despised love", Hamlet questions why do we continue to live when we could just kill ourselves and end the pain, "to die, to sleep, no more, and by a sleep to say we end the heartache". The only thing stopping us is our fear of life after death, therefore we choose life over the risk of possible factors, "the undiscovered country from which no man returns, puzzles the will, and makes us rather bear those ills we have than fly to others we know not of". The reason that we are afraid is because we think too much and as a result we fail to act "thus conscience doth make cowards of us all". He knows the reason he has yet to take revenge on his uncle is because he thinks instead of acts when he has the opportunity "and enterprises of great pitch and moment, with this regard their currents turn awry, and lose the name of action.
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ReplyDelete“And for your part, Ophelia, I do wish that you good beauties be the happy cause of Hamlet’s wildness.” (3.1.42)
ReplyDeleteI’ve chose this quote because I feel as though this one single quote says a lot of about Queen Gertrude. In this quote she’s telling Ophelia that she hopes she is the reason for Hamlet going insane and to make sure that it is Ophelia she’s having the King and one of his consolers spy on their conversation. One could argue that she’s protecting her son and looking out for him by hoping that a female is the cause of him going insane as if it were acceptable if it were Ophelia’s fault. On the other hand, people, like me, feel as though she’s taking this to another level with spying on him. The fact that Queen Gertrude feels as though a broken heart is any better than any other pain is a bit irrational. Overall, I’m very skeptical about Queen Gertrude’s position on Hamlet and how much she actually respects him.
i do agree with you that this is wrong and that they shouldn't spy on them because it isn't any of there business but what would they do to make hamlet sane even if it was because of that make ophelia date hamlet or ban them from seeing each other which they basically already did and i don't think there was like counceling for this stuff back then so i don't know what they really expect to get out of this spying cituation
DeleteI agree with you because they should't take advantage of Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship. Now Hamlet's girlfriend is considered untrustworthy person to Hamlet. As it as Hamlet doesn't even trust anyone, now his mom wants him to not trust his girlfriend. The person who he did used to love. Gertrude doesn't even seem to care about Hamlet. She is too busy caring for new wedded husband than her own son.Gertrude is a very inconsiderate and selfish person. She wants to stay queen and control the kingdom. She married Claudius and has to obey him since he is the King. She has to spy on their relationship in order to get information for King Claudius about Hamlet. Hamlet was right to not go easy on her, even though his father said to according to (1.5.83).
Delete"If 't be th' affliction of his love or no
ReplyDeleteThat thus he suffers for."(3.1.37-38)
this quote that i have chosen happens when King Claudius and Polonius are planning to spy on hamlet and ophelia to see if he actually loves her and that it's love thats making him suffer. I do not think it is any of there business if hamlet likes ophelia and if he doesn't it's there business not the step father and the fathers but it is polonius's daughter so i do understand how he wants to protect his "little girl" but not in any way should King Claudius be there. also do they think that not dating someone would make him go crazy. all in all it is wrong for them to spy on hamlet and not just let them figure it out on his own and King Claudius has no business being there.
Well, the reason they're spying on him is to tell whether or not it's Ophelia/heartbreak is causing melancholy. It is their business, times are different then they are now and it is THEIR children. Letting him 'figure out things on his own' would only cause another problem within itself. Hamlet is already in trauma and is becoming actually mentally unstable and this would only worsen the situation. They have suspicion he's not mentally stable and that things are driving him insane, and I'm sure the main reason that King Claudius is there is because of his growing suspicion that Hamlet knows something about the murder of his father. (Which we already know, he does.)
Delete"He does confess he feels himself distracted,
ReplyDeleteBut from what cause he will by no means speak."
I choose this line because I could connect to it. Usually in Shakespeare it is difficult to connect. In Hamlet we can connect because he is teenager but I do not think many of us are princes or princesses that father died then mother married your uncle and then he is your father uncle and king. So anyway, I was struggling to connect with hamlet but something about this line i felt I could connect to it. I have my days when I am really upset or sad or distracted and I know why but I don't want anyone else too. I know it might not seem important but the line is because hamlet is even hiding his secrets from his best friends which shows he really cannot trust anyone. Also usually when someone bottles up emotions they come out soon enough and in a not very pleasant way. I think that is what is going to happen in the play. Hamlet's emotions are going to be shown but it is not going to be very pleasant and it will cause a huge commotion. So I feel that everything is going to blow up in everybody's face and a huge fight is going to break out.
I agree with all of what you said. Everyone has had those emotional outbreaks when their thoughts are concealed. Also everyone can relate to Hamlet about not trusting anyone because it takes a lot to trust someone and it's not always easy. For example, Hamlet is not in a good situation; King Claudius killed his father, Hamlet thinks his mother is guilty somehow, he can't trust his friends due to the king having them spy on him and as for Ophelia he pushed her away because he's paranoid.
DeleteI agree with your point about Hamlet not being to trust anyone. So many people have turned their backs on them and betrayed him that he has no choice but to trust anyone. There is also a general atmosphere in Denmark where everyone must spy on each other and everything must be kept a secret. This only fuels the angry, confused Hamlet, as he already has a million reasons not to trust people. I also agree when you talked about how there may be an explosion later on. Hamlet can’t keep up this “antic disposition” forever. He also bottles everything up inside as he can’t trust anyone. The whole play is rooted in people spying and lying to one another. Hamlet can’t reveal his thoughts and feelings to even his own best friends because he is worried they will use them against him. It is also very interesting to see who Hamlet does trust, which at this point is only Horatio.
Delete"To be or not to be-- that is the question" (3.1.64)
ReplyDeleteThis line stood out to me the most, not only because of its general fame but also the melancholy that accompanied it. Earlier in the play Hamlet had had suicidal thoughts and now they are returning. When he's saying his famous line "To be or not to be" he is questioning on whether he should end his life. This line brought more of a realization to me, and brought a lot of emotion. Him feeling so miserable that he want's to end his life and in a way he is trapped. Who can he trust? The answer is no one.
Hamlet's plan to 'pretend to go insane' is slowly progressing into him actually turning insane. Which leads to King Claudius. Had Hamlet known that Polonius and King Claudius he would've reacted to Ophelia 'breaking up with him' in a different away, and responded more calmer and non-lunatic. What this whole series of events has turned Hamlet's mentality into one of a bitter old man, constantly chattering about how terrible life is etc. This isn't helping his case but I do feel pity for him because he has turned into someone so damaged. With people looking to make him worse surrounding him.
"To be or not to be-- that is the question" (3.1.64
ReplyDeleteThis line appeals to me the most. Hamlet recently had thoughts about deaths and ending his life. His depression has gotten the better of him. He doesn't know how to handle his life crises. Is ending it better? What's the point of living if you have to linger on with the pain and suffering. Hamlet thinks he's trapped, and his inability to trust or speak to anyone about his problems is making him on the verge of insanity. So why doesn't he just end it? Because his fear of hell, death and sinning is far greater than he thought. Hell…an endless place of suffering…more depression..something he can't handle more of. He is slowly fading away mentally..unless Hamlet pulls his act together and slowly repair a broken heart, and a broken mind.
I completely agree with you that his speech shows that he wants to end his life but also fears what comes after death as being more painful then his suffering. However, I disagree that if Hamlet doesn't pull his act together he will become insane. I believe that he is sad underneath all of his the antics and that him fading away will bring him some closer. His final stage of fading, which will be avenging his father death, will help repair his broken heart and put a stop to his antics.
Delete"Thus conscience does make cowards of all of us, and thus the native hue of resolution is sickle o'er with the pale cast of thought, and enterprises of great pith and moment with this regard their currents turn awry, and lose the name of action." (3.1.86-89)
ReplyDeleteThis quote really stood out to me the most because of how this happens to Hamlet right now. his fear of death has made him think to much of himself and he starts to act the way he doesn't want to, this kind of conscience makes him become more crazy more and more throughout time. Somehow he will lose it.
“-and by a sleep to say we end-The heartache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to…” (3.2.69-71)
ReplyDeleteI chose this quote because it reveals what Hamlet thinks about all of the events that happened to his life. The reader is often unsure of what Hamlet is thinking because he keeps on putting on an act to fool everyone. In this quote, he explains why he must even ask the question “to be or not to be”. Hamlet wants to die because of his relationship with Ophelia and the pain that comes with it and because of everything that he has gone through in just a few months. His father was murdered and then he came back from the dead. Hamlet can’t handle all of the change that is being brought into his life. He doesn’t know where he fits in with his own society anymore and he has to act like he is crazy. I think that this famous speech is about how he thinks that the world is fighting and challenging him and he wants to know how he can win. He constantly has these suicidal thoughts because he doesn’t have anyone he can trust. His friends turn on him, his family turns on him, and even though he may not know it, his girlfriend turned in him. He is confused and self-doubting because so much has happened and changed that he wants to put an end to it by falling “asleep”. He has no way to deal with this anger, frustration and confusion that comes along with his life right now, so he thinks the only way he can deal with it is by committing suicide. I think Hamlet is still putting on an “antic disposition” when he says this, but he reveals a lot about himself and why he feels so motivated to kill himself.
I 100% agree with you, Sabina. I think that Hamlet just wants to escape all these problems he's having in his complicated life. He literally has a heartache so bad he wants to die! He misses his father more than anything. His death has changed everything around the kingdom and in Hamlet's life. Hamlet is going crazy now because after his father's death everyone's turned on him. He hopes that Ophelia is still there for him but even Ophelia must obey what her family wants for her before she can be with Hamlet.
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ReplyDelete"love? his affections not that way tend; nor what he spake, though it lacked form a little, was not like madness. there's something in his soul..." (3.1.176-178)
ReplyDeletethis quote first stood out to me because i believed that hamlet truly loved ophelia. then i thought maybe he's lying because he already knew Claudius and his mom were already spying on him. this quote really stood out to me because Claudius recognizes that he isn't acting strange because of ophelia but because of another hidden reason. Claudius says "there's something in his soul" to say maybe its not truly madness but instead a big plan of some sort that is making him act out of the norm.
After I read you paragraph, I also agree with you. That being said, I was a bit skeptical on Hamlet's response towards Ophelia because I wasn't sure on whether he was trying to push away Ophelia because he realizes that his parents are spying on him or whether he didn't want her to get involved once he starts to take action in accomplishing his revenge. I don't believe, that Hamlet doesn't love Ophelia I believe that he is just saying that to keep Ophelia safe but to also get his parents off track on what is really bothering Hamlet. I agree with you Richard on some parts, but however I also don't approve on the part that you said that Claudius recognizes that Hamlet is not acting strange due to Ophelia but of something else. I disapprove, because back in scene 2.2.154-157. Back when Claudius was chatting with Polonius, Polonius asks if there would be another reason why, that explains why Hamlet is acting crazy Claudius just responded by saying that he can’t think of another reason why. In my opinion Claudius is a smart, sly, fellow but at times he could be very oblivious like he ignores small details which is a very wrong tactic because that one move played by his enemy that he missed could lead to his downfall and death.
DeleteI agree with both of you combined, i do feel that Hamlet does have a strong love towards Ophelia but i do feel that his love is at the back of his mind right now after all he has been through, I feel that Hamlet wants to get the who plan over with, with King Claudius and in order to do that, he has to put his whole life on hold, I also feel that the way Hamlet acted towards Ophelia was somewhat an act and somewhat not, I think Hamlet acted the way he did because he knew he was being watched but i also feel he acted the way he did so he can tie up any lose ends so he can focus solely on the revenge of his uncle.
Delete"He does confess he feels himself distracted,
ReplyDeleteBut from what cause he will by no means speak."
I chose this quote because it is incredibly accurate and similar to what teenagers do today! When I found out that we were going to read Hamlet I did not think I would be able to make any connections to Hamlet because of his position but now that I read it I realize that I connect to him in many ways. Like every teenager and even adults, he is angry yet he does not want anyone to know why it is that he is angry and I am in the position a lot. Also,Hamlet may not want anyone to know why he is angry because he doesn't feel like he can trust anyone after being betrayed by his mum and friends and finding out that his uncle, which his mum is now married to, killed his father! I would be pretty unsure of who to trust if it were me in that situation. His position makes it even worse because he can't really have an insane outburst because then he will be thought to be crazy and that would not be a good look for his family because they are royals! My oh my! :)
I agree! I think Hamlet is nothing more than a teenager, just like the rest of us. He gets closed off to the people he used to trust, and has good reason for it. Because of it, he gets angry a lot and is not sure how to deal with the anger, so he finds it easier to keep it to himself.
Delete“To be or not to be- that is the question...” (3.1.64)
ReplyDeleteIn Shakespeare’s fabled “to be or not to be” speech, Hamlet is considering his own suicide. He juxtaposes the ideas of life- bearing the misfortunes that are ‘shot’ at one such as the “the whips and scorns of time, the oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely, the pangs of despised love, the law's delay, the insolence of office and the spurns that patient merit of the unworthy takes...” (3.1.78-82). And death, an end to such troubles which brings one though to an “undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveller returns...” (3.1.87-88). In using the words noble: “Whether 'tis nobler...” (3.1.65) and coward: “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all...” (3.1.91), Hamlet debates which describe living and dying. Questioning both his and our own societies views on suicide.
Hamlet describes life as suffering “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune...” (3.1.65-66) and bearing “those ills we have...” (3.1.89). Acts which are, and have been seen for thousands of years as honorable. Such as the martyred saints in biblical stories who allowed barbarians to cut of their body parts instead of converting. Or the spies who suffer torture instead of giving up coveted information in modern movies. Such sacrifices are applauded by our society, as these heroes bear their woes for the better. In his soliloquy though, Hamlet states that such acts of bravery and our own toleration of life’s tribulations are done only to avoid death. As our conscience fears the “undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveller returns...” (3.1.87-88), thus making us cowards. As we are fearful of what we do not know and therefore willing to bear any hardship, may it be better then dying.
By the same token, our society and that of Hamlet’s view suicide as an escape from life’s hassles. As suicide is “to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; no more; and by a sleep to say we end...” (3.1.67-69). An act thus cowardly as it avoids ones tribulations without confronting or suffering them as moral code compels us to do. Hamlet though states that suicide is instead noble. A feat in which one overcomes the mortal fear of the unknown and the “dread of something after death...” (3.1.86).
Hamlet’s challenging of societies’ views of both life and suicide foreshadow what Hamlet will likely do in the following acts. As Hamlet, as shown in his soliloquy, believes that life is a synonym to suffering and the only way to end ones ills is by suicide. Thus, we may surmise that Hamlet may not revenge his father but instead commit suicide. The only way left for Hamlet to confront his dismal situation. In what other ways though will Hamlet’s views on suicide alter his actions? And as society as a whole, why do we unlike Hamlet continue to view suffering as noble and suicide as cowardly?
“‘Nor what he spake, though it lacked form a little, was not madness. There’s something in his soul o’er which melancholy sit on brood… and I doubt the hatch and the disclose will be some danger…”’ (3.1.165-167)
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me because it shows that Hamlet is putting on an “antic disposition” in other to set up what is to come ahead. In this quote king Claudius shows that though what Hamlet is saying sounds off, he is not crazy but sad. The quote also foreshadows Hamlets revenge by saying that the “hatch and the disclose” comes with “danger”. This quote also stood out to me because King Claudius was the one to see that Hamlet was putting on a act. The quote caused me to wonder if Hamlet wanted King Claudius to have a sense of what is coming his way. This quote also causes me to question if Hamlet method to seek revenge for his fathers death is the right way of going about it.
In Hamlet’s famous“ to be or not to be “ speech he is debating between life and death. In his speech he states that life could be filled with sorrow and death could be the way out which reveals his suicidal thoughts. Hamlet then questions by saying that it is not known what happens after death. Does one dream and if so of what. His speech also reveals that Hamlet still feels alone and hasn’t had any closer on his father death.
"That if you be honest and fair, your honesty should admit no discourse to your beauty." (3.1.109-110)
ReplyDeleteThis made me wonder how Hamlet felt about Ophelia all along. He thinks she's beautiful-or at least her used to-but doesn't agree with her morals, and feels that she's been dishonest to both herself and Hamlet. He feels that no matter how her views and opinions on anything change, the one thing that should stay the same is her beauty. Hamlet says that beauty can even be more powerful than goodness, and if she was truly beautiful to begin with, the way her feelings change shouldn't change her state of beauty. That's why he asks her for her opinion on herself- he wants to know if she thought of herself as beautiful from the beginning, and if she still feels the same way now. This also leads to a big realization from him- he realizes that he no longer loves her. Hamlet proceeds to say that no one can truly be trusted, and that everyone has bad blood in them. To Hamlet, her state of developing change caused him to realize that while he loved her once, she's no longer that original girl he fell in love with.
"King It shall be so.
ReplyDeleteMadness in great ones must not (unwatched) go."(3.1.202 and 203)
In this line, it reveals that King Claudius had many suspicions about whether or not Hamlet knew about what he had done which was the death of King Hamlet. It is because of Hamlet's suspicions that Claudius wants him to go to England when before he wanted Hamlet to stay. However, Hamlet is a smart man and he knew from the beginning that King Claudius had something to hide and was involved but had nothing to go by. When his father's ghost told him about happened he was 100% certain that he was going to avenge his father's death. It is because that Hamlet is intelligent, he will probably find out that Claudius suspects him.
Get thee to a nunnery. Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners? I am myself indifferent honest, but yet I could accuse me of such things that it were better my mother had not borne me. I am very proud, revengeful, and ambitious, with more offenses at my beck than I have thoughts to put them in … (3.1.123-128).
ReplyDeleteThese lines fascinated me, for they demonstrate Hamlet’s deep thought provoking thoughts but they also state ideas that would be considered completely bizarre in the society we currently live in. For instance, for Hamlet to admit that he would have wished if his parents never sired him is just astonishing. When Hamlet states, “I am myself indifferent honest, but yet I could accuse me of such things that it were better my mother had not borne me”, Hamlet is harshly criticizing himself and admitting his flaws which is something a normal person wouldn’t do unless they are considering his own suicide. (3.1. 124-126) Moreover, in this speech Hamlet is juxtaposing the birth of new-born and sins to demonstrate how they really aren’t that different at all. Furthermore, a new born child at first is considered pure and decent not sinful at all but then, it all changes because children are all human who will sin eventually. These types of beliefs, are considered bizarre and frightening in our society because the birth of a child is considered a blessing due to the fact that not only is a new human being born but also, new ideas, new leaders are just being born that will take over once our generation is gone.
Get thee to a nunnery. Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners? I am myself indifferent honest, but yet I could accuse me of such things that it were better my mother had not borne me. I am very proud, revengeful, and ambitious, with more offenses at my beck than I have thoughts to put them in … (3.1.123-128).
ReplyDeleteIn my point of view this shows that Hamlet is a regular teenage boy but so much is expected of him and he downs himself because he feels he isn't enough. He feels like he should be more like his father, and so he feels like such a down fall. But he also shows the same verbal actions as a low self esteemed teenager today. Saying he basically wish he was never born.I was puzzled when he said "I did love you once" to Ophelia. How could he have become so hold hearted so cold feeted, to Ophelia, his true love !!
“Get thee to a nunnery. Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners? I am myself in different honest, but yet I could accuse me of such things that it were better my mother had not borne me. I am very proud, revengeful, and ambitious, with more offenses at my beck than I have thoughts to put them in.” (3.1.123)
ReplyDeleteIn these lines above, Hamlet is going on in another rant of his about how he wishes he was never born, which is a little irrational but very common in today’s society with teenagers, where teens feel as if they are unwanted and misunderstood. Here Hamlet is also saying in a way how nothing will stop him and nothing stands in his way and in my opinion, Hamlet is becoming a little insane, without the guidance and help from peers or loved ones, a person can go insane, and get caught up in his or her emotions or thoughts without any limits or anyone telling them otherwise. In today’s society, feeling alone and useless is what has lead so many people to doing crazy and fatal actions.
“You should not have believed me, for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it…We are arrant knaves, all. Believe none of us.” (3.1.20)
ReplyDeleteHamlet is absolutely correct when he makes the assertion above; we are all rotten at the core, despite our attempts at being virtuous. Oftentimes, people will tell you that certain people are completely “good,” and that they are incapable of subjecting themselves to bad deeds. However, the truth is, every single human being in this planet has “evil” tendencies. The most sympathetic man in the world can have downsides in his behavior. I admire Hamlet so much, even more now that he understands that if you graft good into evil, the taste of the evil will still linger. Although I may be going off on a tangent, I would like to conclude that ultimately, the only person you can rely on is yourself, simply because you’ll have control over your good and bad tendencies. That way, like Hamlet implied, no one will be able to let you down.
This quote is actually from (3.1.120). I made an error.
Delete"There's something in his soul"
ReplyDelete"Madness in great ones must not unwatched go" (3.1.189)
After listening to Hamlets words, Claudius just now recognized that Hamlet isn't some little boy who is mourning over his fathers death. He realized that even though Hamlet acts wild and crazy he's another person who can see right through you from the inside. Perhaps Claudius is going to be more suspicious about Hamlets whereabouts from now on because he can sense that he has a target and will end up rebelling some how. Claudius didn't seem to care much about Hamlet and he only pretended to because of Denmark and Gertrude but now, its seems as if Claudius is going to have eyes all over him now. Its as if Claudius sees that Hamlet can persuade someone into jumping off a bridge and surprise someone with his talks and true intentions as he did with Claudius. If Hamlet were to know Claudius was watching him then perhaps Hamlet would have acted differently towards Ophelia as a cover for acting the way he is. I don't think Ophelia has a huge impact on Hamlet because she's just that person to keep him company and be someone for his extra curricular activities. I also believe that maybe Hamlet did not want to put her in the middle of a tragedy for what he is about to do.
"To take arms against a sea of troubles and, by opposing, end them. To die- To sleep - No more." (3.1.67)
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Hamlet debates whether or not he should commit suicide. His father died, his mother betrayed him, he can't trust his step-dad, his friends turned their backs on him and even his lover Ophelia. Hamlet has no one to turn to and is now questioning whether or not it's even worth living anymore. He says that by dying he would end the "heartache." This could be the absence of his father, who died and nothing in the kingdom has been the same since. Hamlet also says, "To grunt and sweat under a weary life, but that the dread of something after death, the undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveller returns" (3.1.86). Here Hamlet is curious about a life after death. He's thinking that whatever life comes after this, it can't be nearly as bad as what I'm going through right now. Ophelia is here the whole time as he debates killing himself but she doesn't seem affected by it. Instead she changes the subject and tells Hamlet that she will return everything he has ever given her. Hamlet doesn't really take Ophelia seriously and asks her if she's honest and fair. According to Hamlet, honesty and beauty go hand in hand, but beauty is more powerful than honesty. Then he tells Ophelia that she shouldn't've believed him when he made her believed he loved her because he never did. In addition, Hamlet tells Ophelia she should "Get thee to a nunnery. Why would thou be a breeder of sinners?" (3.1.131) Hamlet believes he has a reason for being dishonest but Ophelia does not. My question here is why would Hamlet feel superior to Ophelia in this argument?