Hamlet+2.2

3. I understand that Hamlet might be "mad for love of Ophelia" (although that is not why he is acting this way, in my opinion. Polonius is being a little dense), but if Polonius questioned Hamlet's feelings for Ophelia when he was talking to Ophelia about him in 1.3, then wouldn't this letter suggest his love for her? Or should we not believe it? Did he actually write this? Also, I was a little confused about some of the dialogue between Hamlet and the First Player, as they are quoting a play I believe..

4. "for they say an old man is twice a child" (2.2.409). I found this quotation to be a little humorous, especially because I think Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are supposed to be "comic relief" type characters. (Or at least, after reading Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are dead, of course they appear humorous).

4 / 8. "there is/ nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it/ so" (2.2.268-270). Hamlet says this when he is speaking with his childhood friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. I found this quotation really interesting because it also introduces a sense of ambiguity in our thoughts of what is perceived as good and evil/what we are supposed to do and otherwise. Nothing really is commonly acknowledged as one or the other - it usually lies in between.

2. When talking to Polonius, Hamlet says "You cannot, (sir,) take from me anything that I/ will more willingly part withal - except my life,/ except my life, except my life" (2.2.232-5). I am still working on what I want to interpret from this..I do think it shows Hamlet's perception of his current situation and his life. Clearly, he is depressed and feels that right now he has nothing to lose except for the value of his life. Right now, he only still has the value of his life in order to fulfill his father's request to take revenge on Claudius.

5. King Claudius says, "Well, we shall sift him" (2.2.61). Claudius is still pretty unemotional about this situation and appears to be kind of a jerk.

5. As Hamlet questions his own character in solitude (2.2.576-634), it kind of makes me feel bad for him. He has lost a lot and is now sort of questioning his own sanity and abilities. I think he wishes he was little more courageous in order to fulfill his father's wishes and be the person he wants to be.

Rogue Videos: 1. Richard Burton: - Burton portrays Hamlet's transition into "madness" well. He kinda makes Hamlet seem a little cooky. This was not my favorite portrayal of the scene..At least, it is not how I envisioned it. 2. Kenneth Branagh: I really liked this interpretation! I thought it was much more natural and flowing than the first one. Branagh as Hamlet does a great job of executing Hamlet's various transitions between getting angry with himself/life and then taking a step back to realize what's going on. I also like this setting a lot more, as he starts to destroy the room (not really, but in part). The dramatic music towards the end of the scene also added to it. One of the reasonsI may have liked this more is probably because it is more modern. 3. Ethan Hawke: Whoa, interesting! I have not decided yet if I like this but I definitely found the modern twist intriguing..I liked how Hawke as Hamlet was doing things (watching tv, going on the computer) while he was thinking this soliloquy (because in modern times, that is what you would do, I feel). It was cool..I liked the ending of this scene the most out of the three of them because you could really see in his eyes his realization/decision to use the play to "catch the conscience of the King."