The last month can be summed up in one word: Hamlet.
We started off with reading, advanced to annotating, viewed, then finally graduated to discussing.
As far as reading went, I think it was slightly more helpful to the main readers. The minor roles were less involving and I think I zoned out more than was necessary. However long we spent going through the entire play was a little much- Ms. Holmes' notes were helpful, but we could have looked at a condensed version or something. Maybe I'm wrong.
Next, annotating. Reading the play again was helpful of course. I thought the articles were interesting this time around. I guess plagiarism is OK if you're already a recognized playwright. The other article threw me a little with the author ranting how Hamlet was the embodiment of evil and he probably should have simply forgiven his uncle and moved on. Except Claudius cheated with his brother's wife. Oh, and then killed Hamlet I. And then plotted to kill Hamlet. All forgivable offences, no? And speaking of, the forums were interesting as well. I actually enjoyed Rimbaud's Ophelia and the Shakespeare in the Bush article. Those were neat.
Viewing! We did enough of that, too. Branagh was the clear favorite. It was the most comedic version. Tennant actually performed the closest to how I imagined Hamlet when reading.
Discussing. I look forward to continuing discussion. Our class got a little distracted last time, but I'm eager to see what everyone has to say when we get a little more focused.
Yes, I have had enough of Hamlet.
Hi Jason,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your opinion on how Hamlet is not the root of evil in this play. I still think Claudius should receive most of the blame. Even though some people think that it is cute that he killed old Hamlet for Gertrude, his love, I don't think this fact makes Claudius's actions any more excusable. However, I do feel like Shakespeare was trying to show that if Hamlet would have let God punish Claudius when he died, Hamlet would have lived. I also really liked the Shakespeare in the Bush forum reading. I actually forgot to mention the forums in my blog so I will make sure to go back and do that! Good job on your post!
Yi-jiao
Hey Jason,
ReplyDeleteI think that you did a good job of pretty much covering what we have done in class for the past few weeks. I don’t know if your class discussed it or not, but not only recognized playwrights plagiarized almost every playwright plagiarized. Ms. Holmes said that creativity during that time period wasn’t a good thing so most playwrights had to adopt a previous story and make it their own story. I also agree with you on how Claudius is the real evil and not really Hamlet. But I thought the way Hamlet reacted and dealt with whole situated sunk him to the level of Claudius. Hamlet isn’t the embodiment of evil but he is still also unforgivable. If he hadn’t really listened to the ghost and went back to his old life, eventually god would have punished Claudius for his sins and Hamlet would have become King. Branagh was also my favorite version of the movie. The killing of Claudius was amazing and super funny. Overall, great job with you post. Hope you have a great break!
Hey Coach,
ReplyDeleteThe Branaugh version was like a trainwreck. It was so bad, yet I couldn't look away. The Branaugh version gave me a great laugh. Also, there is no way that your class gets more off-topic than sixth hour, thanks to yours truly. I'm not sure that plagiarism is how I'd describe the story of Hamlet, more of building off of old ideas. He didn't totally steal it, but I see what you're saying. I agree with you at the end. I love me some Hamlet, but I think it's time to move on.