DRJ#4

It’s hard to find a similar character or situation reminds me about anyone in this act. It’s an act including too many information. The conspiracy of Claudius; the survival of Hamlet; the death of Ophelia and the idea Claudius told Laertes that it’s Hamlet whom should be blamed for the death of Polonius, these are the climax of the play.

Laertes caught my attention in this act. He is an innocent man who is fooled by Claudius. It’s totally understandable that he wants to revenge to Hamlet for the death of Polonius. After all, Hamlet did kill his dad. And then, he receives the news of the death of his sister. Laertes is totally alone. The conflict between him and Hamlet is raised by Claudius. He fits the concept of a classical tragic hero.

I can see two big subjects in this act. One is revenge of Laertes the other is deception of Claudius. Claudius’ deception is the cause of the revenge of Laertes. So I think deception is a major one. It’s a big contrary between Claudius’ second deception of trying to kill Hamlet after he was feeling guilty about killing old Hamlet in act 3. But his deception is also the cause of the death of himself at the end.

DRJ#3

I can’t think of anyone similar to the characters in Act 3. But the situation of Ophelia is definitely familiar to every girl who ever been in a relationship. It’s funny to find a regular situation between girls and boys in a play about revenge. Ophelia loves Hamlet. But she is hurt because Hamlet suddenly changed. She’s lucky that Hamlet is only faking. In real life, we girls never understand why he changed for no reason?!

Ok, back to the play analysis. The queen is surely a major character in this act. She surely did win all the things—a new husband and her loving son. But I don’t think she planned for this, neither does the old Hamlet. The ghost showed up and told Hamlet to comfort his mother. From the talking between the queen and Hamlet, I think she did struggle for the marriage with Claudius. She is shamed of the words Hamlet said. She is just a woman who doesn’t think enough.

This act pulls out the subject of guilt. The play Hamlet arranged to test the reaction of Claudius makes Claudius feeling guilty. “Oh, my offence is rank. It smells to heaven. It hath the primal eldest curse upon’t a brother’s murder.” He is looking forward forgiveness from god. On the other hand, the queens tried to talk to her son and persuade him stop making Claudius mad. On the contrary, Hamlet makes Gertrude understand that her betrayal to old Hamlet hurts Hamlet. She is guilty too.