Hamlet+Blog+1

__**Hamlet Blog #1**__

Guess I'll give this whole blogging thing a whirl... hopefully it works out for me, being one of the least tech-savy people out there!

I'm actually pretty excited to be reading Hamlet. I have often heard famous lines from this play ("To be or not to be.." ect) and it will be nice to have a deeper understanding of those famous lines and the work as a whole. Mrs. Bear explained to our class that the value of Shakespeare's works is not because of the plot but rather the language used. This is definately what I struggle with the most- understanding the language. So far it hasn't been too difficult with the assistance of the videos. Another reason I like the videos is because we are able to see different producer's takes on the play. Some things are very different depending on the film you are watching... like the era it is set in, the relationship between characters such as Hamlet and his mother (weird), the lighting, costumes, stage ect and the overall tone.
 * Initial response:**




 * 3rd Period's Question:** Where do we draw the line between sanity and insanity? To what extent do we trust the insane?

The opeIn the opening scene, the night gaurd's encounter the King's ghost. When they tell Horatio of what they've seen, Horatio doesn't buy it. He may think they are insane or playing a practical joke on him. It is not likely that the are insane because more than one of the nightgaurds profess that they have seen the ghost. Once Horatio sees the King's ghost for himself, he then believes them. It is human nature to need to "see it to believe it".


 * Passage:**

MARCELLUS

Shall I strike at it with my partisan?

HORATIO

Do, if it will not stand.

BERNARDO

'Tis here!

HORATIO

'Tis here!

MARCELLUS

'Tis gone!

Exit Ghost We do it wrong, being so majestical, To offer it the show of violence; For it is, as the air, invulnerable, And our vain blows malicious mockery.

I find this passage pretty humerous because Marcellus can't harm the ghost because (1)it is like trying to hit the air and (2) a ghost is already dead! You'd think they'd be a little smarter than that but I guess that is what people do when in fear... it's like fight or flight. Personally, I would probably just run.