Monday, 13 January 2014
I believe Hamlets reluctance toward killing his uncle comes from the pressure he puts on himself. Hamlet is always comparing himself to others and is very hard on himself when he cannot do something as well as someone else can. An example of this would be when the first player is acting the scene where he kills his uncle and Hamlet gets angry because he cannot show as much emotion as the first player even though he is living the same situation in real life. Because of the immense amount of pressure Hamlet puts on himself, when it finally does come time to kill his uncle Hamlet chokes under the pressure and delays. I think by having Hamlet delay in killing his uncle Shakespeare is trying to teach us that if you have the chance to do something, you should do it and not waste your opportunity. I think this is true because when Hamlet decides not to kill his uncle he reasons with himself and decides he wants to wait until his uncle is doing something sinful, however ironically when Hamlets uncle is praying and Hamlet is debating killing him he is confessing all of his sins and it would be a perfect time for Hamlet to kill him.
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Hi Ben... try to add more specificity from the play to support your response. Include at least one quote, properly cited. Also, whereis your picture or vid? Be sure to explain its connection. Try to use something that required a little thought. Finally, where is your hyperlink? Good start, but this would be a 70-79% result if untouched.
ReplyDeleteBen, I think you did a great job including the scene of Hamlet and the first player. When I wrote my blog, I didn't even think of this scene, but it turns out to be a perfect example of his self-doubt and the pressure he puts on himself, which results in his reluctance. I think you could have expanded on this scene a little more, for example, include a quote. I think you could have also included what resulted from this scene. After the first player poured out his heart and showed emotions, Hamlet beats himself up for not being able to kill Claudius. He comes up with the plan for the mousetrap. I think the play within the play is really important and you could include it. The mousetrap is meant to prove to Hamlet whether the ghost told him the truth, by presenting a play to Claudius that is similar to the death of King Hamlet. By observing Claudius reaction, Hamlet is seeking for reassurance to kill Claudius. He believes this plan will eliminate his reluctance to some extent and make it easier for him to kill Claudius.
ReplyDeleteI think the approach you took on the lesson, which Shakespeare is trying to teach us, is very interesting. I thought Hamlet's reluctance was supposed to show that it is okay to hesitate and think about big decisions. Hamlet's constant overthinking and internal struggle is supposed to show that it is important to think before you act, so that you consider what effect your decisions and actions have on people around you.
Like you said, Shakespeare could also be trying to teach us not to waste an opportunity and take it if it offers itself. It is highly possible that Shakespeare might be trying to tell us not to beat around the bush.... sooo both options could be right!!
good job !!