For Act II, please select two questions, and respond to them in a post of at least 150 words each. You will need to respond to two of your peers. Peer responses need not be 150 words. Be sure to provide textual evidence to your claims. Please post by midnight 12/15!
13 Comments
Kenya Jones
12/15/2016 08:07:52 pm
Act II, Scene 1
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Jordan Zeigler
12/15/2016 08:26:22 pm
Responding to your 2nd question, I can certainly see how the literary criticism in the class discusses the spineless subservience of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. On page 88, Claudius says "Thanks, Rosencrantz and gentle Guildenstern," while Gertrude says, "Thanks, Guildenstern and gentle Rosencratz." Such a simple switch of words shows the two characters really are as interchangeable as the analysis we read says, and all they want to do is serve the king. The weak characters of Guildenstern and Rosencrantz show Claudius's power, and Hamlet's old friends have simply become lackeys to his own worst enemy.
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Jenny Smith
12/15/2016 08:42:45 pm
I think it's funny that Polonius thinks that he has Hamlet figured out. He believes that Hamlet is in love with his daughter, which may be true, but that is not why he is going "mad". He grabbed Ophelia like that because he wanted to tell her and needed to ask for advice, but he knew he promised to not say a word about his encounter with the ghost.
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Holmes
1/2/2017 06:00:15 pm
With regard to Hamlet's affection for Ophelia, it is indeed to be noted that not only has he had the encounter with the ghost, but you are all neglecting the fact that he has just been rejected by her. With this being understood, what more do you understand of his feelings?
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Jordan Zeigler
12/15/2016 08:17:56 pm
1.
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Jenny Smith
12/15/2016 08:47:12 pm
Polonius seems to be an overprotective father to his son and daughter. He doesn't trust his son enough that he has to spy on him. He doesn't trust his daughter enough to allow her to follow her own judgement. Instead, she follows whatever he says.
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Kenya Jones
12/16/2016 05:56:26 am
In response to your first question, I also agree that Polonius's indirect spying is due to his over-protectiveness and lack of trust. If you recall in Act I when Laertes gives advice to his sister, Ophelia, she tells him to be sure that he is indeed following the same principles that he is attempting to preach. This also suggests, like you stated in your response, that Laertes isn't the obedient, studious character that was portrayed in Act I.
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Holmes
1/2/2017 06:06:27 pm
Indeed Polonius is an alazon, and his presence is there for comic relief but also to serve as a meddler. He puts his nose into business he should remain out of.
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Jenny Smith
12/15/2016 08:37:31 pm
What explanation does Polonius give for Hamlet's apparent insanity? Why would the king prefer this explanation to be true?
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Kenya Jones
12/16/2016 06:18:39 am
In regards to your first response, I do agree that by the king accepting Polonius's theory of Hamlet's change in attitude, he does not have to confront his wrongdoings in Hamlet Senior's death. Of course Claudius will not say a word about anything on the lines of Hamlet Senior's death.
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Jordan Zeigler
12/19/2016 05:49:09 pm
In regards to your 2nd question, I believe that the King is using Rosencratz and Guildenstern in a way similar to Polonius using his servant an act prior. Again we see a father figure spy on his child through indirectness and deception. The dynamics of the characters are so similar to one another that Shakespeare must be using their different reactions and experiences in similar circumstances to explore more of humanity. Polonius's spying is ultimately comic, but Claudius's spying on Hamlet is much more ominous.
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Holmes
1/2/2017 06:15:16 pm
An apt point to make about Shakespeare's intentional use of drawing parallels.
Holmes
1/2/2017 06:12:33 pm
I am curious as to why you say "if it was actually him who killed.." Do you suppose he did not?
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