In class, we've been doing an extensive analysis of Hamlet. Very extensive. After reading the text, we had the wonderful privilege of annotating for hours and hours on end which was lots of fun. Then we got to review Hamlet even more by watching several films to see the interpretations of this play under the direction of different directors. I will admit that reviewing Hamlet so many times has helped me understand where these different opinions stem from. The multitude of interpretations is clear evidence of how Shakespeare has been coined one of the greatest writers of all time--his work is applicable on so many levels to so many kinds of people. But getting to know the play so well also frustrates me. Some events in the play seem so unnecessary and ridiculous, like Hamlet's reasoning that he is always right about everything. He justifies killing people, and seems to think that he can get away with anything. I just wonder why the people Denmark love him so much even though he so arrogant and egotistic.
Besides Hamlet, I've been freaking out about finals. I thought the terms test retake would be the end of it all, but of course, it's not. We get to prove our incompetence with English vocab yet again on the final, where it impacts our grade twice as much. Should be a fun time studying for it.
I also think that watching different versions of Hamlet movies helps me understand the plot deeper. Some major scenes just became so unforgettable and significant in my mind. I think that will be really helpful in the AP test.
ReplyDeleteFor your question about why the people in Denmark love Hamlet so much, I think it's because they love the old Hamlet a lot so they think the prince Hamlet is as good as his father? Umm that's just my guess. :)
I was also freaking out about finals, good thing that Ms. Holmes gives us an alternative and I think it really helps us understand one certain scene well.
I hope you were as relieved as I was about the alternate final, saved me some stress and helped me to understand the scene better like Betty said. Hope you felt the same.
ReplyDeleteThe scenes should help with the AP but I agree that seeing where all the interpretations came from definately made it easier to understand. Does the number of interpretations really mean that he's a great writer? It could just indicate that he is good at vague plot which would allow for many interpretations. I agree that parts are ridiculous, I think the people love his image but don't actually know him which is why he can get away with being rude and arrogant.
Now that we know the play so well, the different interpretations become clear. I almost don't know which ones to believe because all of them are valid. I also agree that the people liking Hamlet seems strange because he is annoying a lot of the time, and in the Tennant version, he also seems really bad with socializing. But, I suppose the reason why the people like him is because the don't know him personally, and the people assume he is good based on rumors and the few times he has made public appearances.
ReplyDeleteI'm also relieved that she changed the final, since the revised one was a great buffer :)