DRJ #: Hamlet Act IV

This act took a turn towards more drama and a series of events beginning to unfold. It was suspenseful and full of action, unlike the other acts where we are just seeing the interaction of the characters and their response to the setting. We are able to see into more of what is going on in the minds of the characters as well. It is at this point in the play that we can recognize that Shakespeare is beginning to clue the reader in on what is taking place. I personally found this act the most interesting and easiest to read as it holds your attention as it goes on. 

My attention was drawn to the character Ophelia as she is still grieving and paying respect to her deceased father. He is still so dear to her heart and she cannot help but continually focus on his passing. This process of grieving that she has chosen to take truly hinders her capability of being able to process all that is going on around her. The song that she makes up is peculiar, as the was just nonchalantly going around singing. While the act progresses the reader may lose thought of her as a character because of her constant singing but when she dies it bringing the attention back to her as a character as it is a shocking revelation.

As repetitive as this theme may be, I think that that of revenge is the most noticeable in this act. This takes part in the fact that Hamlet finally seeks and accomplishes the plan of his revenge and thus suffers the consequences. This story is truly summed up as Hamlet shows the readers how revenge takes place as a pattern and cycle that cannot be broken and thus will ultimately be executed. 

DRJ #3: Hamlet Act III

This particular act helped build the plot of the story. At this point of the story we notice that this play has reached the climax of the story. However it is made known to us that Claudius is actually guilty of the crime. This is found out from Hamlets crafty set up to reveal the truth. It isn't until this point in the play that the reader is able to distinguish the real truth from lie. We were persuaded to believe that Hamlets father was murdered by the ghost of his father. As this act closes we recognizes that Hamlet gains some stability to the situation and thus can proceed towards the true revenge of the wrong doer.


Since this act was hit by the highlight of Claudius and what was revealed, I will discuss him as a character. Surprisingly, this part of the play offers a witness of Claudius actually admitting to the wrong while praying. It is interesting the front that he puts up around other people as calm and collected. But much on the contrary we recognize that he is actually lacking confidence as the play continues. Not only does it seem as though he is losing confidence, but that he is somewhat depressed deep inside himself. The conflict in this scene occurs when Hamlet walks in on Claudius praying, but Hamlet turns down killing him then because he felt as though that would be "stabbing a man in the back" or killing a man unarmed. His morals and values weighed out his decisions once again. 

As this act developed it is evident that the theme of revenge formed a foundation as well. Even though Hamlet decided to withdraw at the perfect moment to seek revenge and kill Claudius, we recognize that he still does not let go of the ultimate revenge. 

DRJ #2: Hamlet Act II

As the story of Hamlet progresses to Act II it is evident that it seems to be a let down. The story that builds in Act I is way different that what unfolds in Act II. When reading this part of the story it is focused on the spying and deceit that must take place to proceed in the plans of the story. The spying leads to a lot of drama that seems so unnecessary at the time. 

The character that I chose to focus on was the antagonist, Polonius. He is the main source of all of the issues for all of the characters surrounding Act II. These actions become clear when he sends Reynaldo to keep a close watch on his son. Furthermore, informs the King and Queen that Hamlets madness is due to his lust for his daughter Ophelia. One may quickly conclude however, that his sneakiness and constant push for drama may be the cause ultimately of his death.

The underlying theme of deception is strong in this Act. The deception grows much stronger in this Act from the previous introduction of the story and the reader may then begin to associate and deal with the accusations charged upon his name. Although Hamlet thinks that most everyone has his best interest at heart, he soon learns that they are only trying to rob him of his freedom, name, and ultimately his life. 

DRJ #1: Hamlet, Act I

When I began reading the first act of Hamlet, I was concerned. This was due to the fact that the old english dialect seemed foreign but to much of my surprise it was actually the type of language that holds a deeper meaning. The symbolism and irony of each sentence holds the readers attention and is a style of literature that is more like an art.  So far this play has caught my attention and is very intriguing. To me, Hamlet is especially interesting to the story. The way that he addresses Claudius and his mother is loving and supportive. I would say that Hamlet has characteristics of being juvenile and young but he is probably a few years beyond how he acts sometimes.

From my point of view, I focused on Hamlet as a character. His values and upstanding morals are refreshing and difficult to match in another of the characters in the story. Although Hamlet is at odds with his mother and addresses her with disgust one can quickly recognize that he still embraces loyalty and follows love in his heart. Hamlet is in an uproar of emotions of the passing of his father. While everyone moves foreword with their lives, even Gertrude we recognize that he feels alone in being loyal to the old King because he is the only one still respecting him in his mourning. My opinion on labeling Hamlet as a character would be that of a "upstanding old-values gentlemen". Shakespeare chooses to utilize loyalty as a theme to represent Hamlets respect for people and thus molding him into the character that he is. Loyalty is portrayed nearing the end of the Act when we see Hamlet taking a vow upon his fathers spirit to take revenge on the old Kings death. Regardless of his passing away, we recognize that Hamlet exercises loyalty to maintain the name that his father carried.