Tuesday, March 15, 2011

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. 

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