Acting

Getting to act out the scenes in hamlet is not only fun, but also very informative. It makes hamlet seem more personable and causes me to have more empathy for him as I act as him. I highly recommend that we do this again

Essay

Both Olivier and Branagh employ Claudius' acting as a video technique, to reveal privacy versus public. In fact, Claudius speaks rapidly to Hamlet and speaks loud to the public in both videos. There are some differences, however. In Olivier, Claudius speaks in a harsher tone, which reveals ____. Nevertheless, Branagh essentially follows Olivier.

What interests me..

I find it interesting how there are many different versions of Hamlet, each with their own unique style. However, they all have similarities as well. Each version reveals Public versus Private space. It is clear how in many of the films, Claudius often speaks for the audience, while Gertrude and Hamlet speak privately to each other. It is also interesting how in all of the versions Gertrude is flirting with Hamlet, she reveals an aspect of Oedipus

Essay Comparing

Laurence Oliver: Gertrude is touching Hamlet, which makes her seem like a mother figure and Hamlet like a "mommas boy." Meanwhile, Claudius is off-scence. Hamlet is seethed, while Gertrude is standing. Claudius is scolding Hamlet. No eye contact. Claudius is roaming around court, belittling. Hamlet is looking down, dressed in black. Claudius is talking in loud voice when speaking to crowd, speaking rapidly when talking to Hamlet. It is clear that Oliver has been influenced by Oedipus, when Gertrude kisses Hamlet. Claudius drags queen away

BBC: King and Queen are seated. Hamlet is turning his back. Gertrude is aggressive. Hamlet seems more confident (he has a sarcastic tone). King and Queen are standing, Hamlet seated. Queen hangs on Claudius, which angers Claudius. Hypocrisy "It was a loving surprise"

Mel Gibson: No court. More like a family meeting. Director has Claudius leave room. Violin in background suggest sentimental. Tenderness between mother and son. Mother is like a little girl running off alone

Kenneth Branagh: Admires Oliver's view. First triangle where king lowers himself to Hamlet's level. claudius sounds reasonable and nice (but he is still a murderer). Private vs. Public space= whispering vs. "let world take note." Claudius is dressed in read (there are two sides to him) Gertrude in white and Hamlet in black.

King Claudius

http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/hamlet/claudiuscharacter.html

-His primary role in the play is to spawn Hamlet's confusion and anger, and his subsequent search for truth and life's meaning
-Claudius has assumed the role of the chief mourner, and the people can unite behind a collective suffering.
-But Claudius, in private, is a very different person. The Ghost refers to him as "that incestuous, that adulterate beast" (1.5.42), and we soon realize that his crime is what is "rotten in the state of Denmark." 
-However, Claudius is not a total sociopath, devoid of moments of guilt and regret. His deeds, on occasion, weigh heavy on his heart:
-He tries to ask God's forgiveness in a moving soliloquy but he realizes that he still reaps all the benefits of his crimes and cannot give them up:

I find Claudius interesting because he is a character with many dimensions. It is difficult to pin point his true temperament. Furthermore, his true character can be perceived in many ways. 

Hamlet Act I

In the first act of Hamlet, the meeting between Hamlet and the Ghost of his father, King Hamlet is a pivotal point in the play. In fact, the ghost of King Hamlet explains that he was poisoned by King Claudius, the current ruler of Denmark. By doing so, he reveals an important mystery in the beginning of the play. Furthermore, the ghost requests that Hamlet avenges his death but not to get revenge on Queen Getrude for remarrying so soon. Evidently, this scene sets the tone for the rest of the play. 

Rough Essay

In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen utilizes Elizabeth Bennet’s journey to marry for love, as a vehicle to convey her own beliefs and values. The institution of marriage is depicted through a variety of attitudes. However, during the nineteenth century, marriage to many women meant social status and financial security, not love, which makes Austen’s view radical for her time. During this period, women were considered property of their husbands. Thus, Austen writes the novel, originally titled First Impression, in a satirical tone to criticize the mercenary nature of nineteenth century society. Through her illustration of Elizabeth’ quest for marriage, Jane Austen effectively reveals that although matrimonial harmony can be swayed by social power and money, love is undoubtedly the primary principle of marriage.

Characteristic to nineteenth century society, Mr. Collins’ high social power causes him to assume that his proposal to Elizabeth will result in approval. However, Elizabeth differs substantially from society.

        

Austen ironically illustrates how the tempting effects of wealth can oscillate the potential for a successful marriage. Indeed, Darcy and Elizabeth’s first encounter at the Meryton Assembly successfully exemplifies this idea. Blinded by his hubristic nature and arrogance due to his wealth, Darcy completely dismisses the possibility of a relationship with Elizabeth, a women with less fortune. “She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me (Austen 9). Clearly, Darcy’s evident pride  Austen ironically demonstrates how their prejudice thwarted any chance of marriage between them.  

1st Body (Rough Draft)

            Characteristic to the 19^th century, Austen ironically illustrates how the tempting effects of wealth and class can oscillate the potential for a successful marriage. Indeed, Darcy and Elizabeth’s first encounter successfully exemplifies this idea. Blinded by his hubristic nature due to his high class and money, Darcy completely dismisses the possibility of a relationship with Elizabeth. (Quote). Austen ironically demonstrates how their prejudice thwarted any chance of marriage between them. 

Intro Paragraph (Rough Draft)

The institution of marriage comes with a variety of attitudes. In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen reveals her belief that one should marry for the sole purpose of love. However, during the nineteenth century, marriage to many women meant financial security and status, not love. Despite society’s expectations, Austen explores the influential nature of money, social status, and love in the development of Elizabeth. Through her illustration of Elizabeth, Jane Austen effectively reveals that although marriage can be swayed by money and social rank, love is undoubtedly the primary principle of marriage.  

Essay Outline

How do 19th Century expectations on marriage compare to modern day society's?

Although marriage can be swayed by the principles of economics and social rank in the 19th Century and modern day society, love can also be the primary component in marriage. 

Economics: In both the 19th Century and modern day society, marriage can solely be based on the desire for economic prosperity/stability
-Mrs. Bennet continuously pushes for her daughters to get married. However, she does this only because she wants economic stability for her daughters and she. 
-Many marriages today are based solely on money. Examples? 

Social Power: One's social rank can be a primary factor in the decision to marry in both 19th Century and modern day society's 
-Originally, Darcy would not consider marrying Elizabeth due to her lower social rank. Indeed, this was a significant aspect in choosing a wife, reflecting 19th Century ideals. 
-Similarly, marriage can also be swayed by social rank in today's society. 

Love: Despite the possibility of marriage being based on economics or social rank, love could be the main factor in marriage
-Elizabeth and Darcy Compared to (pick modern day couple whose marriage is based on love).

-Initially, Darcy's pride, due to his wealth and power, and Elizabeth's prejudice of Darcy, derived from their first encounter at the ball, restricted them from falling in love. 

-However, after time passed, they realized the love they had for each other and the need for marriage based on love

Ideas for Essay

(umbrella question) How does social power, class, and gender affect one's judgment in marriage?

How did women in the 19th century view marriage
How is Jane Austen's attitude toward marriage illustrated in the depiction of her characters?

Society expects men to propose to women. Do you agree?
                                                  Or
Have 19th century expectations of marriage shifted?

How does 19th century expectations on marriage compare to modern day society's?

-society often  relates marriage with social power
-Darcy concerns marriage with social power
-mrs. Bennett trying to get her daughters married are like some people in society today trying to marry into wealth today

DW Harding Questions

1. Agree
2. Disagree
3. Agree
4.Agree
5. Agree

I find it interesting how Austen uses satire in her language to not only criticize someone or something in society, but for comic relief.

Working With Ipads

I thought using the Ipad as a videocamera to record Collin's proposal was a very interesting idea. It was not only fun, but informative. I really got a sense of Austen's satire in the language when I could physically see what is happening. I learned more about Pride and Prejudice and I had fun. What more could I ask for!?

Collins' Proposal

In chapter 19, Austin satirically illustrates how Collins' proposal to Lizzy somewhat reflects man's behavior in society. In fact, Collins lists the reasons why they should marry. "First, I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances to set the example of matrimony in his parish (76)...
Evidently, Lizzy's voice is silenced like women in society. Collin's proposal lacks love and happiness. Even when Lizzy declines, Collins silences her voice and completely ignores what she is saying. He believes that her "refusal of my addresses is merely words of course."

WORKING ON

Regarding my Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay about Janie's expectations, I definetly need to work on my analysis. I am going to work on getting more in depth and exploring new ideas when writing. I also need to use helpful examples and quotes which support and connect to my analysis. In order to fix all of the problems in my essay, I will practice more essays on a variety of topics and I will connect common topics and ideas when reading.  

Their Eyes Were Watching God (Essay)//

"She was stretched on her back beneath the pear tree soaking in the alto chant of the visiting bees..."
-As a sixteen year old, Janie has a revelation and imagines marriage as an extremely intense experience filled with lust and passion. Her language, through alliterations, is mirroring her experience.

Logan Killicks is, in fact, "killing" Janie's dream and desire to reach the horizon. "He don't even never mention nothin' pretty." Janie is very dissapointed with her arranged marriage. She was just following Nanny's command.

When Joe Starks is introduced, Janie is attracted to his "big voice." She believes his power and high ambition will help her reach the horizon.  "Thank yuh fuh yo' compliments, but mah wife don't know nothin' 'bout no speech-makin'. Jody begins to silence Janie's voice. Thus, Janie grows angry and insults Jody. After Janie's rant, Jody eventually dies from a tumor.

When Janie meets Tea Cake, she believes he could be a pear tree to a blossom. Janie feels like Tea Cake's equal treatment of her and his love will definetly take her to the horizon she desires to reach. Tea Cake makes Janie feel equal by playing checkers with her. He also provides an adventeruous side by traveling to the Everglades. Altough the hurrican physically destroyed Janie and Tea Cake's relationship, Janie has reached her horizon.