Hamlet #4

     Hamlet appears to have come down with a fatal case of "love sickness," but the manner in which he interacts with Polonious makes the reader doubtful of this portrayal. When Polonious first encounters Hamlet, Polonious asks Hamlet if they have been acquainted. In response, Hamlet replies, "Excellent well. You are a fishmonger" (II.ii.190). A fishmonger, one who sells fish, is an interesting position for Hamlet to assign to Polonious. One reason for this assignation may be because fish are typically slimy creatures. Throughout their conversation, it becomes more apparent that Hamlet knows of Polonious' relationship to Ophelia when he keeps mentioning words such as "daughter" and "conception." By immediately calling him a fishmonger and speaking of the rarity of honesty, Hamlet is hinting to the audience that he comprehends the twisted meaning behind their encounter. This theory is solidified at the end of the conversation when Hamlet retorts, "These tedious old fools" (II.ii.237). The tedious fools Hamlet is most likely referring to is his mother, Claudius, and Polonious. This scene further indicates that Hamlet is aware of their suspicions, and he is externally portraying a delirious and damaged lover, while being internally filled with rage of his father's murder.

Sound & Sense 5: Toads

     I can relate to the frustration of the pestering amphibians that Philip Larkin encounters in his poem, "Toads." The first toad that Larkin wrestles with is the monotony and obligation of going to work. The poem begins, "Why should I let the toad work / Squat on my life?" (1-2). The speaker would much prefer to abort his career and "live on [his] wits" (9). As his rational, the speaker recognizes the lecturers and thieves that use their brains to support their lifestyles. This also adds a sense of humor to the poem because although the speaker touches upon a serious subject, using a convict as his ideal role model is a sarcastic gesture. The second toad is slightly different than the first: "[it] squats in me" (26). Compared to the first toad, the speaker cannot overcome the toad that lurks on the inside. We all have toads similar the first kind, the one associated with words such as "pension" and "bills." These man-made concepts reflect more of the material world in which we live, and the pressure placed upon individuals by society. These toads are more easily acknowledged, and at times they can be removed. The second toad, however, is never explicitly named in the poem because it is harder to unmask. Nonetheless, it is ever present and daunting: "Its hunkers are heavy as hard luck, / And cold as snow" (27-28). One's inner toad is most likely the moral obligations or responsibilities that interfere with being entirely liberated to achieve "the fame and the girl and the money" (31). Larkin's poem "Toads" responds to the duties and responsibilities in life with a humorous tone but a strong message.

Bye Bye Baby

Dear Nicole,

     I have thought about so many ways to start this letter, and each time I keep re-writing what I want to say. You're finally leaving for college, and I feel that in some ways the weight of this statement has not yet fully hit me. I will miss taking a picture on your first day of school, not being able to bring you a snack when you're up late studying for some big test, and no longer being able to hold your hand when things don't go your way. Next year will be new, scary, and intimidating, but I know that you will be able to succeed wherever you go.
     You are, and will always be, my first baby. From the first ski lesson you ever took, I knew you were going to be a fighter. You are a determined, confident, and hard working young lady. I would love to say that I deserve all the credit, but I guess your father contributed a little :-).
     You know I wish you were going closer to home, but I understand that you need to time and space to grow. Before you leave, you must promise to come home on all vacations and breaks you can, or else I will come to visit you! I am so proud of the young woman you have become, and I just want you know how much you are loved. Amy has been crying for the past week, and I know that she will take a while to get adjusted to life without you (although she will appreciate getting her own room). Although Casey may not show it, she looks up to you, and your approval means so much to her. Rachel will be Rachel, but I know you will be missed. You are such an essential component of this family, and although we may not see you everyday, you will always be a part of the family just the same.
     One of your qualities that has always amazed me is your determined and unyielding work ethic. We are so proud of how much effort you place into everything in which you take part, and that is all we can ask. I know you will continue to strive and achieve, but, please remember to take time to relax and play! You've have been so dedicated, and times too dedicated, that I hope you remember to have fun. The next four years will be some of the most pivotal and influential years of your life, so enjoy this wonderful time and opportunities. We are so proud of who you have become, and we wish you the best in college.

          All my love,
                  Mom

Hamlet #3

     In this reading, the ghost enlightens Hamlet regarding his eerie and looming presence around the castle. We learn that Claudius poisoned King Hamlet while he was asleep in his garden (hence the prior metaphor about the weeds growing in the kingdom). Additionally, it is learned that Claudius seduced Gertrude into lust before the departure of King Hamlet. Because King Hamlet was killed before he could repent, he will remain in purgatory until his sins have been forgiven.
    Hamlet is enraged to hear about the betrayal of Claudius and Gertrude to his beloved father. Before he departs, the ghost asks Hamlet to seek revenge upon Claudius for his murder. Hamlet says that he will remember the plea of the ghost: "Yea, from the table of my memory / I'll wipe away all trivial, fond records [...] all pressures past [...] And thy commandment all alone shall live" (I.v.105-09). The table that Hamlet is referring to is a data table, one filled with information of his childhood and perception of the Kingdom. Hamlet is going to wipe the data clean from his charts and redefine his actions and opinions based on this new knowledge from his supposed father. Later in his soliloquy Hamlet adds, "My tables-meet it is I set it down / That one may smile and smile and be a villain" (I.v.114-15). Here, the table closer resembles a dinner table, and Hamlet is setting the places. Claudius is a deceiving dish that appears delectable and wholesome on the outside, but he is comprised of a corrupted and rotten core. The multiple ways in which Hamlet utilizes the word "table" demonstrate his clever ability, and it shows how one concept can be so heavily layered.

Hamlet #2

     In Act 1 Scene 3, tensions and rumors about Hamlet are brewing. Laertes is departing to France to continue his education, but before he leaves, he warns his sister Ophelia of dangers of fooling around with Hamlet. In his monologue, Laertes creates a metaphor to describe Hamlet's relationship to his obligations: "Unto the voice and yielding of that body / Whereof he [(Hamlet)] is the head" (I.iii.26). Hamlet is the representation of Denmark, but he is bound to the will of the people and the will of the state. On the contrary, Laertes does not have these same obligations, so he is allowed to continue his education. The power and respect held to each individual is both a blessing and a curse; the greater authority one has in the kingdom, the less say they have regarding their fate.
     Although Laertes and Hamlet are confined by different expectations, they are both obedient and reverent to their fathers. Upon his departure, Laertes intently listens to a list of advice from his father, Polonius. When the monologue is complete, Laertes says to his father in gratitude, "Most humbly do I take my leave, my lord" (I.iii.88). Hamlet shows a similar level of love and adoration of his father. When Hamlet confronts the ghost, he willingly follows the apparition to an unknown destination in the hope that it could be his father. Hamlet does not value the current state of his life: "I do not set my life at a pin's fee," (I.iv.73) and he therefore hopes that an encounter with the ghost will bring some meaning back into his life. Laertes and Hamlet are both loving sons who diligently obey the commands of the fathers. However, Hamlet seems to be in search of answers and inspirations, whereas Laertes thinks he has uncovered the truth and is trying to protect his sister Ophelia. It will be interesting to see how these characters diverge or compare as the play continues.

Hamlet #1

     Upon first impressions, Hamlet appears to be more humble and modest than other Shakespearean royalty. Whereas Othello was proud enough to assert himself as the sword of justice, Hamlet differentiates himself from power by saying, "My father's brother, but no more like my father / Than I to Hercules" (I.ii.157-58). This quote is quite revealing about the characterization of Hamlet. The comparison between Hamlet's uncle to his father is used to parallel the comparison between himself and Hercules. Hamlet has already divulged the large disparity between which he views his beloved father versus his plebeian uncle. Therefore, Hamlet is humbly acknowledging the drastic distance between himself and Gods.
      Another example to support the modest characteristics of Hamlet is the manner in which he talks to those beneath him in society. Horatio first greets Hamlet as his poor servant. However, Hamlet immediately responds, "Sir, my good friend. I'll change that name with you" (I.ii.169). Hamlet is encouraging Horatio to consider himself as a companion, an equal. By placing them on the same level, Hamlet is trying to remove the formalities and hubris that are brought upon by power. The reader also notices how Hamlet is much less concerned about his reputation and honor than most royal heirs. When Horatio and the others are dispatched to their night shifts they say, "Our duty to your Honor," (I.ii.275) and Hamlet quickly responds, "Your loves, as mine to you" (I.ii.276). Hamlet appears to prioritize his father over his image, relationships over reputation, and love over honor. Hamlet is the most humble and genuine male character we have seen thus far from Shakespeare.

Othello Outline

Prompt 6: Take two characters and contrast them to one another. How does each character make the other more pronounced? How are they defined through their juxtaposition? 

Realist vs. Idealist

Thesis: The contradictions between Desdemona and Emilia are utilized to highlight their inherent and opposing character traits. While Desdemona portrays the image of the ideal, Christian wife, eternally worshiping her husband Othello, Emilia is able to observe the reality in situations, and she derives her actions based on honesty and morality.

I. Desdemona and Emilia are both married to powerful men; however, Desdemona is always obedient to Othello, whereas Emilia does not share the same sentiment of obligation and duty to her husband Iago.

                1. After Othello strikes her, Desdemona does not question the reasoning behind the abuse or protest the brutality. Instead she says, "I will not stay to offend you" (IV.1.277).

·         Desdemona is the obedient follower of Othello, and does not question his actions. She unquestioningly follows his orders, as if she was bound to him.

            2. Iago orders Emilia to cease talking as she is about to reveal his villainous actions. However, she replies, "I will not charm my tongue. I am bound to speak" (V.2.225).

·         Emilia willingly refuses to obey her husband. By publically rebuking the expectations of society, she is contrasting herself to the ever dutiful Desdemona. Whereas Desdemona is bound to Othello and her obligations as a wife, Emilia is bound to her obligation to tell the truth and honor her mistress.

II. Shakespeare juxtaposes the manner in which the two characters converse in order to distinguish the eloquence in Desdemona versus Emilia's perceptibility.

            1. After Desdemona has been accused of cheating by Othello, she is still able to maintain calm and elegant speech, "And his unkindness may defeat my life,/ But never taint my love" (IV.2.189-190).

·         Although she fears for her life, Desdemona remains confident and passionate in her love for Othello. The beautifully constructed phrases parallel the beauty of Desdemona and the love she feels towards Othello.

            2. When rumors are spread about Emilia being unfaithful, she disregards the rumors and criticizes her husband for getting too jealous: "O, fie upon them! Some such squire he was/ That turned your wit the steamy side without/ And made you to suspect me with the Moor" (IV.2.172-4)

·         Emilia does not take any of the blame unto herself, and she condemns the gossip who started the lie and her husband for subjecting himself to the rumor.

III. When it becomes suggested that another person may be responsible for the wrath of Othello towards Desdemona, Desdemona responds with forgiveness whereas Emilia reacts with thoughts of vengeance.

            1. Although Desdemona recognizes that her life is in jeopardy, she imparts Christian love and forgiveness towards the theoretical sinner: "If any such there be, heaven pardon him" (IV.2.158).

·         Such a selfless response in such a dangerous time reveals how devoted Desdemona is to her religion and her Christian faith.

            2. On the contrary, Emilia immediately responds with words of hatred: "A halter pardon him, and hell gnaw his bones!" (IV. 2.159).

·         The proximity of these statements and the way in which they are similarly phrased further exemplifies the opposition of these two characters. Emilia sees justice in the form of punishment, whereas Desdemona views forgiveness as righteous course of action.

IV.  While Emilia is perceptive and able to think logically, she makes Desdemona appear more innocent and naive with her thoughts that the world rings pure.

            1. Emilia and Desdemona debate whether women would stay faithful to their husbands over the value of the whole world. Desdemona is confident that by no means would she ever cheat on Othello: "No, by this heavenly light" (IV.3.74).

            2. When Emilia is questioned, she responds, "Nor I neither, by this heavenly light./ I might do't as well i' th' dark" (IV.3.75-6).

·         Whereas Desdemona is only able to see the light, Emilia has seen both the light and the dark in society, mainly due to the malicious actions of her husband. Desdemona cannot imagine a world where wives cheat on the husbands, and she is too blinded by pure and holy thoughts to witness the reality of the world in which she lives. Desdemona's innocence can be viewed as naivety, and they may ultimately lead to her death because she could never envision a person as manipulative and cruel as Iago.

V. Through comparing the final lines of Desdemona and Emilia, the contrast of their last statements emphasizes the priorities of both characters.

            1. Desdemona remains eternally faithful to her husband, and she puts the blame of her death upon herself: "Nobody. I myself. Farewell./ Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell" (V.2.152-4).

·         The astute length of Desdemona's first lines verify how her life was short, simple and to the point. She has always known where her loyalties lie, and even in death she is true to her character. The reader almost feels pity for Desdemona because of the simplicity of her thinking and her character. She was so loyal, but so confined and oblivious.

            2. On the contrary, Emilia's final lines make a statement demonstrating the complexity of her character: "Moor, she was chaste. She loved thee, cruel Moor./ So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true./ So speaking as I think, alas, I die" (V.ii.299-301).

·         Emilia dies because she is loyal to her morals and is not afraid to express her thoughts. She is a dynamic character that surpasses her time period with her use of logic and disobedience towards her husband. Contrarily, Desdemona dies because of the malicious intentions of Iago and a lack of her own actions. Desdemona dies protecting her husband, whereas Emilia dies because she betrayed her husband. The difference in their final lines depicts the disparity between the complexity in their characters. Desdemona is simple and predictable character, whereas Emilia is able to generate her own opinions and set of principles.

Conclusion: By juxtaposing the female protagonists, Shakespeare emphasizes the perceptive and logical thinking of Emilia in contrast to the simplistic and devoted mindset of Desdemona.