DRJ #1: Hamlet, Act 1:
Initial Reaction:
Reading Act 1 of Hamlet made one particular movie
stand out, The Lion King. They both are alike in that a son has to regain power
of his kingdom and avenge his father’s death. Like the ghost of King Hamlet who
commanded Hamlet to kill his brother that murdered him, Mufasa reminded Simba
to go back and fight for his place in the throne and to step up as the true
king. The line King Hamlet’s ghost said, “Remember me,” (1.5.92) sounded like
the scene in The Lion King when Simba sees his father in the clouds.
Character Analysis:
The protagonist is of course Hamlet. He is the
prince of Denmark and the true king to the throne. However his place was taken
by his uncle Claudius. I believe at first that Hamlet feels deceived by his
uncle but after he gains a vision from his father’s ghost then he feels like he
should deceive others in order to get revenge. At this point in the story
Hamlet does fit the criteria of the tragic hero. He is of noble birth and is
generally virtuous. He mourns the most for his father’s death than his own
mother, Claudius, and the whole kingdom.
Theme Analysis:
Shakespeare uses irony to shed light on the dark
side of family ties. The meaning of family can be put aside when lust and power
overcome you. Claudius and Gertrude screwed up the family by sleeping together
and murdering King Hamlet. It is ironic that Claudius and King Hamlet are
brothers but are nothing alike and Claudius turns out to be the enemy of his
brother and nephew. “But no more like my father than I to Hercules.”
(1.2.152-153)
I really like your idea about "then he feels like he should deceive others in order to get revenge" although i do think that he doesn't have to deceive them, but that is the best way to find the truth. Or maybe he does have to, whats ironic is that he is deceiving people even though he knows how it feels when people deceive you. Your theme idea is really good too, "the meaning of family can be put aside when lust and power overcome you" I believe it is relevant these days too so that would seem like a good theme to base your essay on.
ReplyDeleteKnown fact that Disney movie is intact a kids version of Hamlet to keep it kid rated they only killed the uncle and left Nala and the mother lion out of their suicidal thoughts.But I love your theme that lust and power overcome you. And I do notice Hamlet does repeat Hercules quit a bit in this play.
ReplyDeleteI liked that you pointed out how irony is used by Shakespeare. I didn't realize it, until you pointed it out but it's true because Claudius is supposed to be family member, an uncle. He definitely is not, his intentions are selfish and is definitely not considered family after the horror he committed. It's even worse because he took his brother's wife as well. I also noticed that the "Lion King" was influenced by Hamlet. A brother kills their own brother for power. It's mad how one does anything for power.
ReplyDeleteI liked that you pointed out how irony is used by Shakespeare. I didn't realize it, until you pointed it out but it's true because Claudius is supposed to be family member, an uncle. He definitely is not, his intentions are selfish and is definitely not considered family after the horror he committed. It's even worse because he took his brother's wife as well. I also noticed that the "Lion King" was influenced by Hamlet. A brother kills their own brother for power. It's mad how one does anything for power.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that you pointed out the irony. I can clearly see your view of Shakespeare's story being a strong emphasis on the dark side of a family. Especially a royal family filled with spying, lies, treachery, and deceptions. I can also remember the story being slightly related to The Lion King.
ReplyDelete