DRJ#2: Hamlet, Act 2:
Initial Reaction:
I liked this act better than the first act. It
starts to get more interesting now that I start to see Hamlet’s plan begin to
take effect. I find it interesting how Polonius wants to know everything that
Laertes is up to while away in Paris. He is like a father who wants to keep
tabs on his child in college and making sure more learning is going on instead
of partying.
Character Analysis:
Claudius is the major antagonist in this play. He
wants his brother’s power, money, family, and life which led him to murdering
his brother. Claudius also wants to keep Hamlet from becoming king by ruining
Hamlet’s reputation. He gives everybody the idea that Hamlet has gone crazy
because of his strange actions.
Theme Analysis:
Shakespeare wants to tell his readers that what goes
around always comes around when it comes to acts of deceit. He uses the protagonist,
Hamlet, as an approach to turn the tables on the antagonist, Claudius. Claudius
thinks he will never be found out for killing his brother but little does he
know that Hamlet is aware and is working on his revenge. “The play’s the thing
wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.” (583-584)
Nice blog post. I like how you compared Polonius keeping tabs on Laertes to a parent checking up on their college student. :) I agree, Claudius is certainly the antagonist in the play. He will do anything to get what he wants. Claudius killed his own brother to get Gertrude and King Hamlet's kingdom, and now that Hamlet has figured out the truth Claudius is willing to do away with him too. In regards to your theme, I found it interesting that in the play that every plot came to light. None of them stayed secret. There was some major irony going on when Laertes got killed by the poisonous fencing sword that was meant for Hamlet.
ReplyDeleteI also thing Claudius is the main antagonist in this play. He seems to have been envious of his brothers life and wanted it so bad that he killed him and stepped into his place.
ReplyDeleteClaudius is definitely the antagonist of the play. He's the villain who causes all these problems for Hamlet and his country. I personally think he had a hunch that he would be found out, otherwise he wouldn't feel so guilty and nervous. Oh, and he was in a hurry to kill Hamlet. I felt so confused because in the beginning I honestly felt that Claudius actually liked Hamlet and wanted Hamlet to treat him like a father, but I guess his crown was more important.
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