Monday, October 21, 2013

Today we read more of Hamlet. 

• We started by discussing what happened in act II scene I.
• Polonius sent Reynaldo to give Laertes money.
• Reynaldo also had to start rumors that Laertes was into gambling, drinking, swearing, fist-fighting, and other things that would would make him react but not ruin his reputation.
• He is doing so to see if Laertes actually does these things
• Hamlet came up to Ophelia and grabbed her and shook her. 
• Ophelia and Polonius think he's in love with Ophelia, which is why he has gone mad.
• What we read today: act II scene II. 
• Claudius and Gertrude are going to pay Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (Hamlet's friends) to spy on Hamlet because he is going crazy
• Gertrude thinks it is because of his dad's death and her quick marriage.
• Polonius then goes to the king and queen thinking that he knows why and brags that he has more obedient children than them
• Volteman said that Old Norway caught Fortinbras trying to attack Denmark when he was supposed to attack Poland. Fortinbras was arrested until he expressed remorse then was sent to attack Poland. 
• Old Norway is peace with Denmark but Fortinbras doesn't. 
• Then Polonius tells the king and queen that Ophelia broke up with Hamlet and that is why he is so depressed. 
• Polonius and Claudius are going to send Ophelia in to talk to Hamlet and see Hamlets reaction.
• Hamlet runs into Polonius and starts talking to him like he doesn't recognize him
• After, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern run into Hamlet and try to figure out why he is acting strange. 
• Hamlet expresses that he feels like he is in a prison
• Hamlet realizes that his stepfather and his mother are paying them and they feel shamed.
• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern change the subject by mentioning the actors are in the castle.
• The actor did a monologue about ancient Greece but focusing on the price of revenge

We will finish reading act II scene II on Wednesday before the quiz.

If we can answer the fallowing questions, we should be well prepared.

·       Polonius’ relationship with his son, Laertes?

·       Polonius’ assumptions re: Hamlet and Ophelia?

·       Cause of Hamlet’s madness

·       Voltemand’s message from Norway

·       Claudius and Polonius’ plan

·       Roles of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

·       Hamlet’s suspicions of his friends?

·       Acting troupe v. child actors

·       Player’s speech

·       Hamlet: man of action or inaction?

Homework:

            Prepare for quiz on Wednesday

            Prepare for fishbowl on Friday