Summary/Analysis: Hamlet

Author:
William Shakespeare is a famous English playwright and poet. His notable plays are Macbeth, Othello, and Hamlet. He was married to Anne Hathaway and partially owned the Globe Theater.

Setting:
This play takes place in a castle of Elsinore, Denmark (mostly in the throne room).

Significant Characters:
Hamlet-
He is the son of Gertrude and Hamlet Sr. and the nephew of King Claudius. He misses his father and is unhappy with his mother, his uncle, and the society he lives in. His father's ghost persuades him to take revenge on Claudius. Hamlet is very well-liked by the people of Denmark and is also in love with Ophelia.
Claudius-
He is the current king and brother of Hamlet Sr. He took over the throne after he killed his brother by putting poison into his ear. Although he is very cruel and manipulative, he truly loves Gertrude.
Gertrude-
She is Hamlet's mom, Hamlet Sr.'s wife, and Claudius's wife. She committs incest, but definitely loves Hamlet and tries to protect him. She ends up dying from drinking a poison that was intended for Hamlet.
Ophelia-
She is Laertes's brother and Polonius's daughter. She was also in a relationship with Hamlet, but breaks things off with him on her father's orders. She seems innocent, but many people think she had already lost her virginity to Hamlet and may have been pregnant. She goes crazy and committs suicide in the end.
Horatio-
He is Hamlet's best friend, as Hamlet picked him and wasn't ordered by his parents to be friends with him. He went to college with Hamlet at the University of Wittenberg. He is a loyal friend and decides not to committ suicide after Hamlet dies so that he can tell Hamlet's story to the people.

Narrative Voice:
N/A because it is a play.

Plot:
The ghost of the previous king, King Hamlet, comes to talk to Hamlet about revenging his father's death. Hamlet acts crazy, prompting Claudius and Polonius to spy on him. Ophelia decides to follow her dad's orders and goes along with the plan. Hamlet sees right through the plan and insults Ophelia, ordering her to a nunnery. Later, Hamlet tries to make Claudius guilty by having him watch a play alluding to his father's murder. Claudius does feel guilty and goes to pray, while sending Hamlet to be killed in England. Before Hamlet leaves, he confronts Gertrude, killing Polonius after he thinks it's Claudius that is evesdropping. After Hamlet leaves for England, Claudius's plan fails and Hamlet returns, only to find that Ophelia has committed suicide. Laertes thinks it's Hamlet's fault that his sister and father has died, so he agrees to Claudius's plan of fencing with Hamlet in order to kill him. After the fencing match, Laertes dies of wounds, Gertrude dies of poison, Hamlet kills Claudius and then dies, and Fortinbras takes over as the new King. Horatio is left to tell the story of Hamlet.

Quotes:
"To be, or not to be: that is the question:/" (Shakespeare Act III Scene I Line 56)
This quote is one of the most famous lines in English literature. Hamlet debates on whether it is better to live or die. He struggles with the decision to committ suicide, but in the end, realizes that the afterlife's uncertainty and dread is the reason why people choose not to kill themselves. This quote is meaningful to the play, as it includes the theme of death and suicide. It also shows insight into Hamlet's thoughts.

"'Tis brief my lord./ As woman's love./" (Shakespeare Act III Scene II Lines 121-122)
Hamlet's bitterness towards women is shown through this quote. He says that a woman's love is very brief, as he has experienced that with Ophelia. Ophelia obviously did not love Hamlet enough to disobey her father and continue her relationship with him. Hamlet also thinks that Gertrude's love for Hamlet Sr. was brief as after he died, Gertrude immediately fell in love with Claudius.

Style:
Shakespeare uses imagery, detail, tone, symbolism, and diction in this play. There is no point of view since it is a play and there is no narrator. Imagery is used many times, especially when the ghost is describing how Hamlet's father died. Detail is also frequently used. One example is when Horatio was describing the ghost's actions, "...A figure like your father,/ Armed at point exactly, cap-a-pe,/ Appears before them, and with solemn march/ Goes slow and stately by them: thrice he walk'd/" (Shakespeare Act I Scene II Lines 199-202). This detail enhances the play's imagery. Shakespeare includes tone to show how a character feels about another character. For example, Hamlet has a harsh tone when speaking to Ophelia, as he is shocked that Ophelia would betray him. However, towards Horatio, Hamlet has a very kind and trusting tone for his best friend. Symbolism is also used in this play, like violets that represent Ophelia's grace, beauty, and innocence. The diction in this play like "impious", "inky", and "fruitful" add to the detail of the events and personalities of the characters.

Theme:
One of the main themes of this play is uncertainty. This is shown through the ghost, as Marcellus, Bernardo, and Horation are unsure of what it wants and what its identity truly is. This theme is also expressed in that Hamlet is uncertain of what to do and who he is. Should he take action and kill Claudius immediately or should he wait?

Revision: Open Prompt #3

2009. A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and, focusing on one symbol, write an essay analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.

           The Great Gatsby by Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald is a novel about an extremely wealthy society. Although the elite and upper class may seem happier and better than lower classes, Fitzgerald uses symbols to show that this is not the case.

          One of the most significant symbol is geography. The society is broken up into two places: the East Egg and the West Egg. The East Egg is where the "old rich" live. It represents a classy, fashionable, and elegant society. The West Egg is where the "new rich" live. It represents an extravagant, lavish, and unfashionable society.

          Although the characters of the East Egg are considered better than the characters of the West Egg, they are not as satisfied nor happy. For example, Daisy was from the East Egg and even though she loved Gatsby (from the West Egg), she chose to marry her second choice, Tom Buchanan, because Gatsby was at war and Tom was extremely wealthy. Also, Gatsby orginally thought Daisy was the definition of perfection: beautiful, graceful, charming, and wealthy. This was partially because she lived in the East Egg, but was also primarily because Gatsby put her on a pedastle (since he was in love with her). However, Daisy's personality was far from perfection. She was cynicle, uncaring, and shallow. Although Jay Gatsby was from the West Egg, he was a much better person: loyal, kind, and persistant.

          In addition, Nick Carraway from the West Egg was an honest, hardworking man while the lady he was pursuing, Jordan Baker from the East Egg, was dishonest and selfish. At the end of the story, Nick realizes that the glitz and glam of the Eggs in New York were not worth the immoral people and events that also happened. Nick moves back to the Midwest for a calmer and more modest lifestyle.

         The differences in the characters of the two Eggs are extreme. It is evident that Gatsby lives a better and happier life, although he is of the West Egg. Fitzgerald uses these symbols to show that no matter where you are from and what social class you are, you can still live a great life.

Response to Course Material #5

           As of tonight, I have just finished annotating Hamlet! It was a relief to know we had gotten an extension on those annotations because they took forever. I'm glad I did them though because it really helped me understand this play (Shakespeare's use of old English has always been hard for me to read and translate). I thought it was quite interesting to see how Hamlet became more and more crazy, but my favorite part was when Ophelia started singing (it was especially amusing in the Hamlet movies we watched in class).
         Also, I have read over our AP Lit semester final review. Not going to lie, I am quite scared for this. It is like the Terms Test Part Two, which I know the terms test for me did not go quite as well as I hoped it would. I will be definitely studying for this final, as now I have a sense of what it will be like.
         This week, we have also gotten our Jago Ch.4 essays back. Ms. Holmes's comments helped me a lot. I wouldn't have even thought of half the things she had suggested! I think this past month has been filled with reading Hamlet, so I am pretty excited to move on and see what we are going to read next.

Close Reading #4: Victoria Soto

http://www.ibtimes.com/victoria-soto-connecticut-shooting-victim-praised-facebook-being-hero-sandy-hook-941668

           The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. It's a tragedy that has shocked the world. However, while everyone is talking about the shooter and why he would commit such an evil act, some people are able to see a sliver of light in a dark time. The author of the article "Victoria Soto, Conneticut Shooting Victim, Praised on Facebook for Being a Hero at Sandy Hook", Maria Vultaggio, uses diction, detail, and tone to share a story about a hero: Victoria Soto.
          Honorific diciton is used to describe Soto. Words like, "praise", "bravery", "heroism", and "dedication" are some of the things that embodied Soto. Because she protected the lives of many students, she is being commended by the nation for her act of bravery. Vultaggio uses these words so that readers immediately learn who Soto is and what she stood for.
         Detail is used to explain what heroism that Soto displayed in a frightening time. For example, "'She hid her first graders in the cabinets and closets after hearing the gunfire,'" described exactly how Soto quickly reacted to the shooting. These details are also used to create an unthinkable image, where readers are more likely to sympathize, remember, pray, and commend for Soto and all of the other victims in this tragedy. Another detail, "'You have a teacher who cared more about her students than herself," shows Soto's selflessness and caring nature.  Details like these can bring hope to family's who lost a child and to the nation who is grieving along with those in Connecticut.
         The tone that is used in this article is similar to the tone after other shootings, like the Aurora movie theatre shooting. Vultaggio uses a confused and sad tone that is probably also being used around the country. No one really knows why the shooter would do this. People are wondering if he was psychologically sick. Others are wondering what can be done to prevent this in the future. Not surpringly, many people's tones about this tragedy are sorrowful and depressing. In this article, words like "apparently true" and "believed" are used to create a confused tone. Other words like "devastation", "condolences", and "memorial service" are used to create a sad tone.
            Although this is a time of great mouring and greiving, it is a little uplifting to know that there is still courage and love in the world. As Vultaggio described Soto's bravery, the nation can only commend Soto for the devotion that she displayed.
          

Open Prompt #4

1976. The conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority is the recurring theme of many novels, plays, and essays. Select the work of an essayist who is in opposition to his or her society; or from a work of recognized literary merit, select a fictional character who is in opposition to his or her society. In a critical essay, analyze the conflict and discuss the moral and ethical implications for both the individual and the society. Do not summarize the plot or action of the work you choose.

           Dystopian novels are commonly written throughout ages of change and political commotion. Authors of those types of novels most likely write them to warn readers what may happen in the future if things continue to change for the worse. In the novel, 1984, the author, George Orwell, uses themes to show people what moral and ethical implications a totalitarian government may have on its citizens.
            One theme that Orwell uses is the control of the mind. The Party (government) alters the news and books to change the history that portrays them in bad light. The Party also monitors the citizens carefully and 24/7. The citizens are not allowed to think or speak rebellious thoughts (thoughtcrime) and are forced to suppress sexual urges. Children are turned into Junior Spies to rat out people that commit those crimes. In addition, the Party creates a new language called Newspeak that contains no rebellious words so that people won't think or speak rebellious thoughts.
            Another theme that Orwell includes is the control of the mind. The Party uses immoral and unethical tactics to crack Winston Smith (protagonist). The Party takes Julia (Winston's secret girlfriend) away and forces Winston into Room 101. They threaten to let a bunch of rats (Winston's biggest fear) eat his face unless he gives up Julia. Winston tells the Party to do it to Julia instead and in the end, Winston loves the Party. The Party also forces citizens to do physically demanding workouts every morning. If anyone defies the Party or commits a crime, the Party punishes them severly until they learn to love the Party (like what they did to Winston).
              These themes serve as warnings to what may happen if countries convert to totalitarianism. The citizens and society will be oppressed morally and ethically.

Summary/Analysis: Death of a Salesman

Author:
Arthur Miller is an American playwright who began his career in writing during his time at the University of Michigan. His notable plays are The Crucible, All My Sons, and Death of a Salesman. A fun fact about him was that he was married to Marilyn Monroe.

Setting:
This play takes place primarily in Brooklyn, New York. Most of the scenes are in Willy's house (specificially in the kitchen). However, there are some flashbacks which took place in Boston.

Significant Characters:
Willy-
Willy is all bark but no bite. He is too optimistic and talks about what he is going to do, but never acheives it. His attempt of gaining the American Dream fails, so he deludes and pushes his sons to reach for it. Willy does not like to confront his problems, as he has numerous flashbacks whenever someone tries to talk to him about those problems.
Linda-
Linda is Willy's supportive wife. She tries to be realistic about their family's issues, but always continues to persevere with Willy. She is very caring and goes with Willy's unrealistic dreams.
Biff-
Biff is the eldest son of Willy and Linda. He is Willy's "pride and joy" as when he was in high school, he was a star in football and had a great personality. However, after he failed to graduate high school, Biff stole his way out of every job he got. He is a failure, mainly because Willy instilled so much fluff into Biff's mind. Biff doesn't know how to work hard to get what he wants.
Happy-
Happy is the other son of Willy and Linda. He is often ignored and feels the need to womanize to gain attention. Happy is the younger version of Willy, as he says will carry out Willy's dream after Willy died.
Charley-
Charley is Willy's successful neighbor. Willy is very jealous of his success and even though Charley offers Willy a job, Willy turns it down as he doesn't want to be in a "lower" position than Charley. Willy says Charley is his only friend.
Bernard-
Bernard is Charley's son. Although Bernard was labeled as a "nerd" when he was in high school, his hard work ethic payed off. He is now a successful lawyer. He is Biff's friend and always looked out for him.

Narrative Voice:
N/A (it is a play).

Plot:
Willy comes home from a long drive at work. Biff and Happy are upstairs discussing their lives. Willy has a flashback to when Biff was a football star while Bernard pushed Biff into studying math. Willy makes fun of Bernard for not being "well-liked" and brags about his successful business trip. Linda tells Willy that his trip wasn't as successful as he thought and then a woman's laughter pulls Willy out of his flashback. Willy goes into another flashback to when he is talking about moving to Alaska with Ben. Willy goes outside and Biff and Happy come downstairs. Linda tells them that Willy is trying to committ suicide. Willy makes Biff go see Bill Oliver to get hired as a businessman. The next day, Willy gets fired from his job and goes to beg Charley for money. Willy, Biff, and Happy eat lunch together where Willy learns that Biff didn't get the job and stole Oliver's fountain pen. Willy is upset and goes to the bathroom where he has a flashback about Boston and the woman he was cheating with. Back at home, Biff and Willy get into an argument that ends with Willy thinking Biff loves him. Willy drives off and committs suicide, hoping that the insurance money will help Biff succeed.

Quotes:
"'Cause I get so lonely -- especially when business is bad and there's nobody to talk to" (Miller 38).
       This quote foreshadows Willy's suicide. Willy cannot cope with his problems and always tries to avoid them. When Willy says he always gets so lonely, it foreshadows his affair with the woman. When Willy is away for business (like his trip to Boston), he meets up with the woman as he doesn't have anyone else to talk to.
"Yeah. He was a happy man with a batch of cement" (Miller 138).
        Here, Charley implies that Willy would've been better as a carpenter rather than a businessman. This shows that Willy did what he thought he was supposed to do in his society. Businessman were very "successful" and even though Willy kept failing, he continued to pursue this unattainable dream. He would've been much better off doing something he liked to do and was good at.

Style:
Arthur uses imagery, detail, tone, symbolism, and diction in this play. There is no point of view since it is a play and there is no narrator. Imagery is used many times during flashbacks to vividly show the reader what happened in the past. One example is when Willy is telling the boys how to polish the car. Willy describes in detail what he wants the boys to do, like "Get the chamois to the hubcaps," (Miller 28). Detail is also used to provide extra information for the reader to understand the story better. For example, Willy tells Linda in much detail of his long drive home from work. Through this detail, readers can already become suspicious as to why Willy is "...all of a sudden I'm goin' off the road!" (Miller 14). Miller uses tone to show the characters' personalities, like when Willy has a harsh tone as he tells Linda to be quiet. Readers can see that Willy does not appreciate Linda very much. One symbol that Miller uses is the seeds that Willy tries to plant. His failure of starting a new garden symbolizes his failure in life. He cannot start a successful career in business and he cannot grow anything, as his sons (symbolized by the failure of plants growing from the seeds) are also unsuccessful. Finally, diction like, "crestfallen" and "sour" describe characters' mood and tone. The diction also contributes to the characters' personalities.

Theme:
The main theme of Death of a Salesman is that Willy has a deluded version of the American dream.
Willy thinks the American dream is about being "well-liked" and that this will lead him to success. For example, Willy explains to his sons that being "well-liked" is most important, "Because the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead" (Miller 33). However, this is not the case as Willy states Bernard is not well-liked, but Bernard ends up very successful later in life. Willy does not see that the real American dream is that hard work and perseverance, not likeability, leads to success.

Response to Course Material #4

              Over the past few weeks, we have finished up reading and analyzing Death of a Salesman. I thought that watching the movie and discussing it the second time really helped push my understanding of it further. I noticed things that I hadn't noticed before. However, as we continued studying this play, my annoyance for Willy grew. As a pessimist, it was very hard for me to see how optimistic and unrealistic Willy was about everything. I honestly just wanted to punch him and tell him to wake up. I am quite glad we are about done reading this play because I don't think I could handle Willy's personality and actions any longer. Other than Willy's character, I thought the play was very interesting. I could see how readers could relate to some of the characters because everyone has family issues at some point. I think that the father-son relationship that Willy and Biff had is common in many people. The father wants the son to follow in his footsteps, while the son just wants to do his own thing.
             This past week, we have just started to read Macbeth. Although I didn't particularly like British Lit last year, I feel that it helped me a ton with regard to reading Shakespeare plays. However, I still think I have a long way to go in analyzing these plays and this fact was reinforced by my struggle to read and annotate the play at the same time during class. Maybe this was because I had to use sticky notes for annotations instead of just writing in the book, but I am not sure. I think the old English language is the main reason why reading this play is more difficult than the others. I find that reading Sparknotes before each act helps me understand what is going on much better.