Quizlet For Exam

http://quizlet.com/23684710/exam-words-flash-cards/

*bows from applause*

Toni Morrison: Interview with Charlie Rose (1998)

Extra Credit Opportunity

If you're interested in an extra credit opportunity (or just a great podcast to listen to as you're driving or flying somewhere over the break)....

Here, you can listen to "Act V" an episode from the radio show This American Life (I'm addicted to it). 
For extra credit, after listening to the podcast, type up answer to the questions below in full sentences--show me that you've listened carefully to the episode and thought about it. 

1.  What sources does Jack Hitt, the documentarian/interviewer, use?  Where/who does he get his information from?

2.  How does Hitt present the information?  What techniques does he use?  (Interviews, with music, playing scenes, etc)?

3.  What is Hitt’s message?  What is his point?  What is he trying to prove or show?

4.  How does Hamlet connect to the prisoners’ lives?

5.  In what ways do some of the issues in Hamlet relate to issues you have faced? 

6.  What is different about listening to this documentary about Hamlet from watching it?

The Outsiders, Dickens, and Frost

I realized that The Outsiders ties into the works that we have read in class quite a few times. As Connor pointed out in October, the poem "Nothing Gold can Stay" by Robert Frost is referenced a few times in the novel. Ponyboy talks about the poem, and when Johnny tells Pony to "stay golden," he is referring to the poem. The Outsiders also references Great Expectations. In the first chapter, Pony is reading Great Expectations for his homework in English class. He admits that he identifies with Pip: "I was still thinking about it while i was doing my homework that night. I had to read Great Expectations for English, and that kid Pip, he remedied me of us-the way he felt marked lousy because he wasn't a gentleman or anything, and the way that girl kept looking down on him. That happened to me once."
I thought it was interesting that a book (most) of us read a few years ago for summer reading is related to the books/authors that we are reading this year.

Laertes Character Development:5

Polonius: "Marry, well said, very well said. Look you, sir, Inquire me first what Danskers are in Paris; /
And how, and who, what means, and where they/ keep, / What company, at what expense; and finding/ By this encompassment and drift of question/ That they do know my son, come you more nearer/ Than your particular demands will touch it."
(2.1 7-14)


In this scene Polonius is speaking with his helper Reynaldo. He is telling him to spay on Laertes while he is in Paris and find out who he talks to and his behavior. This quote gives the reader a better idea of the relationship between Laertes and his father, and a small hint of the way that Laertes might be. After all, there would have to be some reasoning behind why Polonius would spy on his son. That reason quite possibly is that Laertes is a free-spirit and might often act out of line. As of now in the play we can only speculate as to why Polonius would feel the need to spy on his son, or the type of behavior that would warrant the spying from Polonius.

Claudius Act 2

4. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet's childhood friends, have been called to the castle by the King and Queen. Claudius tells them why they were called and what they are to do.

KING
Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
Moreover that we much did long to see you,
The need we have to use you did provoke
Our hasty sending. Something have you heard
Of Hamlet's transformation, so call it,
Sith nor th' exterior nor the inward man
Resembles that it was. What it should be,
More than it was. What it should be,
More than his father's death, that thus hath put him
So much from th' understanding of himself
I cannot dream of. I entreat you both
That, being of so young days brought up with him
And sith so neighbored to his youth and havior,
That you vouchsafe your rest here in our court
Some little time, so by your companies
To draw him on to pleasures, and to gather
So much as from occasion you glean,
Whether aught to us unknown afflicts him thus
That, opened, lies within our remedy (2.2.1-19)

In Act 2 Scene 2, Claudius shows his true character. Whereas in act 1, he acted as though he cared for Hamlet, it was just that: an act. He is no longer concerned with being political, he now wants to see why Hamlet is acting crazy. He is sneaking around and being secretive. He first calls upon Hamlet's childhood friends to get them to stay with him. He wants them to spy on Hamlet to find out what it truly wrong.

---

5. Polonius told Ophelia that he would tell the King of his concerns about Hamlet for her safety, but he and the King make a different plan.

KING
How may we try it further?

POLONIUS
You know sometimes he walks four hours together
Here in the lobby.

QUEEN
So he does indeed.

POLONIUS
At such time I'll loose my daughter to him.
[To the King] Be you and I behind an arras then.
Mark the encounter. If he love her not,
And be not from his reason fall'n thereon,
Let me be no assistant for a state,
But keep a farm and carters.

KING
We will try it. (2.2.172-182)

Instead of trying to protect Ophelia as he said he would, Polonius offers to have his daughter talk to Hamlet to see his true thoughts. He basically is selling off his daughter to Claudius (as Hamlet later points out). Claudius is acting evil and snake-like (as Old Hamlet's ghost said he was in act 1 scene 2). He will do anything to get inside Hamlet's thoughts. Claudius might be starting to get worried about Hamlet's intentions, seeing that there might be a risk for him.

Horatio Act 1 Post 2

In this scene, the Ghost has entered for the first time and the guards and Horatio try and engage the ghost to speak to them.

Act 1. Scene 1. Lines 103-119
Was gaged by our king, which had (returned)
To the inheritance of Fortinbras
Had he been vanquisher, as, by the same comart,
And carriage of the article designed,
His fell to hamlet. Now, sir, young Fortinbras,
Of unimproved mettle hot and full,
Hath in the skirts of Norway here and there
Sharked up a list of lawless resolutes
For food and diet to some enterprise
That hath a stomach in 't; which is no other
(As it doth well appear unto our state)
But to recover of us, by strong hand
And terms compulsatory, those foresaid lands
So by his father lost. And this, I take it,
Is the main motive of our preparations,
The source of this our watch, and the chief head 
Of this posthaste and rummage in the land.

What's revealed here about Horatio is that he is kinda a political figure in Denmark. He understands what is happening to their country and is taking part. Here he tells us why he is where he is, and why there is commotion and "rummage" in Denmark at this time. Also even though we are way past reading this part, at the time, we got insight into what is happening in Denmark, and how Fortinbras was not being supported and he was "rummaging" up an army of his own to win over the land.

Act 1. Scene 4. Lines 63-65
It beckons you to go away with it
As if it some important did desire
To you alone.

.    .    .  

What if it tempt you toward the flood, my lord?
Or to the dreadful summit of the cliff
That beetles o'er his base into the sea,
And there assume some other horrible form
Which might deprive your sovereignty of reason
And draw you into madness? Think of it.

What is happening here is that Horatio is conversing with Hamlet as the ghost enters. Hamlet is saying that he is going to go alone to speak with the ghost, but Horatio and the other guards do not want to allow that because they fear for Hamlet's safety. What is being revealed here about Horatio is that not only does he certainly not have any more doubts in the ghost's existence, but he understands that the ghost could be dangerous. He wants to support his prince and keep him safe too. Horatio later says "heaven will direct it" (1. 4. 101) meaning that he an sense that something big is happening right now in Denmark, but what they should do is they should just let God take care of it or deal with it.

Hamlet Act 2

If you look back at my previous post, I outlined Hamlet as an interesting and dubious character.

In Act 2, as the play progresses on, we see more sides to Hamlet.

After him and Polonius meet each other in the court yard, one of the first things that Hamlet says to Polonius in a joking way was:

"Excellent well. You are a fishmonger" (2.2.190)

This shows the humorous side that Hamlet has as he is displayed as a very serious character in a very serious situation. But as we have seen Shakespeare do time and time again through out all of his plays, we see here again. He always finds a way to include a comedic style to a dramatic play, and this is another great example. Along with what this reveals about Shakespeare, this is also a great example of another part in the play which reveals more about the character of Hamlet.

Another moment when we are shown another side of Hamlet's character is his definitive plans regarding figuring out who killed his father:

"I'll have these players Play something like the murder of my father Before mine uncle. Ill observe his looks. Ill tent him to the quick. If he do blench, I know my course." (2.2.623)

This scene in the play shows us his definitive side with his plans towards revealing to himself who the killer of his father was so he can maybe take a course of revenge. This also shows how Hamlet can be sort of a crafty individual. He has been dubious of the whole situation between Claudius and his Mother through out the whole play, and he has been searching for answers. The craftiness of Hamlet is shown here because he deliberately thought about how to give himself proper evidence, like a detective. This craftiness is another trait that is added by Shakespeare to the renaissance man, Hamlet.

This moment shows us another side to his character, as we keep learning more and more through out the play and we are only through Act 2.

Gertrude 2nd post revised

Elijah Langston

Act 2 Scene 2 - Gertrude

This scene begins with Claudius requesting the presence of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two good friends of Hamlet. When the two men arrive, Claudius and Gertrude both present them with the task at hand. Hamlet has changed, and they feel these two good friends of Hamlet will be able to figure out what is bothering Hamlet, and help fix him.

Queen
"Good gentlemen, he hath much talked of you.
And sure I am two men there are not living
To whom he more adheres. If it will please you
To show us so much gentry and good will
As to expend your time with us awhile
For the supply and profit of our hope,
Your visitation shall receive such thanks
As fits a king’s remembrance." (2.2.19-26)

This quotation highlights the Queen's plea to have these two men help the King and Queen. Gertrude understands her son's frustration, and would like her son's current state be returned back to normal as soon as possible. The Queen is effective in her plea with assuring their mission will "fit a king's remembrance" meaning they will be rewarded some how. The irony of this quotation is the fact that the Queen demonstrates the care she has for son by requesting help for him. I don't understand why she can't find same effort within her to console with Hamlet and sympathize along with him? Her care doesn't seem to very genuine or motherly.

This next scene we see the ghost of the former King and his message to Hamlet of his father's murder. The ghost gives descroption of the murder, how it takes place, and by what means Claudius accomplishes it. The ghost also includes ways Hamlet should go about avenging his father's death. The ghost also includes his thoughts on his former wife;

"Let not the royal bed of Denmark be

A couch for luxury and damnèd incest.

But howsoever thou pursuest this act,

Taint not thy mind, nor let thy soul contrive

Against thy mother aught. Leave her to heaven

And to those thorns that in her bosom lodge

To prick and sting her. Fare thee well at once.

The glowworm shows the matin to be near,

And 'gins to pale his uneffectual fire.

Adieu, adieu, adieu. Remember me." (1.5.89-98)

 

This quotation highlights the unrighteousness of the queen and how wrong she was for sleeping with his brother. The ghost's feels this plan for revenge should rightfully defend the honorbale Denmark. Also, the ghost points out that no matter how vain her actions were, Hamlet should not seek to cause harm to her. The ghost would like the queen to deal with her own guilt for what she had done, and let God be the judge of her actions. Her actions will daunt her for a while, and that will be her punishment as long as she is on this earth. This is an example of the true character of the king, and the genuine commitment he had to his people and his wife. 

 

In Act 1, the reader experiences Hamlet's truest feelings for the Queen after she goes about marrying his uncle.

 

"...Heaven and earth,

Must I remember? Why, she would hang on him

As if increase of appetite had grown

By what it fed on, and yet, within a month—

Let me not think on ’t. Frailty, thy name is woman!—

A little month, or ere those shoes were old

With which she followed my poor father’s body,

Like Niobe, all tears. Why she, even she—

O God, a beast that wants discourse of reason

Would have mourned longer!—married with my uncle,

My father’s brother, but no more like my father

Than I to Hercules. Within a month,

Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears

Had left the flushing in her gallèd eyes,

She married. O most wicked speed, to post

With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!

It is not nor it cannot come to good,

But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue" (1.2.146-164)

 

Hamlet speaks of this memory he will never forget. He ask God, why this memory must consume his thoughts. He cannot comprehend what would motivate his mother to do something like this. Hamlet blame's women in general and says, they are weak and frail. Hamlet probably felt women are vulnerable when they love is lost, or when they're status is no longer at a high level. Hamlet feels even an animal would mourn longer for its mate than the Queen did for her own husband. This scene is powerful in how it depicts the strong dislike he has for his mothers actions at the time, and how much it has affected him emotionally. The reader cans sense much distress. 

 

This scene between Polonius and the Queen shows Polonius's true character, and how he is often deceiving and/or flaunting and tries to get much attention from the king and queen.

 

Polonius

"This business is well ended.

My liege and madam, to expostulate

What majesty should be, what duty is,

Why day is day, night night, and time is time,

Were nothing but to waste night, day, and time.

Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit

And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,

I will be brief: your noble son is mad.

Mad call I it, for, to define true madness,

What is ’t but to be nothing else but mad?

But let that go

 

Queen

More matter, with less art." (2.2.92-103)

We see in this transaction between the two, the Queen is not easily moved by the fancy speech that Polonius gives. The queen likes to receive her information straight forward and directly to the point. Polonius moves around a lot, talking about nonsense such as;

"What majesty should be, what duty is,

Why day is day, night night, and time is time,

Were nothing but to waste night, day, and time.". It was quite unecessary for Polonius to have this long exaggerated speech to simply inform what he believes to be wrong with the queen's son. The queen request that Polonius sticks with the point in her response, and be less flaunting.

Hamlet Character Development Act 2

A revealing moment is when Hamlet is alone talking about his plans:

I’ll have these players
Play something like the murder of my father
Before mine uncle. I’ll observe his looks.
I’ll tent him to the quick. If he do blench,
I know my course. (2.2.623)

This moment reveals Hamlet's character. For example it reveals his plans of deception when he says, "I'll have these players/Play something like the murder of my father/Before mine uncle. The secret plan to get Claudius to confess his guilt before Hamlet while watching the play is deceptive. It reveals how Hamlet is deceiving and secret and brings his plans to avenge his father's death into light.

Another moment that reveals Hamlet's character is also when he is alone after everyone leaves:

"Am I a coward?
Who calls me 'villain'? "

This line reveals Hamlet's character and how it is changing. When Hamlet first met with the ghost he vowed to avenge his death; however in this line he seems to be questioning himself. His questioning of his plans to get revenge shows how he is acting rational. On the other hand, he is second guessing himself, and even asks himself, "Am I a coward?...". This also reveals how he is unsure, and confused which he has been throughout the play. 

Finally Hamlet reveals his character when he is talking to R&C about his madness and he says,

"I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw."

This line reveals how Hamlet is insane only sometimes, but sometimes he is normal. This shows Hamlet's character and how he is trying to act for everyone, and put on a different face for everyone. He is trying to deceive R&C when he says this because it will prevent them from knowing when he is speaking the truth or acting insane. The deception is a part of Hamlet's character that has developed, and at the end of Act 2 he is deceiving multiple characters. It is also a critical trait that Hamlet develops, and if he is to avenge his father's death he must use or else his plans would be detected.

Gertrude Act 1 + 2

Gertrude Act 1

In this scene Gertrude is taking to Hamlet and telling him that he needs to stop mourning over his father and put on a smile for Denmark. Claudius and Gertrude are married. 

CLAUDIUS

How is it that the clouds still hang on you?

HAMLET

Not so, my lord. I am too much i' the sun.

GERTRUDE

Good Hamlet, cast thy nighted color off,

And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark.

Do not forever with thy vailèd lids

Seek for thy noble father in the dust.

Thou know’st ’tis common. All that lives must die,

Passing through nature to eternity.

HAMLET

Ay, madam, it is common.

GERTRUDE

      If it be,

Why seems it so particular with thee?

(1.2.67-77)

Gertrude is talking to Hamlet about him having to stop mourn over his fathers death, even though it only happened a little while ago. This was her husband too and she is acting like she doesn't care. She is basically turing her back on her husband and going to her husbands brother, which is now her new husband. 

Gertrude Act 2

In this scene Claudius and Gertrude are asking Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to look after Hamlet because of his recent "transformation". (2.2.5)

CLAUDIUS

Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

Moreover that we much did long to see you,

The need we have to use you did provoke

Our hasty sending. Something have you heard

Of Hamlet’s “transformation”—so call it

Since nor th' exterior nor the inward man

Resembles that it was. What it should be,

More than his father’s death, that thus hath put him

So much from th' understanding of himself,

I cannot dream of. I entreat you both

That, being of so young days brought up with him

And since so neighbored to his youth and 'havior,

That you vouchsafe your rest here in our court

Some little time so by your companies

To draw him on to pleasures and to gather,

So much as from occasion you may glean,

Whether aught, to us unknown, afflicts him thus

That, opened, lies within our remedy.

GERTRUDE

Good gentlemen, he hath much talked of you.

And sure I am two men there are not living

To whom he more adheres. If it will please you

To show us so much gentry and good will

As to expend your time with us awhile

For the supply and profit of our hope,

Your visitation shall receive such thanks

As fits a king’s remembrance.

(2.2.1-26)

When Claudius is asking Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to do this in a way that isn't like somebody who care it is expected, but when Gertrude is asking them it seems as though she is asking them just as a queen and not as his mother. It doesn't seem like there is an mother concern when she asks. 

Ophelia. Act 2. Scene 1. SO MUCH CONFUSION!

Ophelia enters in somewhat of hysteria, and tells her father of what she has just witnessed.

Polonius: Mad for thy love? (2.1.95)

Ophelia:  My lord, I do not know.

But truly, I do fear It (2.196-97)

Polonius: What, have you given him any hard words of late? (2.1.119)

Ophelia: No, my good lord. But as you did command

I did repel his fetters and denied

His access to me (2.1.122)


During the previous encounter between Ophelia and Polonius, Polonius orders Ophelia to pay no attention to Hamlet, and stay in caution of him. She obeys, and the next exchange between Ophelia and Polonius in which we see starts with Ophelia explaining her latest encounter with Hamlet. She described Hamlet as being “As if he had been loosed out of hell- To speak of horrors—he comes before” (2.1.93-94).  Polonius asks if she believes he is madly in love with her (sort of a play on words), and she replies “My Lord, I do now know. But Truly, I do fear it”. In their last encounter she defended Hamlet saying “He hath, my lord, of late made many tenders- Of his affection to me” (1.3.108-109), but now, she is in fear of his mad love. Ophelia promised she would “obey my lord” (1.3.145), and did (according to Ophelia) obey those orders. She may not agree with her brother, and fancy their ideas of Hamlet to be truthful, but she realizes the power her father holds over her as her parents, and listens to him. By obeying she shows that she is still submissive, and is still confused on her own feelings, while also being confused with Hamlet’s shown confusion. So much confusion! Ophelia has yet to figure herself out, but will obey anything in which her father wishes.

Claudius in Act 2

In act 2 Claudius sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet and see how he is doing because he is worried that Hamlet is out of control, drinking, gambling and what not. Claudius says  "Of Hamlet's transformation, so call it,/Sith nor th' exterior nor the inward man/ Resembles that it was. What it should be,/ More than his father's death, that thus hath put him/ So much from th' understanding of himself/ I cannot dream of. I entreat you both/ That, being of so young days brought up with him"(2.2.5-11). Claudius is trying to act like he cares about Hamlet, though he really does not. He is just acting all of this, because he wants the queen and everyone else to think that he cares so much about Hamlet and that he wants to be his new father. Though what he is really trying to do is cover himself and make sure that no one finds out that he is the man causing all the issues with Hamlet, because he killed Hamlets father. Claudius is trying to act like the resolution to the problem while he really the issue. This is all part of Claudius plan to take over and attain absolute power which he craves so much.
Also in act 2 the kings also says "Thou still hast been the father of good news." (2.2.45) This shows that the king is completely fakes, the king knows that he is bad news. King also says "Well, we shall sift him." (2.2.61) Though he is trying to make things better. He is sending Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as part of his play on Hamlet trying to make him fall for him. Though the king does not know that Hamlet spoke with the ghost, neither does he know that Hamlet has a play of his own coming.

Ophelia. Act 1. Submissiveness?

Act  1 Scene 3 is the first we scene in which we see Ophelia, and right away her complex and confusing love with Hamlet is condemned by her male “superiors”. While leaving port, her brother cautions her of Hamlet and her premature love.

Laertes: And in the morn and liquid dew of youth,

Contagious blastments are most imminent.

Be wary, then. Best safety lies in fear.

Youth to itself rebels, though none else near.

Ophelia: I shall the effect of this good lesson keep

As watchman to my heart. But, good my brother,

Do not, as some ungracious pastors do,

Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven

Whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine,

Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads

And recks not his own rede.
 (1.3.45-55)

Laertes is preparing to leave and says his goodbyes to start this scene. He tells Ophelia to write him, and warns her of Hamlet. He says, “Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood” (1.3.7), basically saying that her love for him is simply a short fling, and she should not be so quick to jump the gun on her feelings. He tells her to keep her guard up, and in the exchange above, he tells Ophelia to “Be wary” (1.3.47) (be careful) and to keep her guard up against all, for fear is true protection. Ophelia responds, saying she will “the effect of this good lesson keep” (1.3.49) or hold is words in high regard. She also feels as if he is being somewhat hypocritical, and that “himself the primrose path of dalliance treads- And Recks not his own rede” (1.3.54). She shows that will not give up her love for Hamlet so quickly, and will challenge the words she finds to be wrong, while regarding the truth that those same words have the potential to hold. She isn’t completely submissive to her brother.

Polonius

Polonius:
"At such a time I'll loose my daughter to him
[to the King] Be you and I behind an arras then.
Mark the encounter. If he love her not,
And be not from reason fall'n thereon,
Let me be no assistant for a state,
But keep a farm and carters." (2.2.176-181)

Polonius has gone to the king, claiming Hamlet has gone mad because he is so deeply in love with Ophelia. The King and Queen call on Hamlet's old friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet to find out why he is not himself. The term "loose" is in the side-note as releasing an animal from its chains, either for hunt or for purposes of mating. Polonius is putting his daughter out in a scheme to get on the King's good side. He is going to send her out to Hamlet, and if it is seen that Hamlet is not in love with her, everyone will know that his madness is not because Polonius has forbidden Ophelia to see him. 

--------------
Polonius:
"Your bait of falsehood take this carp of truth;
And thus do we of wisdom and of reach,
With windlasses and with assays of bias,
By indirections find indirections out." (2.1.70-73)

This is another passage where Polonius is scheming to get the truth out. This time it is not his daughter, but his son, Laertes. He has called on a man named Reynaldo to spy on Laertes while spreading rumors and lies about him. What he is saying to Reynaldo is a metaphor explaining that telling lies is how he is going to find the truth about what Laertes is up to in Paris. This is an example of how Polonius is willing to sabotage his son's reputation, which is hypocritical because Polonius is all about how one should present themselves.
----------------
Polonius:

Give thy thoughts no tongue,

Nor any unproportioned thought his act.

Be thou familiar but by no means vulgar.

Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,

Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel,

But do not dull thy palm with entertainment

Of each new-hatched, unfledged comrade. Beware

Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in,

Bear ’t that th' opposèd may beware of thee.

Give every man thy ear but few thy voice.

Take each man’s censure but reserve thy judgment.

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,

But not expressed in fancy—rich, not gaudy,

For the apparel oft proclaims the man,

And they in France of the best rank and station

Are of a most select and generous chief in that.

Neither a borrower nor a lender be,

For loan oft loses both itself and friend,

And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.

This above all: to thine own self be true,

This is Polonius's pep talk to Laertes about how to please everyone and how he should present himself in Paris, because Polonius does not want his son to make a fool of his family. The speech ends up being very ironic considering the first line of the passage is advice to Laertes to not say what he's, when the last line is to, above all, "just be yourself". His fatherly advice before his son leaves for Paris is basically to be seen and not heard. Polonius is treating his son like a child. He even feels to need to remind his son that apparel is the way to announce one's status publicly, and therefore must dress wealthily but not gaudy. 

------------------

Polonius:

"Ophelia, 

Do not believe his vows, for they are brokers,

Not of that dye which their investments show" (1.3.136)

Although Polonius does not have many sides to his character, he has different faces he puts on, each for his children, Reynaldo, and even the King. His character is not very paternal; He uses his children attempting to raise his status. Polonius is talking with his daughter about her relationship with Hamlet. As a father, Polonius should be concerned about his daughter's relationship to watch out for her, however in this line Polonius is referencing business. As we later see, Polonius does not even care about his daughter's feelings for Hamlet because to him, their relationship is like a business opportunity. He can use their relationship as a way to talk to the King.  

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern PART 2

PART 2: Act 2 Rosencrantz  & Guildenstern

Hamlet is confronting Guildenstern and Marcellus as to why they really came to see him and the confess they have been sent by Claudius to find out what is wrong with him.

ROSENCRANTZ

(to GUILDENSTERN) What say you?

HAMLET

Nay, then, I have an eye of you—If you love me, hold not off.

GUILDENSTERN

My lord, we were sent for.

(2.2. 311-315)

Here, the readers get a glimpse at how there two characters behave and it is apparent that they are more like one person, not two individuals.  They have to speak off to the side to one another before one of them finally agrees to tell Hamlet.  Through out the rest of the act the carry on conversation with Hamlet and it’s almost as if one person is speaking to Hamlet instead of both of them.  They share a brain in a sense.  They are so dependent on one another, Rosencrantz can't even make the decision to tell Hamlet on his own.  He must consult Guildenstern first asking "What say you" (311).  Also when Hamlet say "If you love me, hold not off" (314) he is revealing the close bond he has had with theses two characters since child hood.  He doesn't have to manipulate them in this scene, rather, he simply addresses their special relationship and Guildenstern simple admits "my lord we are sent for"(315).  Hamlet also shows how well he knows these two when he says "Nay, then, I have an eye of you." (313).  He expresses that he can tell when something is bothering them and that, at that moment, he is suspicious.  This gives the reader further insight on just how well these three know each other.

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern PART 1

PART 1: Act 2 Rosencrantz  & Guildenstern

King Claudius and Queen Gertrude call Rosencrantz  and Guildenstern in to assign them the task of finding out what is wrong with Hamlet.

Rosencrantz:Both your majesties
Might, by the sovereign power you have of us,
Put your dread pleasures more into command
Than to entreaty

Guildenstern:But we both obey
And here give up ourselves, in the full bent,
To lay our service freely at your feet
To be commanded.

Claudius:Thanks, Rosencrantz and gentle Guildenstern.

Gertrude:Thanks, Guildenstern and gentle Rosencrantz.
And I beseech you instantly to visit
My too much changèd son. Go, some of you,
And bring these gentlemen where Hamlet is.

Guildenstern:Heavens make our presence and our practices
Pleasant and helpful to him!

(2.2. 27-41)

In this scene we learn that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are sycophants.  They don't even consider the moral or consequences of what they are being asked to do yet this still throw themselves at the king and queens feet saying "your dread pleasures more into command/Than to entreaty" (28-29).  Here that say that the king and queen did not need to ask them to perform this task, rather , they could have simply ordered them to get the information out of Hamlet and they would have been just as pleased to do so. They even speak on each other behalf when Guildenstern says "But we both obey/And here give up ourselves" (30-31) as if to reassure that whether they are commanded or asked, they are more than happy to serve the king and queen.  Here he acts as a sycophant because he makes very certian that nothing either of them says could be misconstrued as anything but flattery.  They are kissing up.  Guildenstern says "To lay our service freely at your feet/To be commanded."(32-33).  This is extreme groveling because he is basically saying that they wish to be commanded because the king and queen are gracing their unworthy souls by doing so.  The queen plays along saying "I beseech you instantly" (37) as if she, the most powerful woman in the kingdom, needs to ask nicely for these men to obey her.  She knows that they will do as she say but she is playing along with their overly subservient behavior. Guildenstern also says "Heavens make our presence and our practices/Pleasant and helpful to him!"(40-41).  Here he is prominently stating his excitement for the assignment he and Rosencrantz  have been given.  He says is as though his only goal is to aid Hamlet and that might be true, because they are friends, however, it is most likely just another effort to please the king and queen.