DRJ#1: Hamlet, Act 1

DRJ#1: Hamlet, Act 1

Initial reaction:  

                I was in a confused state of mind. I was wandering if I was able to understand all the fast talking and terms that Hamlet and others used. I saw that Ophelia a woman who loved Hamlet prince of Denmark. As in any situation that’s similar to this is basically Hamlet was royalty and high up in the Chain. Ophelia is not allowed to mess with him in any physical way because she is a lower class. She falls in love with him and he also felt a strong love for her because of the love letters. However, Ophelia father and brother did not want her around him. They felt that he was a liar and that whatever feeling he had or spoken was a lie. Polonius which is her father and Laertes who’s her brother tries to protect her and hopes that she is not naive to Hamlet. I related to a little to this based on if my father felt any kind a way by any boy or man who he felt wasn’t good enough, I could not talk to them. My father is an over protective and sometimes on a consistent basis he’s always keeping tabs on me to make sure that I am not giving those guys the time and day.

Character Analysis:

                Polonius was a trusted aid to the King and royal family. He’s always been there to help and guide them to what business they had to address. He was a father and a very proud man who believed in honor and loyalty. The love for his daughter was a typical situation. He always wanted the best for his daughter. I found that even though he was a father and he was overprotective he did too much in asking his daughter to give back the love letters that Hamlet wrote. He felt like Hamlet was unstable and that he needed major help. He’s an antagonist character but he did cause tension between his daughter and Hamlet. Hamlet felt portrayed by Ophelia. On the other hand she was doing what her father had asked her. Hamlet could not stand Polonius and Polonius was a well trusted friend to the King Claudius and he would do any thing to satisfy him. Polonius was used as a foil to shine light on how Hamlet was reacting to his father’s death

Theme Analysis:

                Family and love was a clear notice with Polonius. He loved his son and daughter and would say or guide to whatever they duty is to be. He’s been around for so long the royalty family. He knows how to manipulate and inform Claudius about his nephew. The King listened to Polonius in Act 1 and has shared his love for his daughter Ophelia and his son. There was some symbolism the love letters that represent Hamlets love for his daughter and imagery of the emotions and love he shows her by the kiss and strong hug when Hamlet had a moment when he felt portrayed.