DRJ#2

Initial Reaction:   It seems to me that there was a lot of sneaking around in act 2.  Everyone seemed to be plotting something.   Polonius and his foolish schemes to find out the truth behind Hamlet’s feelings for Ophilia remind me of the coyote going after the roadrunner.

Character Analysis:   The character I chose for Act 2 was Polonius.  First off this guy is hilarious. He thinks he is Socrates or something with all of his long drawn out speeches giving advice.  Anytime Hamlet is sarcastic Polonius has no idea and seriously believes Hamlet is going crazy.  It seems as though he tries to be logical, but ironically it points out how much of a idiot he really is.

Theme Analysis:   For the theme I picked love/family/friendship.  This theme is illustrated throughout the play, not just the second act.  Shakespeare uses irony to expose the theme in the character Polonius’ actions and words.  For example, Polonius attempts to find out about what his son, Laertes, has been up to and  goes about it in a strange manner telling Reynaldo, “You, laying these slight sullies on my son as ‘twere a thing a little soiled i’th’working- mark you your party in converse, him you would sound , having ever seen in the prenominate crimes the youth you breathe guilty, be assured he closes with you “Good Sir” or so, or “Friend,” or “Gentleman” act 2 scene 1 lines39-47.  This is ironic because a caring, respectful father would not go through all this deception and sneaking around.   

DRJ#1

Initial Reaction:   The story itself I find very entertaining.  It actually reminds me of some sort of trashy daytime tv show.  Fortunately, I don’t have any real life situations or predicaments like Hamlet has to deal with, murder, revenge, incestuous relationships etc.  I did have an ex who said she saw a ghost before but that’s why she’s an ex, I believe she was a little crazy.

Character Analysis:  For the character analysis I chose Hamlet’s uncle and king of Denmark, Claudius.  This guy is a real piece of work. He murdered his brother, Hamlet senior, so he could not only be king but also marry the queen Gertrude, who it appears to have been unfaithful before the murder.  I believe Claudius to be the antagonist, but it takes two to tango so to speak, so Gertrude has some blame as well.  However, I feel Claudius is the antagonist because he has the most to gain and obviously caused the conflict on purpose by killing Hamlet’s father.

Theme Analysis:   A theme that can be seen over and over throughout the first act is time/ mortality.  For example, in act 1 scene 2 approx line 89 Claudius says to Hamlet, “But you must know your father lost a father, that father lost, lost his, and the survivor bound in filial obligation.”  This creates the image of a life and death,  generation to generation, which brings about feelings of mortality.  Also the roster and it’s crow marks the night to day transition which also symbolizes mortality and time. 

SSRJ#2 :Colette

Initial Personal Reaction:  Initially I was grossed out by the description of the hand.  That is probably what got most of my attention, the imagery used to describe the hand.  Getting passed the vivid description of the hand I found that there was more going on than previously thought.  I can’t say that this story made any connection to a specific situation in my life, sorry.

Literary Element/Thematic Analysis:  The particular element I found interesting was the symbolism found in the imagery of the hand.  Colette paints a picture of a well manicured hand, properly groomed, yet this is odd on such powerful and masculine hand.  The grooming and nail polish and such are an attempt to hide what lies beneath the surface.  Similarly, how the man is handsome and athletic to hide his inner secrets.  I feel Colette is also making a statement about marriage and how it to can be camouflaged to appear normal.

Questions/Comments:  What do you think Colette is trying to achieve with this piece?  What was your interpretation of the theme?