Blog #23: Hamlet Act 3 Social Media Post

The portrayal of the "To Be, or Not to Be" soliloquy from Act III of Hamlet by Kenneth Branagh best fit the theme of the speech. To start off, the camera angle chosen by the director at the beginning of the soliloquy was a view from behind Hamlet's shoulder as he peered into the mirror. This is a more personable shot, as the audience is seeing everything from Hamlet's point of view. The fact that the entire soliloquy is spoken as he stares at his reflection is also an interesting mis en scene choice by the director, as he is forced to look at his mortal self while weighing the advantages and disadvantages of suicide and death. Another interesting choice the director made in  this excerpt was to include Claudius watching Hamlet through a two way mirror. This mis en scene choice, not included in the other video excerpts created a dramatic irony, in the sense that the audience knew Claudius was eavesdropping on Hamlet and the fact that Hamlet believes the mirror is a safe place for him to confess his thoughts, as it's only supposed to be between him and his reflection. This also reflects the idea of "fear of the unknown" as Hamlet does not know what actually lies behind the mirror. This excerpt also chose to depict the scene in a bright, open space filled with light and vibrant colors, but depicted Hamlet dressed in all black. This reinforces the theme that Hamlet's desire to commit suicide is overpowered by his logic and reasoning that it is a sin that will cause everlasting judgement. The metaphor comparing sleep and death, "'The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles," (3.1.57-58), is also supported by this excerpt because the director chose to have Hamlet place a dagger to his face, representing the "slings and arrows" or weapons of war, as struggles in life, but then takes it away from his face when he comes back to reality and logic. This also appeals to the the rhetorical appeals of logos, as Hamlet weighs his options and in the end takes the dagger away from his face as he considers logic of eternal judgement. 

I would place the portrayal of the "To Be or Not to Be" soliloquy from Act III of Hamlet by Lawrence Oliver second, because although I believe mis en scene choices by Branagh were better, this excerpt still made very important choices. For example, the director chose to switch the camera angles from focusing on Hamlet to facing over a cliff to a rocky shore below, from the point of view of Hamlet. This enforced the theme of Hamlet pondering whether or not suicide is worth it, as the view of the sea below is taunting him and is almost as if Hamlet changes his mind multiple times throughout the soliloquy as he shifts from his desires to his logic. The sea being below him also enforces the idea of "fear of the unknown" as the depths of the ocean is considered scary and unknown to us. Hamlet is also depicted in dark clothing despite the sunny atmosphere around him, reinforcing the theme of Hamlet's desire to die is overpowered by his logic and reasoning. I would then place the portrayal of the "To Be or Not to Be" soliloquy from Act III of Hamlet by Ethan Hawke third, although it did still have some mis en scene choices similar to the other two. For example, the director chose to portray Hamlet once again in all black, with vibrant colors in the film store surrounding him, reinforcing death being overpowered by logic and reasoning. The director also chose to have Hamlet set in a modern day film store and filmed him walking down the "action" aisle as well as zooming in on an action movie playing in the store, which reinforces the metaphor of "slings in arrows". Despite this, I didn't believe this excerpt did a very good job depicting the theme of "fear of the unknown" as well as the metaphor between sleep and death.

Blog #22: Hamlet Act 2 Social Media Post

"They all deserve to die," as Sweeney Todd would put it. No, I do not believe they all deserve to die, but Claudius, yes. Assuming he is guilty of murdering my father, the great King of Denmark, he does deserve to die. 

In Sweeney Todd, revenge is most evident throughout the entire course of the film. Barber Benjamin Barker, happily married to his wife Lucy and father to a beautiful baby girl, Johanna, takes a turn for the worst. Sadistic Judge Turpin, the town's mayor exiles Barker to Australia for fifteen years for a crime he did not commit, as he lusts for Barker's wife and wants her all to himself. He drugs and rapes Lucy who attempts to poison herself, instead going insane, and Turpin then lusts for his now adopted daughter, Johanna. Fifteen years later, Barker returns disguised with the alias Sweeney Todd to get revenge on Turpin as well as anyone and everyone who made him miserable or gets in his way. Let's just say beware of Todd's barber shop and anyone who comes near him with his tools. 

Oh! "I. the son of a dear father murdered, Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell, Must, like a whore, unpack my heart with words," (2.2.611-616). I am envious of Sweeney Todd, as he carries out his revenge so effortlessly. Although some differences exist between our plans, I find it somewhat uncanny, yet also interesting that we both put on some type of act. Sweeney Todd disguises himself and creates an alias so no one will suspect it's really Mr. Barker, similar to how I, " I bear myself

As I perchance hereafter shall think meet To put an antic disposition on,"(1.5.190-192). We both act as though something or someone we are not to help us reach our motives. Honestly we have more in common as both of us are victims of unfair and lustful events. Sweeney Todd desires revenge on Judge Turpin for lusting after his wife and exiling him as well as the incestuous lust towards his adopted daughter, whereas I seek revenge on Claudius for murdering my father as well as his incestuous lust for my mother. I feel as though I cannot be as brave as Todd, for I do not desire to kill Claudius if he is in fact not guilty. "The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king," (2.2627-634). I plan to use this as a way to deceive Claudius by tricking him to watch an on stage murder, and "I'll have those players Play something like the death of my father Before mine uncle. I'll observe his looks," (2.2.617-634). I plan to trick him and spy on his reactions during the play, as, "I am but mad northwest: when the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw," (2.2.402-403). In other words, I know Claudius has sent my own friends to spy on me. So, will I take after Sweeney Todd? I say the theater will tell all. Let the show begin. 

Blog #21: Hamlet Act 1 Social Media Post

As Hamlet:

In the words of Marcellus, "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark," alright (1.2.90). In fact, "rotten" is but a mere understatement to the reprehensible, deplorable, abominable actions of my mother. How dare she go and wed my father's brother, practically as his grave was being dug. Instead of him turning over in his grave, I witnessed the ghost of the poor fellow. Initially in awe, I now assume he was probably coming to see if the monstrosity of new monarchs was in fact true. for heaven's sake, "The funeral bak'd meats/Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables," (1.2.180). Not only is the union incestuous, but also suspicious. I mean, I find it to be quite odd that my mother could move past the grieving process of her beloved husband and my uncle his dear brother, so soon. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if they played a role in his death, just so they could be together, *gag*. As for Claudius taking my father's throne I prefer to think of it as, "Hyperion to a satyr," (1.2.140). I realize that may seem a bit harsh, comparing the new King as downgrading to a half man half beast from the great Titan Hyperion, but my my uncle's actions so soon after my father's death were harsh.

On top of everything, my mother comes to me and says, "Hamlet: I pray thee, stay with us; go not to Wittenberg," (1.2.118-119). Despite my anger towards her, I decided--being the great son that I am-- to grant her wish and remain in Denmark. I mean, sure I wanted to continue my education with my comrades, but I wouldn't want to upset mother, or lead her to believe I disapprove of her marital status. And, as if my current situation couldn't become any worse, my mistress Ophelia has been forbidden to see me. Oh God, why?! I heard through the grape vine that her father, Polonious, has said, "I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth,/ Have you so slander any moment leisure, As to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet," (1.2.133-135). And apparently Ophelia agreed to this! My father has passed, my deranged uncle has betrothed my mother--who has asked me not to return to Wittenberg-- and my Ophelia is no longer allowed to see me. I'd debate whether my life is worth living anymore, but I cannot face eternal judgment.

Tweets:

*sniffs* something sure smells rotten in the state of Denmark...Oh wait, it's just the funeral bak'd meats at the wedding #JustKidding #They'reStillFresh

My father= Hperion

My stepfather= satyr

#SorryNotSorry #truth #MyDadRules

Ugh mom's begging me to stay home and not go back to Wittenberg #WhateverYouSayMom #MommasBoy

 Polonious is like Ariel's dad in "The Little Mermaid" because he's forbidding Ophelia from seeing me... #OverProtectiveDadProbz #MyLife

Not trying to be bitter, but we might as well cut costs for the wedding by serving the bak'd meats from father's funeral #YeahIJustWentThere #Salty #Realist #PennyPincher

Blog #20: TEWWG Fishbowl Discussion Feedback

Group 1: 

http://woodruffaustinapenglishlit2016.blogspot.com/

Hi Austin! To start off, I really enjoyed your food memoir and poster! I loved the colors and fonts you used, as it was very visually appealing to look at. As for your food memoir, I loved how you included the pictures of you and your grandma to make it more personal and how you included the music in the background since the group was special to your grandma. During the Fishbowl Discussion, you did an awesome job leading discussions and posing questions as well as replying to those asked by your group members. I could also tell you put a tremendous amount of effort into your synthesis as you had many quotes and ideas ready for the discussion, as well as your comparison to poetry. I really liked the statement you made about breaking chains as one of your 3X3's and I thought it was a great representation of the complexity in the novel. Great job!!!

Group 2:

http://huanggraceapenglish2015.blogspot.com/

Hi Grace! I really enjoyed your food memoir! I thought it was a great idea to include your mother helping you make them since she was the one who kind of introduced you previously as you discussed at the beginning of your memoir. I thought your dumplings were amazing and I really liked how you included your friend in the video since that was a big part of your memoir. During the Fishbowl Discussion, I found the point you brought up about comparing Rapunzel's hair to Janie's was very interesting. I liked how you used Rapunzel as a basis for comparison how her long hair getting cut off represented loss of innocence, while Janie's long hair represented her sexuality. Overall, I think you did an awesome job with your food memoir as well as adding strong points of discussion!

Group 3: 

http://lennonkaraapenglish2015.blogspot.com/

Hi Kara! I really enjoyed your food memoir! The fact that you included pictures of your grandparents as missionaries was so cool and it really added a nice visual to your video! I also loved how you shaped the food being chopped up on the cutting board into a heart, that was a small detail, but it had a bigger message! During the fishbowl discussion, I liked your thoughts on the idea of society's image of Janie vs. her image of herself. I liked how you talked about how Janie's image of herself was stronger since she disregarded society's views of her, coming back to Eatonville in overalls, because I completely agree. Great job!

Group 4: 

http://grollmusjordan2016.blogspot.com/

Hi Jordan! I loved the video to go with your food memoir! I thought the use of the green screen in the background was a very unique and creative touch, that made it seem like you were actually on a cooking show! I also liked how you and your brother took turns making the applesauce muffins because it reinforced the idea that although you guys fought, the applesauce muffins brought you together and that fighting was better than not being together. During the Fishbowl Discussion, I thought you did an awesome job in general, replying to your group member's questions with support from your synthesis work. I really liked the point you brought up about how Janie was impulsive and decided to take the risk of how her marriages would turn out because I agree. Great job!

Blog #19: Food Memoir, Poster & Video

Blog #18: Food Memoir Rough Draft

Blog #17: Their Eyes Were Watching God Fishbowl Discussion Notes