Many people have different interpretations of Ophelia and her purpose. In John Everett Millais painting, I believe Ophelia is portrayed as an innocent woman who was going through some tough times and unfortunately put an end to her life. Ophelia seems as if she is wondering why those misfortunes of having her father be killed by having her hands out in the water opened. In this version of Ophelia the artists imbues sadness in her face. The artist also uses the flowers such as the daises to symbloize the innocence of Ophelia. According the symbolism of the flowers, the nettles were used to represent pain. Ophelia goes through pain because she has lost her father and has been rejected by her love, Hamlet.
I believe Shakespeare intended to portray Ophelia as a woman who followed other people and didn't think on her own, either she was always doing what her father told her to or acting upon Hamlet's behavior. Her final moments were probably filled with distress and sorrow. I believe Ophelia intentionally drowned because too many bad things were happening to her especially her father's death. She probably gave in after the branch broke because she felt she had no reason to be living as a result of having everyone she loved be taken away.
The problems that led to Ophelia's madness was the lost of her loved ones. Hamlet's ignorance of Ophelia contributed to her demise. I do feel sorry for her because she was innocent but many misfortunes occurred that led her to lose her mind. She had no one watching after her or caring ofher feelings. After she lost everyone she loved, Ophelia was a lonely person feeling depressed and unwanted.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Invisible Children
The presentation of the Roadies showed us how we enjoy life in America but theres people who are less fortunate. They showed us the big crisis concerning the African people due to the ongoing attacks of the rebels in Africa. They presented how the rebels attack villages and take the young boys and sometimes kill and rape the women. The boys are taken to become Joseph Koney's soldiers and terrorize the villages. The women and children suffer being separated from their loved ones. In their trip to Uganda they met a boy named Tony who explained to the Roadies the fears they have constantly of the rebels. Unfortunately, Tony's mother died due to HIV and then had his friend Nate die as well due to a bombing. The Invisible Children organization is to help the people of Africa and put a stop to Joseph Koney's massacre and kidnapping of young boys. Their experience was a wake up call to stand for those who are going through tough times and need the support of others.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
"To be or not to be..."
In Oliver's version of Hamlet's soliloquy, we see Hamlet on top of a castle near the edge as if he is going to commit suicide. We think this because Hamlet is undecisive about suffering or ending his life. He stares down at the ocean waves crashing against the castle various times. At one point he pulls out a dagger, looking at it as it can be the very weapon that kills him. But Hamlet drops the dagger and sees it as it falls into the waves. There a few music in the beginning of his soliloquy but I think it should have been played throughout the whole speech because it would of made it sound more real. The director is trying to convey that Hamlet is confused about going through the suffering.
In Zeffirelli's version of Hamlet's soliloquy, we witness Hamlet walking into the place where his father's tomb is and other royal people's tombs as well. The setting is a dark place with very little light. Hamlet is potryed with a more emotional character. He shows his emotions of suffering and expresses himself with the dead people inside their tombs. Since there is no music during that part it sets an emotional mood because we can see how Hamlet feels forreal about what he should do with his life.
In Branaugh's version of Hamlet's soliloquy, Hamlet is seen in a room all by himself facing a mirror. He talks to himself while he looks at the mirror the whole time which was very different compared to the other versions. In this version, Hamlet also pulls out a dagger nd points to the mirror as if he knew that Claudius was behind listening. The director also puts some soft music to go with the mysterious tone of Hamlet's voice and I believe that the director made Hamlet looked more determined to take revenge than be conflicted.
In Almereyda's version of Hamlet's soliloquy, the setting takes place in a modern period such as in a blockbuster movie store. I wouldn't have expected his speech to take place in a movie store but it is also ironic because Hamlet is walking down the "action" section. That is ironic because it looks as it's used as a sign to see if Hamlet would take action to resolve his internal conflict. We also see how there's is a man walking through fire on one of the tv's which probably symbolizes the burn Hamlet feels inside.
In my opinion, Zefferilli's version is my favorite because the director really portrayed Hamlet's feelings and character in that scene. He shows how he wants to avenge his father's death but is conflicted with the idea of killing himself because he is suffering. Also Mel Gibson portrays the character of Hamlet very well. But that is my opinion, but everyone has their own point of view.
In Zeffirelli's version of Hamlet's soliloquy, we witness Hamlet walking into the place where his father's tomb is and other royal people's tombs as well. The setting is a dark place with very little light. Hamlet is potryed with a more emotional character. He shows his emotions of suffering and expresses himself with the dead people inside their tombs. Since there is no music during that part it sets an emotional mood because we can see how Hamlet feels forreal about what he should do with his life.
In Branaugh's version of Hamlet's soliloquy, Hamlet is seen in a room all by himself facing a mirror. He talks to himself while he looks at the mirror the whole time which was very different compared to the other versions. In this version, Hamlet also pulls out a dagger nd points to the mirror as if he knew that Claudius was behind listening. The director also puts some soft music to go with the mysterious tone of Hamlet's voice and I believe that the director made Hamlet looked more determined to take revenge than be conflicted.
In Almereyda's version of Hamlet's soliloquy, the setting takes place in a modern period such as in a blockbuster movie store. I wouldn't have expected his speech to take place in a movie store but it is also ironic because Hamlet is walking down the "action" section. That is ironic because it looks as it's used as a sign to see if Hamlet would take action to resolve his internal conflict. We also see how there's is a man walking through fire on one of the tv's which probably symbolizes the burn Hamlet feels inside.
In my opinion, Zefferilli's version is my favorite because the director really portrayed Hamlet's feelings and character in that scene. He shows how he wants to avenge his father's death but is conflicted with the idea of killing himself because he is suffering. Also Mel Gibson portrays the character of Hamlet very well. But that is my opinion, but everyone has their own point of view.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Hamlet: The First Ghost Scene
In Hamlet, written by Shakespeare, an important encounter occurrs between Hamlet and the ghost of his dead father, King Hamlet. The reason for this encounter is for Hamlet to seek revenge of his father's death. We learn that Hamlet's uncle, Claudius killed his own brother by pouring poison into his ear while he was resting. In each of the three versions we watched during class, there are differences in their interpretation of Shakespeare's novel. Although each version has the same conversation between the characters there are differences in their setting. In Zeffirelli's version of Hamlet, King Hamlet's ghost can not be seen wearing amor as stated in the novel. The ghost also speaks to his son in a sadly manner with much remorse of what happened to him. Their setting is different compared to the other versions as well because they speak in the keep of the castle. The ghost roams the castle differently to the other movies.
In the second version of Hamlet directed by Branagh their encounter is taken place in the woods after Hamlet is dragged by the ghost. In this version there are more special effects and a more frightening setting. The ghost of King Hamlet can actually be seen dressed in armor. The ghost talks in a more determined voice and serious. In this second version they show a flashback of how King Hamlet was poisoned through his ear by his brother.
In the third version of the ghost scene, it is very modern. It takes place in modern times in a skyscraper. The actor portraying Hamlet is younger and at the time he is in a room. The encounter with the ghost begins when his father is standing outside in the balcony. He is not wearing any type of armor but he is fully dressed in black. The ghost is carrying a hankerchief and at one point he puts it against Hamlet's ear.
In the second version of Hamlet directed by Branagh their encounter is taken place in the woods after Hamlet is dragged by the ghost. In this version there are more special effects and a more frightening setting. The ghost of King Hamlet can actually be seen dressed in armor. The ghost talks in a more determined voice and serious. In this second version they show a flashback of how King Hamlet was poisoned through his ear by his brother.
In the third version of the ghost scene, it is very modern. It takes place in modern times in a skyscraper. The actor portraying Hamlet is younger and at the time he is in a room. The encounter with the ghost begins when his father is standing outside in the balcony. He is not wearing any type of armor but he is fully dressed in black. The ghost is carrying a hankerchief and at one point he puts it against Hamlet's ear.
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