Journal Entry 12-14-12

I am not the surprised by Hamlets reaction. I knew that he would be horrified to hear about Ophelia's death. But he is also not being that dramatic which also makes sense. This makes sense because he has changed since he has returned from England. He has become more calm and less "crazy" in his time away. This is why i think the reaction fits what i would expect from Hamlet. There is also some competition between Laertes and Hamlet because they both claim to love her more. I think they are both entitled to say they love her but i can also see why Laertes would be angry. Especially after Hamlet killed his father. They all have a right to grieve, Hamlet included, because Ophelia was present and meant something in their lives. Overall i think Shakespeare wrote an accurate reaction to Ophelia's death.

Journal Entry 12-13-12

What is the significance of Hamlet's pondering the skulls in the graveyard? What does he take away from this?

Dear Diary,

This is a very significant part in the story for a couple of reasons. First of all it is ironic because the gravedigger does not know that it is Prince Hamlet that is watching him dig the grave, and Hamlet does not realize that he is digging a grave for Ophelia. I think this is important because Hamlet would not come to the realization he does if he knew the situation. Hamlet picks up the skull and is surprised when the gravedigger told him that used to be the kings jester. He is so surprised because he knew the jester and never thought he would turn into such nothingness. This causes Hamlet to come to the realization that is everyone will eventually turn into dust. This made me think that he is coming to the realization that life is not that important because everyone will die and be forgotten. This may have effected his reaction when realizing Ophelia has died.

Journal Entry 12-10-12

How do you characterize Ophelia?

Ophelia is a confusing character. It is hard to tell what her exact purpose in the book is. Most of the time i think she is there to give further insight into the life of Hamlet, while at other times i think she is very unnecessary. Overall i think her role is going to turn into more of a significant one in which she develops a close relationship with Hamlet.

How would Hamlet characterize Ophelia? Do you agree with him?

I believe Hamlet would characterize Ophelia in a similar way. Someone is very significant at times to his life. But at other times not important at all. He tells her she is both of these within a couple lines in the book during Act 3 Scene 1, line 110-114. He explains that he once loved her but does not give definitive evidence that he still does or not.

What does she bring to the unfolding of the story? What function or purpose does she serve?

Currently, she does not seem to have that important a part in the book when considering Hamlet. I believe she will begin to take on a very significant role as the book continues. After Polonius's death she especially seems to be lost, but i think this will turn into a self enlightenment in which she is her own person instead of taking orders from her father like she once did.