We began class today with Kaitlyn asking Mr Lazarow for advice on her love life and he actually gave her some without insulting her. This discussion launched us into how he met his wife and what and what not to quote from Shakespeare to a girl.
We then got down to business, and Mr Laz discussed the essay on the quote that's due on Monday. The essay must be 1-1 1/2 pages long and be about whether you agree with the person's choice as to whether or not that quote is the most important quote ever.
Then we talked about the newer essay. This one is on the 5 Hamlet soliloquies. it is to be based on the different elements on what a performance is made up on and must have a paragraph on each element that is mentioned.
After all that, we discussed hamlet Act 3 Scene 1.
-Mike "Danger" Rudolph
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Class Minutes 2/26
Today in class we watched the last Hamlet movie. For the essay you need to pick your favorite and least favorite and compare and contrast the two. Make sure they are comparable. Pick three to five of the strongest elements to use to compare the two versions you pick. You must have a thesis statement at the beginning of your paper. He made that very clear. The essay is due March 13.
-jimmy rhoads
-jimmy rhoads
A Rarity: Watchmen creator Alan Moore interviewed!
Check out this link:
http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/17-03/ff_moore_qa?currentPage=all
Alan Moore's interview with WIRED magazine on superheroes, Watchmen, comic book-film adaptations, etc. Some very interesting moments...
LAZ
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Class Minutes 2/25/09
Today we watched the second, third and fourth movies about the soliloquy of Hamlet. For this assignment we are to pick our two most favorite versions of the soliloquy and explain why we chose them and also explain the criteria we used to rate them. To make it easier for all of us to get a good grade we should discuss the different versions here on the blog, since we do not have much time to talk about them in class. Our table paper is due next monday March the second.
-Piero Benites
-Piero Benites
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Class Minutes 2/24/09
Today we got an extra credit opportunity for our tables. We can wear them and take notes until the end of Hamlet and then we are given a writing assignment. In order to receive the extra credit we can not be caught without our tables.
We also began our assignment for Act II in Hamlet. We watched Hamlet's soliloquy depicted in Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet and analyzed and took notes on the scene. Our task is to write an essay comparing and contrasting two of these scenes as depicted by different performances.
Also our quote paper from Act I is due on Monday
-Andrew Burke
We also began our assignment for Act II in Hamlet. We watched Hamlet's soliloquy depicted in Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet and analyzed and took notes on the scene. Our task is to write an essay comparing and contrasting two of these scenes as depicted by different performances.
Also our quote paper from Act I is due on Monday
-Andrew Burke
Thursday, February 19, 2009
An Update
On Wednesday we talked about Hamlet, obviously. First, Hamlet claims that he sees no joy in the world, including people. In reality this is one of his many lies (seemingly an explaination for his insanity) to cause confusion. We also discussed the concept derived from Genesis, Hamlet basically says that even though we are the most complicated form of dust, we are still dust. We also see the beginning signs that Hamlet's tradgic flaw is pride (because Hamlet thinks he's so much smarter than everyone else, he is willing to tell the truth to those he doesnt think will catch on).
Today we talk about the significance of the actors. The actors are the perfect symbol for the theme appearance versus reality. In Shakespeare's play he has actors playing actors. The reason why the actors were traveling was that they didn't have a theater to preform in, there was a new fad of children preforming in plays. This is a brief part of Hamlet that is commonly left out in plays. In addition, Hamlet asks the first actor to recite part of the Aenied, the death of Priam. Priam was the old king of Troy and was surrounded by Greek soldiers while Troy was being destroyed. Pyrrhus decides that he is going to be the one to kill Priam. Priam and Pyrrhus are sword fighting and Pyrrhus unarms Priam, and Pyrrhus knocks Priam down. A honorable person would let Priam get up and get his sword but Pyrrhus decides he is just going to kill Priam anyway. Suddenly many surrounding buildings collapse and deafen Pyrrhus for a short time, giving him ample time to rethink killing the king in such a brutal manner, he still kills the king. As a side note, Pyrrhus was described to be covered in blood and soot (giving him a devil like resemblance). Hecuba, Priam's wife, comes out immediately after Priam's death. At the sight of Priam's death she screams and cries in anguish so loud that the gods hear, and the gods feel her sorrow and weep as well. Since kings are chosen by the gods, killing Priam in such an inhonorable way was one of the worst things a man could do.
And yeah guys, Tanya's right we do suck at these notes, its been a week since anyone has posted anything.
Today we talk about the significance of the actors. The actors are the perfect symbol for the theme appearance versus reality. In Shakespeare's play he has actors playing actors. The reason why the actors were traveling was that they didn't have a theater to preform in, there was a new fad of children preforming in plays. This is a brief part of Hamlet that is commonly left out in plays. In addition, Hamlet asks the first actor to recite part of the Aenied, the death of Priam. Priam was the old king of Troy and was surrounded by Greek soldiers while Troy was being destroyed. Pyrrhus decides that he is going to be the one to kill Priam. Priam and Pyrrhus are sword fighting and Pyrrhus unarms Priam, and Pyrrhus knocks Priam down. A honorable person would let Priam get up and get his sword but Pyrrhus decides he is just going to kill Priam anyway. Suddenly many surrounding buildings collapse and deafen Pyrrhus for a short time, giving him ample time to rethink killing the king in such a brutal manner, he still kills the king. As a side note, Pyrrhus was described to be covered in blood and soot (giving him a devil like resemblance). Hecuba, Priam's wife, comes out immediately after Priam's death. At the sight of Priam's death she screams and cries in anguish so loud that the gods hear, and the gods feel her sorrow and weep as well. Since kings are chosen by the gods, killing Priam in such an inhonorable way was one of the worst things a man could do.
And yeah guys, Tanya's right we do suck at these notes, its been a week since anyone has posted anything.
why do we suck at the blog?
HELLO, we never post notes on here..why?
could someone please put up some key things we talked about today in class and on Tuesday. I would reaaaally appreciate it!
thanks:)
Tanya
could someone please put up some key things we talked about today in class and on Tuesday. I would reaaaally appreciate it!
thanks:)
Tanya
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Class Minutes 2/12/09
Today in class we started with the quote by Hamlet, "Why, then, 'ts none to you, for there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. To me, it is a prison."
The prison he is referring to is Denmark.
Hamlet has seen the outside world and feels that Denmark is his prison.
From that point on we got into a discussion on Philosophy.
(Before I get any farther, I would like to say this is probably the best class I've ever had.)
We spent the rest of class talking about mostly Theoretical Philosophy. This includes metaphysics, beliefs about reality, and logic, the technique of reasoning.
Mr. Lazarow led the discussion, mainly focusing on one's perception of reality. He challenged us with questions about the meaning of words, why they are accepted as words, and who's to say these words truly represent the actual object. He gave us the example of a "stapler." How can we truly determine that the object known as a stapler should be called a "stapler." He challenged us with many more examples and questions, but it all came down to one's personal belief and one's perception of the reality.
A stapler can be nothing. A stapler can be everything.
Jordan Levy
The prison he is referring to is Denmark.
Hamlet has seen the outside world and feels that Denmark is his prison.
From that point on we got into a discussion on Philosophy.
(Before I get any farther, I would like to say this is probably the best class I've ever had.)
We spent the rest of class talking about mostly Theoretical Philosophy. This includes metaphysics, beliefs about reality, and logic, the technique of reasoning.
Mr. Lazarow led the discussion, mainly focusing on one's perception of reality. He challenged us with questions about the meaning of words, why they are accepted as words, and who's to say these words truly represent the actual object. He gave us the example of a "stapler." How can we truly determine that the object known as a stapler should be called a "stapler." He challenged us with many more examples and questions, but it all came down to one's personal belief and one's perception of the reality.
A stapler can be nothing. A stapler can be everything.
Jordan Levy
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
notes
Kaitlyn and Jordan acted out the scene from Act 2 Scene 1 that was described by Ophelia to Polonious. Jordan, as Hamlet, acted crazy and fascinated in Ophelia. Hamlet was not naked.
Why was this scene not acted out and the scene with Ophelia and her father was?
-because the audience knows that Hamlet will be crazy and it builds suspicion for the audience to create their own opinion of the situation
-shows naivety of Ophelia (who is upset and will exaggerate the real happenings)
A couple weeks go by from when Laertes is sent to Paris, this allows Hamlet to realize what is going on with him and Ophelia.
The whole point of going crazy towards Ophelia is for her to tell Polonious who will tell the King and so Hamlet does not have to.
Hamlet is a tragic hero who has allies: one being Ophelia, who should stand by his side
Another theme in the play is the Old characters vs. the Young characters (Generational Warfare) because it is all about identity and how a young individual changes depending on who they are around and what they want from the situation.
-the older characters (Polonious, Gertrude, and Claudius) want obedience, respect, and they want to be in control of the the younger characters (Ophelia, Hamlet, Laertes)
Act 1 Scene 2
Does the fact that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern tell Hamlet why they are there make them on Hamlets side?
-no
They are being bribed to watch over Hamlet and see what is wrong with him
Why does Hamlet talk to Polonious like he doesn't know about Ophelia?
-it brings some comedy into the tragic mind set of the audience and allows comparisons, they become indifferent to it [garden of Eden: tree of knowledge of good and evil (recognizable elements)]
Tanya
Why was this scene not acted out and the scene with Ophelia and her father was?
-because the audience knows that Hamlet will be crazy and it builds suspicion for the audience to create their own opinion of the situation
-shows naivety of Ophelia (who is upset and will exaggerate the real happenings)
A couple weeks go by from when Laertes is sent to Paris, this allows Hamlet to realize what is going on with him and Ophelia.
The whole point of going crazy towards Ophelia is for her to tell Polonious who will tell the King and so Hamlet does not have to.
Hamlet is a tragic hero who has allies: one being Ophelia, who should stand by his side
Another theme in the play is the Old characters vs. the Young characters (Generational Warfare) because it is all about identity and how a young individual changes depending on who they are around and what they want from the situation.
-the older characters (Polonious, Gertrude, and Claudius) want obedience, respect, and they want to be in control of the the younger characters (Ophelia, Hamlet, Laertes)
Act 1 Scene 2
Does the fact that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern tell Hamlet why they are there make them on Hamlets side?
-no
They are being bribed to watch over Hamlet and see what is wrong with him
Why does Hamlet talk to Polonious like he doesn't know about Ophelia?
-it brings some comedy into the tragic mind set of the audience and allows comparisons, they become indifferent to it [garden of Eden: tree of knowledge of good and evil (recognizable elements)]
Tanya
Monday, February 9, 2009
Feb 9, 2009 Notes
Mr. Lazarow was at a convention over the weekend, leaving him fairly drained, that's why he wasn't on the prowl around the school today. Anyway, there was a panel that got canceled, stuff happened, and he took over the panel, got an interview afterward, and was subsequently hired to do a column for said interviewing party. There'll be a podcast of his interview up in about a week as of this date.
Aside from that, there was a class discussion on whether or not graphic novels should be taught as part of a curriculum. As a form of art, I agree whole-heartedly that it should be taught, but that's just me. There was something about Watchmen, but you'll need to ask another classmate for details or ask Mr. Lazarow.
We had a brief discussion of Hamlet regarding 2-1, discussing Polonius's methods of spying on his son. The technique he uses can be best summed up as "tell lies to get the truth," wherein the party that spies asks details of Laertes regarding his whereabouts, some of which can be slanderous, and, based on that, the people will either agree or disagree with said rumors.
Oh, and don't forget those tables.
~Ken
(Again, I suck at taking notes, so you may need someone else to fill you in on the details.)
Aside from that, there was a class discussion on whether or not graphic novels should be taught as part of a curriculum. As a form of art, I agree whole-heartedly that it should be taught, but that's just me. There was something about Watchmen, but you'll need to ask another classmate for details or ask Mr. Lazarow.
We had a brief discussion of Hamlet regarding 2-1, discussing Polonius's methods of spying on his son. The technique he uses can be best summed up as "tell lies to get the truth," wherein the party that spies asks details of Laertes regarding his whereabouts, some of which can be slanderous, and, based on that, the people will either agree or disagree with said rumors.
Oh, and don't forget those tables.
~Ken
(Again, I suck at taking notes, so you may need someone else to fill you in on the details.)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Minutes
We started class by analyzing lines 112-119 Act 1 Scene 5. From these lines Shakespear repeats his theme that some things are not as they seem. Hamlet also refers to his table to which he wrote down a revelation he had about Claudius, his father's murder.
In addition we discussed the renaissance man. A renaissance man is a type of person that is interested in everything, essentailly. The problem with reniassance men was that they would never know when they would come upon a revelation so they had to carry a table, something to jot notes down on. The concept of the reniassance man is relevant to our next project, which was assigned in class today.
The project is to start carrying a table. Our table will be a small notebook with yarn to hang the notebook around our necks. Mr. Lazarow stressed the importance of wearing the table at all times, even out of school (unless you are doing something that makes it impossible like playing a sport or at a formal event). The goal of the table is to record things that reveal important truths.
Mr. Lazarow also mentioned that he has AP Juniors that potentially can get extra credit for the discovery of a senior without the table. Also, he said that his children happen to enjoy catching seniors without their tables, so watch out.
We will be wearing the tables for atleast 2 weeks starting on Monday.
Sean Hogan
In addition we discussed the renaissance man. A renaissance man is a type of person that is interested in everything, essentailly. The problem with reniassance men was that they would never know when they would come upon a revelation so they had to carry a table, something to jot notes down on. The concept of the reniassance man is relevant to our next project, which was assigned in class today.
The project is to start carrying a table. Our table will be a small notebook with yarn to hang the notebook around our necks. Mr. Lazarow stressed the importance of wearing the table at all times, even out of school (unless you are doing something that makes it impossible like playing a sport or at a formal event). The goal of the table is to record things that reveal important truths.
Mr. Lazarow also mentioned that he has AP Juniors that potentially can get extra credit for the discovery of a senior without the table. Also, he said that his children happen to enjoy catching seniors without their tables, so watch out.
We will be wearing the tables for atleast 2 weeks starting on Monday.
Sean Hogan
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
HAMLET class notes 2/4/09
Hey guys! So I know we all can do a lot better on the blog this semester. We all probably could use the points anyways...let's be real. So, let's do it..because I'm going to need these notes for the final.
Well anyway, here's the notes for today's class.
Continuing discussion of Act 1, Scene 5 from Hamlet.
- Why do they try to get away from Old Hamlet's voice? (He kept saying SWEAR!)
They are just getting scared.
-Horatio & Marcellus don't know what was discussed between Young Hamlet & the ghost.
-They have never heard the ghost speak before.
-It's telling them what to do.
-The voice is following them around, to where they sit.
(They keep moving because YH needs to be sure they will not tell his secret, so they keep starting to say the oath.)
They are swearing by sword - because of the CROSS.
Spiritual oath - "swear to God".
They promise to not talk about seeing the ghost.
(YH does not want word of the ghost to get back to Claudius.)
-Because then Claudius will know that people know the truth of what happened, and in turn YH might be killed because he knows the truth of the situation.
Hamlet does not discuss the details of the conversation with the ghost, but he says things are going to be changing.
"Antic disposition" - Hamlet might act a bit crazy.
*He tells them to act normal, or worried.
*They can not let on at all that they know why he is acting crazy.
This is what is discussed between OH (The ghost) and YH, and also YH's Plan:
Old Hamlet wants Young Hamlet to avenge him.
Hamlet thinks that by acting crazy he'll be able to say what he wants/ and act how he wants.
His theory is:
* crazy people get left alone.
* I'll be able to do what I want, when I want, without questions being asked.
However, acting crazy might lead YH to actually becoming crazy.
(Keep in mind that this is a play about Identity, and this play is a lot about the character development of Young Hamlet. He is trying to figure out who he is, by playing with a lot of different options and choices he has.)
Vengeance:
- Revenge is now Hamlet's responsibility.
-This is a new thing for Hamlet, because he has not had to take responsibility in his life before because he is thirty years old, and still a student. He is escaping responsibility by staying in school.
The ghost gives 3 instructions:
-Kill Claudius (avenge me)
- Stay focused on your task / do not have a tainted mind
-Don't hurt your mother.
* Even though she had an affair, she already feels really guilty.
* "Leave her to heaven", God will be the one to judge Gertrude
* She still can repent, but it is her responsibility.
YH will probably mess up the rule that he is not supposed to hurt her, because he is already messing up the one to not have a tainted mind by creating the whole plan to act crazy.
The plan to act crazy is extremely convenient because YH has so much going on right now in his life, it would make sense for him to be a little bit crazy.
-Is this really the actual ghost of Old Hamlet?
* we are allowed to challenge this, but in the text YH is satisfied with thinking this is the ghost of his father.
-How do the people think OH died?
* people think that OH died by a snake bite, when he was relaxing in his garden.
- reference to Adam & Eve
- Next chapter in that book HAPPENS to be about a brother killing a brother.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND THROUGHOUT TEXT:
1. That which you see is not always what is right or true.
2. Is Claudius really at fault for the death of Old Hamlet?
3. Talk of EARS (which is a reference to YH's death.)
~Ellen Hassinger
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