Hamlet: Response Journal

Response Journal for Act 1, scene 1 to Act 1, scene 5

1. -   I felt that the words that each character used make the play mysterious. And because of that, it made me feel curious about what is going to happen next. I felt that the play will become more intense and exciting since Hamlet already knew about the truth of this father’s death and the things that King Claudius did. I really wanted to know what Hamlet will do next.

2.

• The part where Laertes gave advice to his sister, Ophelia reminded me of the times when my sister gave me advice. My sister often gives me advice about school, studies, and things that she has passed through in her life, and I think that it is very useful.
•   When the soldiers warned Hamlet about the ghost, he did not listen. Instead, he followed his own decision and took the risk. There are many times in my life where people around me warned me not to do this and that. Sometimes I listen to them and sometimes I don’t. In some situation, I think we just need to do what we think it is the thing to do.
• I think I know how Hamlet felt when he knows that his uncle, King Claudius, is the one who killed his father. It reminds me of the time when one of my friend talked at the back of me. I never think that that friend of mine is going to do that since I never do anything bad to her. I think I felt the same way as Hamlet did when I found out about it.

3. -   In act 5, when the ghost said, “The serpent that did sting thy father’s life now wears his crown.” I think the meaning of this is that the person who killed his father is as dangerous and sly as a snake and that person is the one who is now wearing the crown (referring to King Claudius). I think this sentence is very cool because the way Shakespeare used the words told us that he was talking about King Claudius without mentioning his name.

4. -   I think the biggest problem I have is the language. Shakespeare uses Old English words and sometimes I just can’t figure out what he is trying to say.