Hamlet Videos

Zefferrelli's version of Hamlet is very different from the original script. There are deleted and added scenes, with the characters being much more passionate than I had ever imagined.
Branagh's version of Hamlet is performed exactly how the script was written, making it easier to follow along with the script. This made it more understandable for me.


Which you like best? Why?
The film I liked best was Branagh's version because it was easier to follow. If I can have a hard copy of something in front of me that follows the video verbatim, it makes it easier to understand.

Which do you think is more faithful to the spirit of the play as written and/or Shakespeare's view of theatre?
Branagh's version is more faithful to the spirit of the play written. It follows the script exactly. I think it is more faithful to Shakespeare's view of theatre because he wrote this play and would probably want it acted out as he had written it--it was written the way he wrote it for a reason.

Hamlet

Hamlet's Personality: Hamlet has an obsession over getting revenge for his father's death by killing Claudius. Hamlet is a thoughtful, reflective, philisophical man, but is also indecisive and hesitant.

Message of the play: The message is the play to me was that no matter what you do, what goes around comes around. Though Hamlet got revenge on Claudius for killing his father, Hamlet himself was killed also. In addition, Hamlet's mother assisted in King Hamlet's death, and at the end of the play, she dies herself. The dramatic elements are all very important in understanding this--or any other play. Without each of these elements, the play would cease to exist.

I think the message of this play is that no matter what, families need to stick together and work things out to protect family history. In my family there are issues such as who gets what when someone dies, and I know from experience that it is a hastle, espcially when money is involved like in this play. Protecting the family history is very important.

The elements of the play such as character, structure, staging, tone, theme contribute to the understanding and appreciation of the play because without these elements, it would not be a play. All of these play a major role in the way the play is perceived. If the characters are unstructured, interest would be immediately lost. Without the staging and setting, it would be very difficult to imagine what time period the play is, and most of all, it would probably be boring. The theme is most important element because every story needs a theme to keep the audience engaged.

Reactions to "Trifles" & "Sure Thing"

"Trifles"
The significance of this title is that women are always worried about minute litthe things in their day, not always the bigger issue or concern. With the death of her husband, Mrs. Wright is more concerned with her quilting and whether or not her jars of fruit have exploded or not than about her dead husband upstairs.

"Sure Thing"
The significance of this title is that at the beginning of the play, Bill kept saying to Betty, "Sure thing" at the end of the conversation. No matter what Betty said, Bill would reply with, "Sure thing." This shows that he is neither concerned or unconcerned with what Betty thinks of him.

Suggestions about the nature of human relationships:
This tells me that human relationships can be totally different for each person, depending on the situation. Mrs. Hale is more sympathetic towards Mrs. Wright, and Mrs. Peters is suspicious. This could because Mrs. Hale has knowng Mrs. Wright for many years and Mrs. Peters hasn't.

Do you agree or disagree with this message?
I agree with this message. Perception is a huge part of how we see people compared to other people's views.