How Does the Setting Affect the Character

The setting for the most part takes place in the Castle in Elsinor. This has an affect on Hamlet's actions and behaviour. The castle gives him the perfect place to be alone and think. He is able to plot and plan, perhaps too much. If he had been in a say more distracting, open environment or one where he was in closer quarters with others he may have spent less time plotting and would have challenged Claudius right off the bat. The labyrinth of tunnels, halls, high up vantage points and concealed niches also allows Hamlet the opportunity to effectively spy and listen in on others. In the film he hides and sees Rosencrantz and Guildenstern  go directly to report to the king after leaving his own company, prompting him to be even more suspicious of them. He also overhears Ophelia agree to Polonius's demand that she stay away from Hamlet. This perhaps influences the prince's to decision to pretend to be mad. He may have thought that Ophelia did not care for him all that much and so, pretending to be insane would not affect her detrimentally. Elsinor as a setting also acts as a trap for Hamlet. It forces him constantly be reminded of the duty he must perform. If he were outside of Denmark or even in a different place as the King and Queen he may have been able to think more clearly and possibly come up with a proper plan of action to get back his throne. Finally, the grey walls of the castle and it's dimly lit interior create a rather dark atmosphere which may have helped fuel Hamlet's anger and his depression in which he contemplates suicide.

Were his Actions Appropriate?

Hamlet's (in the film) were very much appropriate. He shows a depressed manner in the opening of the film as one would expect of an individual e=who had just lost his father. Throughout the rest of the movie, Hamlet is energetic in his 'madness' (again as expected, he's having fun with it) and often adopts an angry, frustrated manner during many of of his moments of private contemplation (soliloquies) as he plots and plans, sometimes even shouting out his words to the audience. This is exactly appropriate behaviour for an angry young man seeking revenge for his father but frustrated by the obstacles thrown in his path by his own self because of his subconscious fear to carry out the deed and challenge his uncle. The Hamlet of the film also shows the appropriate behaviour towards his mother (perhaps except for the evident incestuous undertones which may or may not be implied in the play). He often talks to her with a derisive tone of voice. When reading the play Hamlet's loathing of his mother for marrying Claudius so shortly after the death of her husband is very apparent. As such it is expected that he would talk to her in the manner seen in the film, angry and emotional. Thus, it can be confidently be concluded that in the movie, the character of Hamlet performs no actions and acts in no manner which falls outside what could be expected of him by reading the play.

Was the Choice of Actor a Good One?

Yes, the choice of Mel Gibson to play Hamlet was a good one. He is (at the time of the film) the right age the right age to be believed as being a young prince just returned from university in Germany. Gibson is not too thin or too well built and has the sort of light footed energetic quality one might imagine in Hamlet (as opposed to say Macbeth in which the audience imagines an older more weathered and experienced warrior). He is also able to show the varying emotional states which are adopted by the character in the play. He shows jubilation when he sees his uncle's reaction to the travelling performer's play and a witty, maddening (teasing, to the audience who knows he's only faking madness) display toward Polonius in the library to name a few examples. Gibson also handles Hamlet's frequent soliloquies very well, often shouting and showing anger and despair to illustrate the character's internal conflicts, struggles and thoughts. Mel Gibson was therefore, a very good choice for the part of Hamlet. His build, age, energy and emotion (especially the use of facial expressions) capture the character perfectly and help to portray his personality.

Hamlet's Obituary

Hamlet was popular through much of Denmark and was well respected by those close to him. However, he had one really major flaw, he was a procrastinator. As King Hamlet's son the throne was rightfully his. Not only did Claudius illegally make himself king, but the circumstances in which the late king died are very suspicious. Let's not also forget that her first husband's body was barely cold before the Queen, Prince Hamlet's own mother married Claudius. Hamlet therefore had more than enough reason to publicly confront his uncle and demand the crown. The people of Denmark would support him. Instead, Hamlet plotted and planned, worried and waited. He ended up accidentally killing Polonius, and driving Ophelia to first madness and then death. He only finally plucked up the courage to drive a sword through Claudius's treacherous heart after is own death was already sealed.

Entire Royal Family Dead! Prince of Norway the New King

In a cruel twist of fate, what was supposed to be a harmless fencing match turned tragic as wanton hate, murder, and deceit broke in the open. The duel started with Hamlet apologizing to Laertes for killing his father and ended with the Queen, King, Laertes and Hamlet dead. The Queen was the first to fall after drinking from a cup prof-erred to Hamlet by the King. After being wounded by Laertes with a poisoned sword and Laertes being cut with the same weapon Laertes confessed the entire plot; "It is here, Hamlet. Hamlet, thou art slain. /No medicine in the world can do thee good. /In thee there is not half an hour of life. /The treacherous instrument is in thy hand, /Unbated and envenomed. The foul practice /Hath turned itself on me. Lo, here I lie, /Never to rise again. Thy mother’s poisoned. /I can no more. The king, the king’s to blame" (V.i.309-316). Upon hearing this dire new Hamlet turned on the king and with a bellow of pure unrestrained rage and anger ran him through upon the same poinoned sword. Exhausted, Hamlet fell back into Horatio's arms and quietly told him that Fortinbras will be the new king. His last words were "Horatio, I am dead".

Sinister Intentions Behind Duel

As you may have heard, our good Prince Hamlet is set to duel Laertes tomorrow morning. We have all been promised a spectacle both entertaining and fair. All a bit of good fun. Or is it?

Laertes and Prince Set to Duel

Get ready for the sporting event of the year! Prince Hamlet and Laertes, son of the deceased Polonius are squaring off tomorrow in what promises to be one of the most exciting duels Elsinore has ever seen. Laertes is out to avenge the death of his father and you can be assured there will a ton of furious energy behind his sword. However, Hamlet fans need not worry, this is merely a friendly bout, all rules and regulations will be abided by. Our prince is in no danger. Come out tomorrow and enjoy the spectacle!

Hamlet Unexpectedly Returns, Finds Lover Dead!

Our dear Prince Hamlet has returned! But what a sad return it is to come home to his lover dead. Some have said that it was his own fault because of the complex twist of events that have unfolded previously. If Hamlet had been bold enough to exercise his revenge on Claudius upon his discovery of his father's murder none of this would have happened. If he had done the dead then he would not have mistakenly killed Polonius, his lover's father, nor would he have been sent to the dump of a country England. If neither of these had happened she may not have been driven mad or killed herself. After Hamlets return and discovery of her death he exclaims "I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers /Could not with all their quantity of love /Make up my sum." (V.i.47-49). It has long been under suspicion whether actually loved Ophelia but now we actually know, he loved her dearly and her death indeed caused him much grief.

Mad Peasant Girl Drowns

Poor Ophelia, was driven to insanity by her father's death and her lover, Hamlet's leaving to England. With no real purpose left to her in the castle, Ophelia transcended from a fair maiden to madness. She finally ended her life in the watery embrace of the river. Was it accident or suicide? I think we all know the answer.

Hamlet Journeys to England

Hamlet set off for England today along with his friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

Murder in the Royal Bed Chambers!!!!!

Murder Most Foul! Last night Prince Hamlet came running into his mother's bed chambers. Upon learning that she wished to tell him off for 'insulting' the King became angry and told her that she "shall not budge:/ You go not, till I set up a glass/ Where you may see the inmost part of you". Though it would seem he only wished to show her the how marrying Claudius was a betrayal, the Queen thought Hamlet may harm her and was reported to have cried "What wilt thou do? thou wilt not murder me\/ Help, help ho!" At this point, the king's advisor Polonius who was spying from behind a tapestry began the cry for help too. Hamlet seized by fury drove his sword through the tapestry taking poor Polonius's life. Why would the Prince do such a thing? Many whispers have been circulating that after Hamlet stabbed his sword he as "is it the king?". It can therefore be concluded that he believed Claudius was hiding behind the tapestry. Is Hamlet acting on the word of an alleged ghost, or is he finally just tired of living in Claudius's shadow? Maybe he's simply mad.

Motive aside, there are now some serious issues with which the Prince must contend. What will Laertes do once he finds his father dead and Hamlet responsible? Will Hamlet be branded a murderer? Will Claudius think this incident the act of a madman or will he realize that perhaps Hamlet is out to kill him? How will Ophelia (Hamlet's lover, and Polonius's daughter) feel about all this? One things for certain things will never be the same for the Prince after this.

Kings Unexpected Reaction to Play

          The play put on by the traveling entertainers and jesters with the help of Hamlet was a great success except for the unexpected reactions by the king. The play, chosen and named by Hamlet, The Mousetrap, was about a man who murdered his king by pouring poison in his ear and stealing the crown for himself. The King seemed shocked and very out of sorts. He quickly called the play off and fled to his chambers and was overheard saying some shocking things to himself, people must learn that the walls have ears. Our source has told us that he heard King Clauduis admit to himself to murdering the previous King! Saying "Oh, my offence is rank. It smells to heaven. /It hath the primal eldest curse upon ’t, / A brother’s murder." (III.iii.37-39). Grave news indeed. Our informant was also witness to Hamlet watching the king, with a look of pure hatred and vengence in his eyes! He even drew his sword. The spy thought Hamlet was going to kill the King right then and there but instead overheard him saying "To take him in the purging of his soul/ When he is fit and seasoned for his passage? /No.

/Up, sword, and know thou a more horrid hent. /When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage, /Or in th' incestuous pleasure of his bed, /At game a-swearing, or about some act /That has no relish of salvation in ’t— /Then trip him, that his heels may kick at heaven, /And that his soul may be as damned and black

As hell, whereto it goes" (III.iii.86-96).

 

          If I was Hamlet I would have killed him. It only seems like he is procrastinating, and putting it off. He was just making excuses to do it later. Procrastination is a pretty glaring flaw, somewhat tragic actually.

Roaming Entertainers Arrive at Castle

It is that time of year! The travelling entertainers have returned to Elsinore and we can expect a good show all round. According to our royal observers, Hamlet looked especially overjoyed. Maybe a good comedy or tragedy will be just the thing to help cure what 'ails' him.

Is Our Dear Prince Mad? An Inside Source Says Otherwise

Perhaps you have noticed that lately our dear prince has been acting in a somewhat odd manner. Many rumours are flying around that he has in fact gone crazy as a result of the grief and stress from his father’s death. However, we have it from a reliable source close to Prince Hamlet that his actions are in fact all a façade. Apparently after meeting with the mysterious ghost (mentioned in previous articles) our prince decided “to put an antic disposition on” (75). Why? We can only assume it is part of some elaborate plan, perhaps to spy on our beloved king? After all was his ascension to the throne not suspicious? 

Six Scribes Arrested In Drug Scandal!

Last night marked one of the biggest drug raids in Elsinore since the Beowulf wolfs-bane scandal of 1006. Six of the kings scribes were taken to the castle dungeons after being caught trafficking thirty pounds of frankincense, and eight pounds of death cap mushrooms. After a few hours in the torture chamber, castle authorities were able to glean from one of the scribes the location of the rest of their drug stockpile. In an abonded storeroom deep below the great hall guards found over 1000 pounds of wolfs-bane, 500 pounds of toad slime and a pound of pepper cloves. Further inspection also revealed an entire mushroom plantation. What's to be done with those guilty? The captain of the palace guards issued an official statement saying "All those arrested will be hung drawn and quartered in a public spectacle"
Good to know the system still works.

Prince Hamlet's Own Ghostly Encounter, We reveal All!

I walked down the dimly lit corridor, the only sound, that of my footsteps on the flagstones. My shadow formed strange twisting creatures in the flickering light of the torches mounted on the walls. I hastened my pace and arrived at an ancient oak door. With a nervous tremor I knocked. "Come in" came a disembodied voice. Slowly I slid the door open to reveal a Spartan room with one chair near the entrance way and another occupied one, hidden in the shadows of the far corner. The figure gestured for me to take a seat.

"I will remain in the shadows for anonymity" he said. Slowly I seated my self in the chair, and took out my quill and parchment. The strange speaker was silent for a few minutes and then he said,

"Where's my payment?"

I tossed him a bag of coins. He caught it deftly, weighed the bag in his hands, nodded and then evenly began to speak, 

Last night I saw Hamlet meet a ghost. It was from a distance but I was able to here snatches of their conversation and lip read the rest...."

According to this mysterious informant the ghost is in fact that of our beloved late ruler, King Hamlet. Poor Prince Hamlet appeared shocked when the ghoul told him he was "thy father's spirit" and even more so after hearing what the apparition had to say. Not only did the deceased king tell Hamlet to "Revenge his foul and most most unnatural murder" (yes, murder!) but that the murderer himself, "The serpent that did sting thy father's life/ Now wears his crown"(66-67). Needless to say that the Prince left that meeting with a very angry and determined look. Did our illustrious leader, Claudius really kill King Hamlet? If Hamlet believes so will he act upon it? We will just have to keep watching as events unfold and find out.

Ghost Sighted on the North Battlements

A sudden rash of ghost sightings have swept the northern battlements of the castle over the last few nights. We interviewed two of the guardsmen who reported sighting this ghoulish apparition, Marcellus and Bernardo.

Me: "So what exactly did you see?"
Marcellus: "Twice seen of us this dreaded sight"
Me: "You mean the ghost?"
Marcellus: "Yes"
Me: "What did it look like?"
Bernardo: "Like the king that's dead"
Me: King Hamlet?!
Marcellus: "Yes, like the late king"
Me: "What did it do? Did it say anything? Did you speak with it?"
Bernardo: "Horatio charged it to speak, and it looked as if it was about to say something but the cockerel crowed, signalling dawn and the apparition vanished."
Me: "Why have you not gone to King Claudius about this?"
Bernardo: "Horatio suggested we go to Hamlet instead..."
Marcellus: "I mean it was his father, and well I would never speak poorly of our great King Claudius, but his ascension to the throne was, well...."
Me:" I see. Gentlemen thank you for your time, this is a most intriguing occurrence indeed."

Is the ghost of the dead king really roaming the battlements at night? How will Hamlet react to such a story? We will keep you informed as events unfold.

Wedding Anouncment

         Our glorious Monarch, Queen Gertrude, has agreeed to marry His magesty Claudius in order to once again unite this great country under a united leadership. The wedding is controvertial however, the queen marrying so soon after the death of her husband. Is it even possible to fall in love that soon? Many people, including Prince Hamlet himself, openly voice the opinion that they are not marrying for love and that Claudius is doing it merely for power. There are also whispers of a darker plot. Some have said that the marriage may be linked to the death of our beloved king Hamlet, saying that perhaps there had been an afair before his death and some dare to go further, hinting at a murder.
        Our dear Hamlet seems to have been effected drastically by this cumulation of his father's recent marriage and his mother's marriage which he openly voices to have been to soon. Rumours say that it may be driving him mad. Hamlet was openly outraged by the sight of his mother and the new King Claudius together and was overheard ranting "frailty thy name is woman", advertising his open disgust with his mother, even going on to talk about suicide.

King Hamlet Dead! Brother Claudius Crowned!

A terrible silence decended upon the castle tonight as the king's body was discovered on a bench in his personal garden today. A cause of death has been indiscernible as of yet as there is no sign of any wounds or bruising. His passing may be the result of natural aging or possibly previous medical ailments. He did have some strange substance in his ear though. The effects of his death are yet to be seen.