Toni, Emily, Jenny and I
Fate is a huge factor in the lives of fictional characters. Film adaptations portray fate differently than books. Both film adaptations show Hamlet's struggle with the choice of whether or not to avenge his father's death by killing his uncle. Hamlet appears to have a choice but when circumstances change does he really? The way the ghost is portrayed in the films has some bearing. In the classic version, the ghost in imperial and cold to Hamlet, giving him orders like a guard. In the modern adaptation set in New York, the ghost comes down to hamlet's level and they appear to love each other. At the end of the scene they embrace. Hamlet's life seems to continually be out of his control. His fate is determined by outside forces such as his father's ghost, Claudius's plots and almost everyone's spying. Fate is when someone or something else's actions determine the outcome of a portion of the subject's life. how often does Hamlet take the initiative in his own life? How does this affect others? What other characters seem to play a supporting role in their own lives?

Theme statements

Use this classroom webpage for instructions on theme statements.
http://www.whslions.net/english/2-honors/theme-statements/

Once you have taken some time to practice writing theme statements, record one theme statement in the comments. Include the title and author of the work.

Old World vs. New World

Prompt: How does Hamlet in each film adaptation show how he handles old world vs. new world views?

            Text: Everyone is expected to take action during the text. Hamlet thinks he has to immediately get revenge in order to honor his father and himself. When Hamlet questions his actions and their morals , it shows more modern views. The combination of these makes him indecisive.

            Old Film: Theme of woman oppression and fighting. There is more description and it’s directly stated, ”Avenge Me.” The newer view of the old film shows philosophical thoughts and Hamlet questions his everything during his soliloquy.

            New Film: Theme of vengeance. People during the movie directly assume Hamlet is insane and doubt he’ll be able to change. The newer view shows how society accepts new world relationships.

            Both Films: Hamlet is lost and acts confused and then like nothing is wrong. In all honesty, he actually is crazy.

Action vs Inaction

The Tragedy of Hamlet is centered on Hamlets ability to answer the question, “Is it possible to act in uncertain situations?”. In the book, Hamlet produces a play to reaffirm the theory of his uncle’s guilt. This action of producing a play, lead to a decrease of uncertainty in his greater action. His ability to reduce uncertainty shows that it is possible to act in uncertain situations. Both movies are rooted in this idea but illustrate it in different ways. Hawke’s portrayal of Hamlet shows the struggle as an internal conflict that is resolved through internal dialog. Borough’s perspective of Hamlet shows the struggle as an external conflict between different characters, which is resolved through external dialog. Are uncertain situations made more certain through action?

Loyalty

                                                                                                                                                                                         Audra Amaral

 In Hamlet the question of loyalty is raised. In this text we are shown that we owe our loyalty to our family and other close realtions. Hamlet struggles with this concept due to his own internal struggle with insecurities and self-doubt. He questions himself on whether to take revenge on his father's murder, or to take the easy way out of suicide. Finally Hamlet realizes that he needs to keep his father's honor and avenge his fathers death. Hamlet also shows us that loyalty constitutes several factors, such as passion, anger, fear, and love.

Out of the two movies, the 1996 portrayed Hamlet's loyalty more accurately, showing his inner turmoil with his loyalty. In these scenes Hamlet is shown to us as angry, upset and scared. The 2000 version was not as accurate because he did not come off as loyal and left us feeling that he was just confused. Regardless off how loyalty is depicted, knowing what we do about what constitutes it and where we owe it, what do you think happens when loyalties conflict?

Appearance vs. Reality

In the text of Hamlet, one may see many acts that the characters themselves play. Claudius, for example, acts as a great hero, stepping in as king, and marrying the widow, when in reality he is a murderer who stole the crown. Hamlet acts as if he is mad, but he may not have been as mad as he let on. Both of the film adaptations help to visualize the relationship between appearance and reality. Ophelia, as portrayed in the classic adaptation, refuses to look Hamlet in the eyes, and is hysterical when lying to him. But in the modern version, she only becomes upset when she is caught. Judging from these and other events in Hamlet, how do you think differences in appearance and reality might have affected the play's outcome?

Old World vs. New World

Both of the perspectives in new world and old world share the main point in showing the coming of age process. The way that they show similarities is the fact that hamlet has to make the biggest decision requiring the death of someone else or himself, and he must figure out what to do. There are some differences in the film versions however, such as how hamlet deals with his mental struggle like in the modern adaptation hamlet dresses like a bum, goes to bars and drinks, and also listens to his video diaries to hear his thoughts. However in the classic adaptation he uses a soliloquy in order for the audience to know how he is feeling and what he is thinking about doing. When Hamlet is plotting his plans does he truly understand the consequences of the decision he is about make?