Ferrell Blog - 1st Reading of Hamlet

 Well, we’re back to reading Shakespeare. I have to say I am a little disappointed to leave the romance, but hopefully this is interesting. I just want to say, poor Hamlet! Wow he is really being put through the ringer. His dad is dead, his mom and uncle are kind of THE WORST, and apparently his dad’s ghost is just walking around at night. I think Hamlet is better than me, because had my uncle (now also stepdad?) told me it was unmanly to grieve my dad, I would have decked him in the face. 

I should probably start from the beginning, so let’s go there for a second. We start on night patrol with some guards, who stumble upon the ghost of Hamlet’s dad. I think I would have been a little more freaked out if I saw a ghost, but they seemed pretty calm. I respect Horatio for actually trying to talk to the ghost, the other guys seemed a bit more hesitant. Then we hear about the young Fortinbras (what a name!) and his plan for taking back the lands that his father lost. This seems like it could hint at solipsism, maybe he should take a note from Chillingworth before trying to avenge his reputation. I think the first scene was a tad bit bland, so now let’s get onto some family drama. 

You cannot tell me that this story is not straight from a soap opera. I mean, the widow marrying her brother-in-law? Classic. Gertrude and Claudius are the worst. I mean the actual worst. Can they please just leave Hamlet alone and let him grieve? I think he has some time to mourn his dad before he has to take over the throne. I also feel bad for Hamlet. It sounds like his father was a good guy who loved his wife and his country, so it must stink seeing your mom get remarried so quickly. Gertrude also might have some issues of her own if she needs her son to stay with her and not go back to school (I dare say some attachment issues?). The last thing that I want to say before I talk about Hamlet learning of his dad’s ghost, I want to applaud Hamlet again. He is FUNNY. Like, “A little more than kin, and less than kind” (1.2. 65), My father’s brother, but on more like my father/than I to Hercules” (1.2. 152-153), and finally associating his mom with “incestuous sheets” (1.2. 157). Like go off Hamlet! 

We close this reading by learning about Hamlet’s reaction to his dad’s ghost. He wants to keep this a secret (I totally get it). I am eager to see what happens when Hamlet joins his buddies on patrol, and what happens with his egregious uncle and mother.