Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Act 2 Video Response - Due Friday, October 7


Objective: Watch the four passages from Branagh's Hamlet from Act 2 Scene 2 and argue which of the four videos (passages) is the most important in establishing Hamlet's state of mind.
Your critique should address Shakespeare's purpose and intent, as well as address Branagh's interpretation of the video, which must be based on your knowledge and understanding of the passage; so you must provide textual evidence from Hamlet as well as provide descriptions of the video. I can't watch the video and read your ideas at the same time, so you need to make me see what you see with your words. It will also help you to take notes on the video while you watch it. Pay attention to what captures your attention.
Notice what you notice! Pay attention to:
  • delivery of the lines
  • imagery the setting / scenery
  • the portrayal of the actor
  • lighting & camera effects
  • sound effects or music
Write your response in a Word document.  Revise and proofread it.  Then, copy and paste as a comment here.  I will publish all comments after the due date.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Character Diary

Character Diary – 20 points

Pretend to be one of the characters.  Keep a personal diary for each act for this particular character.  You may not change characters!

·      Summarize the events of the act = 5 pts
·      Provide an explanation for how your character may have heard of them if the character was not involved with the events directly, or an explanation of how your character was involved directly = 5 pts
·      React as your character would = 5 pts
·      Language mechanics and creativity = 5 pts

Pick one for Act 1:

Act 1, scene 1 – midnight on the battlements of the castle
Act 1, scenes 2 and 3 – the next day
Act I, scenes 4 and 5 – the following night

CHARACTERS:
1.  HAMLET
2.  GERTRUDE
3.  LAERTES
4.  POLONIUS
5.  HORATIO
6.  CLAUDIUS
7.  OPHELIA