Hamlet Act 1 Reflection

[ashharmon]

I think it’s crazy how angry Hamlet is even before he knows that he uncle is the murderer of his father. When he has his soliloquy lines 129-159 on page 15 and 16, it shows how much he hates his mother for marrying his uncle so soon after the death of his father. He really seems to think his mother is a completely horrible person for marrying so soon. Hamlet makes it seem like he thinks that his mother was faking the whole mourning since she had gotten over the death and was ready to remarry. I also find it interesting how he seemed to hate his uncle even before he knows what his uncle has done. Then, when given the chance to avenge his father’s death, he seems to barely hesitate at the opportunity. I think he is going to use this opportunity to not only avenge the murderer of his father, but also to get back at his mother since he seems to be appalled by her, seeing as incest was still frowned upon even back then.

[sam]

I also find it odd that Hamlet was already so angry at his uncle before he finds out that he killed his father. I think he had some idea that his uncle was the one who had murdered his father. Hamlet had an abnormal amount of hate just for him marrying his mother. I don't get why he blames his mother less than his uncle for the marriage. I feel that Hamlet will not get revenge on his mother because he still loves her he is just angry about her decision to marry his uncle. I think Hamlet will become consumed by revenge in his attempt to avenge his father.

[irubio]

(Extra Credit) I found it completely normal that he was upset with his uncle. His father had not been dead for more than two months and now her mother marries him. In the text it explains how upset he is, but I do agree that he did not like his uncle before. Can you blame him though? It seemed like maybe his mother was okay to marry Claudius, like it was planned all along. So naturally Hamlet would be upset that his mother re-married so soon, especially since it was to his uncle. Then to find out his Uncle murdered his father makes his hatred toward him ten times worse.

[mbenoit]

(Extra Credit) I think that Hamlet had a right to be upset with his uncle from the very beginning. Hamlet was spending time mourning the death of his father and his uncle decided that he would take the opportunity to take control. Hamlet would clearly be upset that his uncle was marrying his mother so shortly after his father's death. Claudius also said, "But to persever in obstinate condolement is a course of impious stubbornness. 'Tis unmanly grief." (pg. 14). He was basically calling Hamlet stubborn and unmanly. Hamlet had a right to find this offensive and would obviously make him more angry with his uncle. The revelation that Claudius murdered Hamlet Sr. only enhanced the feeling that Hamlet already had. It seems that Gertrude, Hamlet's mother, may have had some idea what Claudius's plan was. It is odd that she would remarry so quickly after her husband's death if it did not benefit her in some way.