Mr. Sullivan, my 12th grade English teacher, made us dress up in Burger King crowns and sword fight with paper towel tubes to make sense of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Here at the American School in Guadalajara we are going to use the internet instead. In the posts below, follow us as we seek to understand why this really is the greatest play in the English language.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Act V, 1
Hamlet’s interaction with the gravediggers is one of my favorite scenes in al of literature.What does it reveal to us about Hamlet?
Also, knowing me as your teacher all year, why do you think I like it?
In the conversation between the gravediggers and Hamlet we discover that Hamlet does not plan to kill himself, we think he wants to kill himself after his speech to be or not to be, but after realizing that death is permanent Hamlet reconsiders. I think Mr. Gerber likes it because of the comedy in it and Mr. Gerber has a good sense of humor.
This too was my favorite scene so far...Now I really want to be a gravedigger when I'm all grown up. I think Mr. Gerber likes it so much because it was his childhood dream to become a grave digger, but instead he became and English teacher. Or it could be for the excellent writing in this scene. The grave digger is clever and funny and very entertaining to watch. At the same time, Hamlet's monologue is really deep and makes you think. Mr. Gerber seems to appreciate writing that can operate on several levels simultaneiously.
ps. One day Alex, I will beat you and post the first response....
It reveals to us that Hamlet is smart but he is not astute. The gravedigger is "street smart" and that seems to help him more than being "academically smart" when he encounters social or personal situations. Quadratic formula is not going to help you find a way to kill your uncle discreetly. I think Mr. Gerber likes it because it is hilarious and the irony of Hamlet's lack of acuteness despite all the expensive education he received is definitely something that Mr. Gerber finds funny.
It reveals to us that Hamlet is nerdy clever, but that an experienced gravedigger, although lacking education, can have more clever ideas. Mr. Gerber likes this scene because he knows that stupidity is the best weapon against a supersmart individual. Wow! This is hard. Mr. Gerber likes clever. Giselle
I agree with everyone that it is Mr. Gerber's favorite because of the humor. ALhtough we talked about it in class, i think the connection on how the gravedigger, a poor and ignorant man made Hamlet, a wealty prince, laugh at such a serious topic:death. Add in the fact that billy cristal makes fun at Hamlet, he is not afraid to comfront him or express his ideas. The whole irony od death and humor and how billy cristal makes the scene enjoyable by being witty, is one of the many reasons why i aslo loved the scene in the play.
To us it reveals that Hamlet although royality and given a world class education can be toyed with by a less educated person. Also this may have changed Hamlet's view on peasents and he may have more respect for them after this. I think you like this scene because it shows a little guy bringing a big guy down to his level.
I believe that this scene is one of Mr. Gerbers favorites for two reasons. First he really likes the meaning behind the dialogue of Hamlet and the gravedigger. The whole issue of death being irreversible, and inevitable. The whole point of death bringing us all to be equal. the second reason is that he strongly dislikes proud people and in this scene Hamlets pride is played on by a humble gravedigger who teaches him a huge lesson. That is my best prediction
First, my guess is that you like it because it's...AWESOME
But, also because it is well-written and funny. Plus, it is sort of surreal and funny in it's awkwardness. Like when the grvedigger is singing and tossing skulls at the same time. My guess is that the humor is the kind that appeals to Mr. Gerber. A similar humor to the one we can see in Wes Anderson movies (which i guess Mr. Gerber likes).
Now, for the deeper meaning, I think Mr. gerber is a great believer in the fact that you can be smart and witty even if you haven't had the best education ever, as long as you pay attention and learn from life experiences.
Well through the entire scene, not ony the conversation with the grave digger,we can veryclearly observe Hamlet's characteristic of overthinking. When he sees the skull and is told that it is the jester his speech goes from jester to Alexander and ceaser... Hamlet is thinking a lot of death and what it means and how it makes everyone equal again. We also discover that a educated as Hamlet is he can be played by the mundane and colloquial humor of the grave digger.
The scene also gives us glimpse into hamlet's infancy and how he was just a regular kid playing with clowns.
I think you, yes you Mr Gerber, you like it because of the cleverness the gravedigger shows when aresing hamlet and the humor inte scene. poor can also be smart.
My favorit part about the scene is the rotten part...
like... how long would it take for a mant rot? and the digger says that i he is not already rotten by the time he dies he will rot in like 9 years :)
I think you like it because of the irony of the situation. A gravedigger making fun of a prince without the prince even noticing. Also, the way it is acted in this special version of Hamlet, the voice and the energy with which the character tells his jokes I think where all part for you liking this scene and the gravedigger more than other parts of the play.
The gravedigger is intelligent and a quick thinker, but I think you like the character because he is witty and he makes fun of hamlet in a way he cant answer back. He is also of a poorer class than Hamlet, that counts too :)
gravedigger no1 did kinda gave the play a little bit of a twist haha unexpected to put it in words. i think everyone liked this scene, i just dont know if they liked it or they say they do cause u did mr, hahaha, i liked it but if u wouldnt have said u liked it i wouldnt even have an opinion about the scene .. anyways, i think what u like about the gravedigger,is not only his personality but his status in the play, i mean its not good enough that someone be so clever and funny in the play, but that it was infact a gravedigger, ... who else?! i mean a super mega lower clas,, literally under everyone else, and he is the one playing jokes on hamlet haha who would have thought lol anyways he was good indeed, and i see u mr playi his chatacter perfectly, not only in a play....
Hamlet's interaction with the gravedigger is very interesting as it shows a wealthy powerful man standing and a poor, uneducated gravedigger 2 meters under, but still, the gravedigger is able to pull himself above Hamlet just with words. He is certainly a very clever and slithery man. He teaches Hamlet a few lessons and leaves him astonished with his tongue. Mr. Gerber liked this scene a lot because you somehow can relate to the way the gravedigger speaks. You are very clever and talk A LOT. But still, you always have an answer to everything, eventhough if your not an expert in the topic. You probably liked him because his makes fun of Hamlet but in a clever way. He is just a hilarious and happy character.
The gravediggers scene is probably the most random scene in Hamlet. It reveals like Sun said that even though Hamlet is a character full of wisdom and intelligence, he is not "street smart" he has lived in a royal family all of his life and is not used to being with such sincere and clever man.
And offff couuuurseeee you liked it becauseee.. it is just the irony of the situation. how can a poor man that has seeen mor than 80 skulls in his life, make fun of the prince.. make fun of HAMLET.. he is the only guy that challenged Hamlet without him even noticing.
The scene tells us that Halet is cocerned with death and that it is something that disturbs him. He is no used to seeing people sing while their playing with someones bones. He sort of lives in his own bubble and has not experienced many normal stuff that people outside the royalty see all the time. The scene of the gravediggers is a very funny scene. I really liked when the gravedigger makes fun of Hamlet andthat is why I think you like it Mister. Seeing how a poor gravedigger, who has not been exposed to much education can stil mock the Prince of Denmark is just great. The way that at the endthe gravedigers seems muchmore clever than Hamlet is just so ironic that it makes it fantastic.
maria jose celis It is an awesome scene. I loved it, as may of my classmates, and think is one of the best scenes in the entire play. I believe that the scene reveals to us that Hamlet, although wealthy and with a very high education, can be played by a "lower" man. The gravedigger is a clever man who is quite sincere. Hamlet does not expect to meet such a man, specially a peasant. Also, I think it reveals that Hamlet has in a way a side to listen those who appeare inferior. As most of the class, I believe this is Mr. Greber's favorite scene because it is full of irony and because we get to see how a prince gets toyed by a gravedigger.
Well first of all, I would like to say that the gravedigger was awesome. I never imagined that one actor could OWN Shakespearen jokes the way that this guy did. I mean, seriously, the irony in his words were flawless, the jokes came out naturally and boy, the purpose of making everyone laugh was VERY, VERY succesfully achieved. Now THAT'S a real actor! Anyway, I think you, Mr. Gerber, like it because of many components that made this scene delightful! As meantioned before, I think you could agree that both actors, especially the clever gravedigger, just OWNED the cameras!! Second, the way the poor man made the almighty HAMLET look like Osric and fooled him!!
OOPS! Forgot to answer part of the first question... so why is this scene so awesome in literature? HUM.. maybe because the "rich and intellectual" dude is literally played by a simple and clever man! Maybe sometimes you don't need to analyze every detail like Hamlet or read the best books or be the best in everything, be famous, whatever.. Sometimes sticking to your own thing and confronting every life obstacle with a positive attitude like the gravedigger can turn out to be more important than we would think it is!!
In the conversation between the gravediggers and Hamlet we discover that Hamlet does not plan to kill himself, we think he wants to kill himself after his speech to be or not to be, but after realizing that death is permanent Hamlet reconsiders. I think Mr. Gerber likes it because of the comedy in it and Mr. Gerber has a good sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteAlex Verlage
This too was my favorite scene so far...Now I really want to be a gravedigger when I'm all grown up.
ReplyDeleteI think Mr. Gerber likes it so much because it was his childhood dream to become a grave digger, but instead he became and English teacher.
Or it could be for the excellent writing in this scene. The grave digger is clever and funny and very entertaining to watch. At the same time, Hamlet's monologue is really deep and makes you think. Mr. Gerber seems to appreciate writing that can operate on several levels simultaneiously.
ps. One day Alex, I will beat you and post the first response....
Lina Silva
It reveals to us that Hamlet is smart but he is not astute. The gravedigger is "street smart" and that seems to help him more than being "academically smart" when he encounters social or personal situations. Quadratic formula is not going to help you find a way to kill your uncle discreetly.
ReplyDeleteI think Mr. Gerber likes it because it is hilarious and the irony of Hamlet's lack of acuteness despite all the expensive education he received is definitely something that Mr. Gerber finds funny.
Sun Young
It reveals to us that Hamlet is nerdy clever, but that an experienced gravedigger, although lacking education, can have more clever ideas. Mr. Gerber likes this scene because he knows that stupidity is the best weapon against a supersmart individual. Wow! This is hard. Mr. Gerber likes clever.
ReplyDeleteGiselle
I agree with everyone that it is Mr. Gerber's favorite because of the humor. ALhtough we talked about it in class, i think the connection on how the gravedigger, a poor and ignorant man made Hamlet, a wealty prince, laugh at such a serious topic:death. Add in the fact that billy cristal makes fun at Hamlet, he is not afraid to comfront him or express his ideas. The whole irony od death and humor and how billy cristal makes the scene enjoyable by being witty, is one of the many reasons why i aslo loved the scene in the play.
ReplyDeletep.s expect some brownies tomorrow sir.....hehehe
nicole
To us it reveals that Hamlet although royality and given a world class education can be toyed with by a less educated person. Also this may have changed Hamlet's view on peasents and he may have more respect for them after this. I think you like this scene because it shows a little guy bringing a big guy down to his level.
ReplyDelete-Evan Baker
I believe that this scene is one of Mr. Gerbers favorites for two reasons. First he really likes the meaning behind the dialogue of Hamlet and the gravedigger. The whole issue of death being irreversible, and inevitable. The whole point of death bringing us all to be equal. the second reason is that he strongly dislikes proud people and in this scene Hamlets pride is played on by a humble gravedigger who teaches him a huge lesson. That is my best prediction
ReplyDeletePublio
First, my guess is that you like it because it's...AWESOME
ReplyDeleteBut, also because it is well-written and funny. Plus, it is sort of surreal and funny in it's awkwardness. Like when the grvedigger is singing and tossing skulls at the same time. My guess is that the humor is the kind that appeals to Mr. Gerber. A similar humor to the one we can see in Wes Anderson movies (which i guess Mr. Gerber likes).
Now, for the deeper meaning, I think Mr. gerber is a great believer in the fact that you can be smart and witty even if you haven't had the best education ever, as long as you pay attention and learn from life experiences.
Well through the entire scene, not ony the conversation with the grave digger,we can veryclearly observe Hamlet's characteristic of overthinking. When he sees the skull and is told that it is the jester his speech goes from jester to Alexander and ceaser... Hamlet is thinking a lot of death and what it means and how it makes everyone equal again. We also discover that a educated as Hamlet is he can be played by the mundane and colloquial humor of the grave digger.
ReplyDeleteThe scene also gives us glimpse into hamlet's infancy and how he was just a regular kid playing with clowns.
I think you, yes you Mr Gerber, you like it because of the cleverness the gravedigger shows when aresing hamlet and the humor inte scene. poor can also be smart.
My favorit part about the scene is the rotten part...
like... how long would it take for a mant rot?
and the digger says that i he is not already rotten by the time he dies he will rot in like 9 years :)
sorry about the typos but seems like i write quickly and the thingy cant keep up so it just eats letters. IM trying
ReplyDeleteI think you like it because of the irony of the situation. A gravedigger making fun of a prince without the prince even noticing. Also, the way it is acted in this special version of Hamlet, the voice and the energy with which the character tells his jokes I think where all part for you liking this scene and the gravedigger more than other parts of the play.
ReplyDeleteAurora van Zoelen
The gravedigger is intelligent and a quick thinker, but I think you like the character because he is witty and he makes fun of hamlet in a way he cant answer back. He is also of a poorer class than Hamlet, that counts too :)
ReplyDeleteMaria Astrid Quirarte
gravedigger no1 did kinda gave the play a little bit of a twist haha unexpected to put it in words. i think everyone liked this scene, i just dont know if they liked it or they say they do cause u did mr, hahaha, i liked it but if u wouldnt have said u liked it i wouldnt even have an opinion about the scene .. anyways, i think what u like about the gravedigger,is not only his personality but his status in the play, i mean its not good enough that someone be so clever and funny in the play, but that it was infact a gravedigger, ... who else?! i mean a super mega lower clas,, literally under everyone else, and he is the one playing jokes on hamlet haha who would have thought lol anyways he was good indeed, and i see u mr playi his chatacter perfectly, not only in a play....
ReplyDeleteHamlet's interaction with the gravedigger is very interesting as it shows a wealthy powerful man standing and a poor, uneducated gravedigger 2 meters under, but still, the gravedigger is able to pull himself above Hamlet just with words. He is certainly a very clever and slithery man. He teaches Hamlet a few lessons and leaves him astonished with his tongue. Mr. Gerber liked this scene a lot because you somehow can relate to the way the gravedigger speaks. You are very clever and talk A LOT. But still, you always have an answer to everything, eventhough if your not an expert in the topic. You probably liked him because his makes fun of Hamlet but in a clever way. He is just a hilarious and happy character.
ReplyDeleteMaria Jose Fernandez
The gravediggers scene is probably the most random scene in Hamlet. It reveals like Sun said that even though Hamlet is a character full of wisdom and intelligence, he is not "street smart" he has lived in a royal family all of his life and is not used to being with such sincere and clever man.
ReplyDeleteAnd offff couuuurseeee you liked it becauseee.. it is just the irony of the situation. how can a poor man that has seeen mor than 80 skulls in his life, make fun of the prince.. make fun of HAMLET.. he is the only guy that challenged Hamlet without him even noticing.
KARLA(:
The scene tells us that Halet is cocerned with death and that it is something that disturbs him. He is no used to seeing people sing while their playing with someones bones. He sort of lives in his own bubble and has not experienced many normal stuff that people outside the royalty see all the time.
ReplyDeleteThe scene of the gravediggers is a very funny scene. I really liked when the gravedigger makes fun of Hamlet andthat is why I think you like it Mister. Seeing how a poor gravedigger, who has not been exposed to much education can stil mock the Prince of Denmark is just great. The way that at the endthe gravedigers seems muchmore clever than Hamlet is just so ironic that it makes it fantastic.
Macarena
maria jose celis
ReplyDeleteIt is an awesome scene. I loved it, as may of my classmates, and think is one of the best scenes in the entire play.
I believe that the scene reveals to us that Hamlet, although wealthy and with a very high education, can be played by a "lower" man. The gravedigger is a clever man who is quite sincere. Hamlet does not expect to meet such a man, specially a peasant. Also, I think it reveals that Hamlet has in a way a side to listen those who appeare inferior.
As most of the class, I believe this is Mr. Greber's favorite scene because it is full of irony and because we get to see how a prince gets toyed by a gravedigger.
Well first of all, I would like to say that the gravedigger was awesome. I never imagined that one actor could OWN Shakespearen jokes the way that this guy did. I mean, seriously, the irony in his words were flawless, the jokes came out naturally and boy, the purpose of making everyone laugh was VERY, VERY succesfully achieved. Now THAT'S a real actor!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I think you, Mr. Gerber, like it because of many components that made this scene delightful! As meantioned before, I think you could agree that both actors, especially the clever gravedigger, just OWNED the cameras!! Second, the way the poor man made the almighty HAMLET look like Osric and fooled him!!
Awesome scene!
Carolina Barbosa Haddad
OOPS! Forgot to answer part of the first question...
ReplyDeleteso why is this scene so awesome in literature? HUM.. maybe because the "rich and intellectual" dude is literally played by a simple and clever man! Maybe sometimes you don't need to analyze every detail like Hamlet or read the best books or be the best in everything, be famous, whatever.. Sometimes sticking to your own thing and confronting every life obstacle with a positive attitude like the gravedigger can turn out to be more important than we would think it is!!
Carolina Barbosa Haddad
Closed.
ReplyDelete-Mr. Paul