1) What do you feel is the point of the gravedigger’s riddles and song? How does it fit into the play?

The grave digger makes jokes about death and seems to make it into a game. This makes death seem less horrible which is interesting because he is saying this to Hamlet, who in the beginning of the play was morning deeply over his fathers death. However by this time in the play Hamlet is beginning to look at death in a different light, much more like the gravedigger does.

2) In what ways do Hamlet’s reactions to the skulls in the graveyard seem to suggest a change in his outlook? Compare Hamlet’s attitude towards Yoric to Hamlet’s attitude to Ophelia or even his father? How is it different? How is it similar? When Hamlet sees the skulls he seems to become more accepting of death. It is as if he sees the many skulls and understand that it is part of life, especially when he sees Yorics skull. Maybe he realizes that he used to love the clown and didnt even realize he was gone till now. So why cant he do it with his father. Hamlet looks at Yoric almost as a father figure as he remembers all the good times shared with him and seeing the skulls brings back these good memories. However when he thinks of Ophelia he challenges Laertes to a morning contests. Very much the opposite of good memories.

3) How old is Hamlet? How do you know this?

I believe that hamlet is in his early thirties. This is known because his father was old enough to fight in a few battles and gain fame and Hamlet was able to go off and get an education in college. We also know this because of the very mature way Hamlet looks at things, he also just talked to the grave digger who mentioned Yoric who has been in the ground for 23 years and Hamlet was a few years of age so he is about 30.

4) What does the violent argument between Hamlet and Laertes add to the play?

It starts to build up to the end scene where everybody dies by adding suspense as well as showing how Hamlet has begun to change. He has said he will become a man of action his thoughts to be more bloody or worth nothing. This is a sign that he is beginning to act upon his urges rather than just sit in the shadows and contemplate.

5) What developments in Hamlet’s character are presented through the story of what happened on the boat?

On the "boat" Hamlet puts Rosencrants and Guildenstern to death. This shows that he has strayed from his ways of little action and now when he comes across a plan he acts upon it. He is beginning to be more like Fortinbras as planning something and then putting it to action, rather than just thinking.

6) How do Hamlet’s motives in killing Claudius seem to have shifted according to his speech beginning “Does it not, think thee…” (V.ii.63)

At first he just wanted to kill him for revenge upon his father because the Ghost told him to. Now he is looking deeper into it. He still wants revenge but he sees it as a duty to keep no further harm from happening. He believes that if he kills Cluadius now he will be able to commit further evil and harm to Denmark.

7) What concerns of the play are reinforced in the Osric episode? (V.ii.80-170)

Osric is untrue to himself for one thing. Any man who can be tricked into having his hat on and off many times has no will power and hence a prostitute. Osric not only lets hamlet tell him if he is warm or cold or not but he also flatters Hamlet and tells him what he wants to hear. This is sad because Osric is then selling himself to Cluadius who sent him and Hamlet so he is truly a slut.

8) Why does Hamlet ‘defy augury’? (V.ii.192)

Hamlet has let go of his earlier belief/fear of dying and has allowed it to be determined by a greater force or god. He no longer plans his life out bit by bit but lets fate decide.

9) What does Laertes say is his motive in still resenting Hamlet? How has already lost this? How does this contribute to the presentation of revenge in the play? (V.ii216-223)

Laertes says it is to keep his honor. However he has already lost this as he has used two types of poisen to try and kill Hamlet and in the process of trying to killed Gertrude. This reinforces the idea that revenge within the play seem less noble and wrong as other people often get involved. In the beginning it seemed fine but in the end it doesnt especially when we find out that Hamlet and Fortinbras made a pact.

10) How might the dying lines of Gertrude, Claudius and Laertes be viewed as typical of the way their characters have been presented throughout the play?

11) Who “wins” in Hamlet? How and why do you think this?

Fortinbras. Not only does he look like a forgiving and heroic man for giving Hamlet a nice burial and forgiving him for his father killing his father but he also gets Denmark without any trouble. He also doesnt have to fight with anybody because Hamlet managed to kill them all off so Fortinbras is the only noble person to take over.

Hamle Act 4 Scenes 3 and 4

1) It is at this point that Hamlet knows for sure that Cluadius killed his father because of the way he acted when the scene came on.

2) Explain in detail the following parts of plot

EXPOSITION:
The play begins with Barnardo and Francisco guarding Elsinore castle when they see a ghost. The ghost dissapers and Haratio and Marcellus come in. The ghost then reapers and disappears again and the group discusses what the Ghost was and who's body it was representing especially Haratio who gives us many opinions and why it was there. Haratio notices that it is the Ghost of Old Hamlet and believes it is coming back to warn them of something. The Ghost comes back once again and Haratio tries to question it. Haratio then goes of with group to find Hamlet as the Ghost might talk to him.
Cluadius gives a speech about how he feels about King Hamlets death and how he is sad and happy that he has married the Queen. He talks of the threat Norway has purposed and what he has done to help it. The king then talks to Laeretes and Hamlet and refuses Hamlet not allowing him to go back to his University. Hamlet is then seen by himself talking of how he crushed by his mothers remarriage and how soon it was. Haratio, Marcellus, and Barnardo then come in and tell hamlet of the Ghost of his fathers and what it was wearing.Laretes and Polonius give Ophelia reasons not to fall in love with Hamlet because he has to many other responsibilities and because it will embarrass them. Hamlet and the group then see the ghost and Hamlet decides to follow it despite the others telling him not to in fear it will lead him to kill himself. Hamlet then speaks with the Ghost and finds out that Cluadius killed his father and he declares he will get revenge. The others find him and Hamlet makes them swear they will not tell what they have learned form the Ghost.

INCITING EVENT: The inciting event is when Hamlet goes off with the Ghost by himself and learns that his father was killed by Claudius. The Ghost tells him he must get revenge for his father and this starts the whole problem within the play as Hamlet plans on killing Claudius now.

RISING ACTION:
Claudius is off in Paris and Polonius sends somebody to spy on him. Hamlet walks into Ophelias room half naked causing people to think he is crazy and making Polonius believe he is in love with her. Cluadius is found interviewing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two of Hamlets old friends, and he tells them to find out why Hamlet is going crazy. Polonius tells the King that Hamlet loves Ophelia but he is not convined so they decide to hide while Hamlet and Ophelia get together. Hamlet talks to Rosencrats and Guildenstern and figures out why they are there and then he sees some actors who he asks to preform a play along with an additional scene he writes himself. We then see into Hamlets mind and he wonders wether or not he can trust the Ghost or if it is really an evil spirit. Hamlet and Opheila get together while Cluadius and Polonius are easdropping and Ophelia gives Hamlet the love letters back which makes Hamlet very upset. He then finds out hey is being spied upon and he get angered again. Hamlet explains to Haratio his plan with the play and how he will know if Claudius committed the murder. The play is watched which obviously upsets Cluadius who stops the show because he knows his secret is found out. We then see Cluadius alone who is sad and unhappy and Hamlet comes upon him ready to kill him but cant because he sees that Clauadius is praying. 


1)Cluadius Plans to send them to England to do business for him. However he is likely gong to order them killed.

2) What is Polonius going to do while Hamlet speaks with his mother?

He plans to hide behind the tapestry to listen to what Hamlet has to say. He thinks that he also needs to listen because a mother will be to easy on judging what he says and relaying it to him.

3) List three important things about Claudius’ soliloquy.
a) Cluadius is portrayed as feeling guilty about killing King Hamlet as he cannot pray.
b)If it wasn't for him praying in his soliloquy or at least trying he would have been killed by Hamlet.
c)We see that Claudius is still getting the rewards from killing King Hamlet and while he may feel bad there is a tinge of dishonesty as he doesn't really say how he is going to change it.

4) Its odd because the King said he couldn't pray so Hamlet came in the exact wrong moment where it might have looked like he was praying. Which is sad because then hamlet didn't run him through with his sword.

5) He thinks that Cluadius will go to heaven if he kills him while he is doing good and he doesn't want him to be rewarded so he figures he will wait until he is doing something evil to kill him.

Scene IV

1)Polonius tell Gertrude to yell at Hamlet and to be very harsh and not spare any hard feelings. He tells her to tell him his pranks have caused a great deal of trouble and that the King has had to deal with all of it.

2)Hamlet kills Polonius and uses the line "How now, a rat?..." because he thinks he is nothing but trouble and tries to spy on everybody. He calls him a rat because all he does is go around live off of other people much like rats do. Such as when he told Ophelia not to be with Hamlet, he was really just using her or stealing from her.

3) What is odd about the following quote: A bloody dead; almost as bad, good mother, as kill a king and marry with his brother. Hamlet has just killed polonius but he decides to criticize Cluadius for killing his father and not really seeming to care he has killed polonius. It also interesting as later on he explains that Husband and Wife are one. Does this mean that Hamlet blames his mother for killing his father as well?

4) Gertude doesn't know yet that Cluadius has killed Old Macbeth. However in Hamlets mind she knows and has possibly helped Cluadius do so because Hamlet views husband and wife as one. She doesnt understand why Hamlet is mad at her and is wondering why he thinks her heart is toughened from evil actions.

5) What descriptions does Hamlet use to compare his father and his uncle?
Hamlet compares his father to a greek god with curly hair and saying he is like Jove himself. He says his eyes were like Mars the god of war able to threaten and command. He discribes his father as amazing and says its like every god has added to his person. He then compares Cluadius to a rotten piece of corn that is making the other one next to it look bad which is his father.

6) Hamlet makes his point that his father was a man who was amazing and immortal in his eyes while Cluadius is nothing but a piece of scum who doesn't deserve to be king. The idea that he is a rotten piece of corn gives the idea that he is the reason the state of Denmark is starting to rot. It is Cluadius's mildew that is causing the rest of his surrounding to stink.

7)  It is a disturbing quote because Hamlet is talking about his mother and describing it very distinctly and in words that would make myself a little sick if i were to say them about my own mother. Most children prefer not to have the image of their mother making love with another man, especially if the word nasty sty is involved as well as stanky sweat.

8) What stops Hamlet’s ranting and raving at Gertrude? What does this figure tell Hamlet?

The Ghost. The Ghost reminds Hamlet that he still needs to seek revenge on Cluadius. He also tells him to make sure his mother doesn't go crazy because her mind is weak and cant deal with the horrible things going on.

9) By the end of the act, Hamlet has made many statements about humanity, in general. Explain a few of his points. Do his opinions reflect his madness.

Confess yourself to heaven.

Repent what’s past. Avoid what is to come.

And do not spread the compost on the weeds

To make them ranker

This is a hypocritical thing for Hamlet to say. He says avoid what things are coming, particularly bad things is assume, but he is planning at that moment to go kill Cluadius and he as just killed Polonius. He then says not to spread the compost for the weeds which is saying not to allow Denmark to become any more corrupted or rotten. This is an interesting idea as it could be looked at from many different angles. He could be talking in General about death, as he doesnt want his mother to be involved in any more killings like Cluadius's murder on Old Hamlet, however he may be talking about how he must kill Cluadius so that no more rot/evil can come to them.

10) Explain the differences between the ghost in Act I with the ghost in Act III. Why might these differences reflect Hamlet’s insanity?In the first Act the Ghost seems extremely angry and hateful. He talks of Claudius and makes him sound horrible and is all about revenge. In the 3rd act the Ghost only mentions the case of Cluadius's revenge briefly and then tells Hamlet to comfort his mother. I think that this says the extremes of personality change Hamlet has gone through. In the beginning Hamlet was clueless and didn't feel a great need to kill anybody and wasn't very mad at all. So the Ghost sparked up a hate in him and made him crazy. However in the third act Hamlet is going insane or at least acting so and kills Polonius on a whim. The Ghost then almost seemingly tries to calm him down. This shows that Hamlet has gone from a innocent boy who needs to be filled with hate to a maniac who needs to be calmed down by a Ghost.

Act 3 scenes 1 and 2

Scene 1:
The report that Hamlet says he feels confused but doesnt want to be questioned why he is acting as he is. They say that he wants everybody to go to a play that is being put on.

2. Claudious realizes that the Ghost was right about the King killing Hamlets father.

3. What plan do Polonius, Claudius and Ophelia now put into action?
Polonius and Cluadius plan to hide and listen to Ophelia and Hamlet interact with each-other. Ophelia makes him react by giving back his love letters showing him that the relationship is over.

4. What is the nature of Hamlet's soliloquy, lines 57-91?
Hamlet is questioning whether it is better to live and suffer through life or to kill oneself. He talks about which is nobler and that the only reason people do not die early or commit suicide is because they are afraid of what the afterlife.

5. What is Hamlet's main argument against suicide?
He thinks that it is more noble to fight through life than to kill oneself. He also thinks that people are afraid of what comes after life so that they will not kill themselves.

6. Why does Hamlet treat Ophelia as cruelly as he does? What has changed him?

Hamlet treats Ophelia poorly because she has in a sense betrayed him. She brings back his loves letters to him telling him the relationship is over. Hamlet is Offended by this as he has at least a little love for her considering the letters. He then treats her more poorly when he realizes she is being used to be spied upon by the king and her father. He has been changed because he feels everybody has been turning against him since he found out the truth about his fathers death.

7. What thinly veiled threat to Claudius does Hamlet voice, after he becomes of his hidden presence? (lines 148-150)

"Let the doors be shut upon him, that he may play the fool nowhere but in's own house."

Is hamlet saying that Cluadius is a fool in his own home or is he saying that Cluaius is playing Hamlet like a fool? Or is he commenting on how Cluadious is a fool and can only trick people in his own house such as he did to his father?

8. At the end of this scene, what does the King decide to do with Hamlet?
Scene 2:The king is going to send Hamlet to England to try and collect the money they own them in hopes that it will flush out any bad thoughts he has.

9. What qualities in Horatio cause Hamlet to enlist his assistance?

Hamlet believes that Horatio doesn't take sides or make judgments based off of anything but what the facts are. He feels he is trust worthy and is also the guy who pointed out the ghost to him in the first place. 

10. What does Hamlet ask Horatio to do?

He asks him to look at the King when the scene comes on that is about him killing Hamlets father and see if the King looks guilty or not. If he does then the Ghost is Hamlets father and if he doesn't then the Ghost is something else.

11. Summarize what happens in the play-within-a-play.

The Queen and King talk to each other and the Queen vows that she will never take another husband after the first because it would be like killing the old husband. She also says that you would never marry again unless it were for money or something other than love. The king tells her that things might change after he dies as he is going to die soon. After the Queen leaves him some guy sneaks in and poors poison into the Kings ear.

12. Why, in line 233, does Hamlet refer to the play-within-a-play as "The Mouse-trap"?

He calls it "The Mouse-Trap" because the play is a trap for his uncle. He also views his uncle as a undesirable vermin, mouse are also creatures that steel things from people such as food, in this case it is Hamlets father.

13. What is the King's reaction to the play?

The King gets up out of his chair and demands for himself to be gotten out of the building. He is definitely shocked by the play as he has killed the King and realizes he has been called out. I think that if he was just mad at Hamlet for accusing him of killing the king when he didn't he would just get mad and yell at Hamlet rather than running like a victim.

14. In lines 354-363, to what object does Hamlet compare himself? Why?

He compares himself to a little organ or a pipe. He does this because he thinks that Guildenstern is trying to play him like a puppet or a pipe. However Hamlet says he cannot be played like a pipe, cant simply be played out from high to low notes but is in idea a much more complex instrument.

15. As Hamlet goes to his mother at the end of this scene, what does he admonish himself

Hamlet Speech

Is it better to live, or to die? That is the Question.

Is it more noble to suffer through life,

dodging the hardships that come your way?

Or do put an end to all of it by simply, dying,

not live and go to sleep. By sleep we end the

many troubles in life and the headaches. Death is

a final treat we all wish to have! Aww but the problem 

is what comes after, the dream. After we suffered

the mortal life on earth we fear what comes after.

This is what we worry about and what makes 

us drag out our lives so long. If not for this

who would deal with life's problems? The man 

putting us down, cocky bastards insulting us,

heart aches from broken hearts, the poorness of 

the law, the smugness of people in office, and the 

good people who are abused. Who would put 

themselves through this  if they did not have 

fear for something after death. Death is the

unknown place from which we never get an news

of how it is. We would rather suffer the life of earth

than go to a life we know nothing of. The idea of

death and an end to it all is plastered over with 

the fear of the unknown. This leads the path

towards death to be redirected. Oh but I

must stop talking for the beautiful Ophelia is coming.

In Hamlets soliloquy he ponders about death and whether or not it is better to live the miserable life or to die. This gives us an insight to how troubled Hamlet is about all the things going in his life such as his grief over his fathers death and his relationship with Ophelia. The main topic of his speech is what comes after death. While he says sleeping (or death) is a great idea in itself but the problem is what your dreams will be after, or your afterlife. I find this a very neat idea of afterlife being a dream. When you die your still there and we see you as sleeping, but pretend you go to heaven or to hell at that moment. It would seem to the onlooker as a dream but to yourself dreams are real. Beowulf believes that the only reason people aren't killing themselves are dying early is because they are afraid of the afterlife. This is a fairly dark way to look at it as most of them probably believe in god. So Hamlet believes that most people are destined for Hell rather than heaven, otherwise they wouldn't be scared to die. As a whole the speech tells us that Hamlet is on the verge of becoming insane. He does not enjoy his life because of all the "arrows and outrageous fortune" he has to deal with. HOwever he is afraid of the afterlife which might possibly be because his father has come back as a ghost which isn't represented as a great way of going living.

Hamlet, Act 2

1)Polonius tells Reynaldo to spy on Laertes, but not exactly spy. Polonius's plan is for Reynaldo is to go around telling small lies about Laertes and see how people respond and getting the real truth from people, rather than just the opinions of the people he asks. This is a neat idea as you would never really guess somebody is spying but rather just making conversation. 

2) This proves Polonius is a very selfish and demanding person and doesn't really like to take any burden or blame onto himself. For example he tells Ophelia to not be with Hamlet and instead of spying for himself he makes Laertes. He doesn't deal with problems himself or directly but beats around the bush. His plan is also supposed to make him seem like a fool as it is a completely inefficient and very indirect way of finding things out. However i think it would work very well, but what does that say about me?

3) Ophelia was disturbed because Hamlet came into her room slightly underdressed and grabbed onto her hand and starred at her for a while until he let go. He acted like he was possessed and didn't use his eyes to navigate. While many may find this romantic it is apparently frowned upon by Ophelia.

4) Why have Rosencrantez and Guildenstern been sent to Denmark?

The King has called Rosencrantez and Guildenstern to Denmark because he wants them to find out why Hamlet has been acting crazy. Rosencrantez and Guildenstern are old friends of Hamlet and the the King thinks that they will be the best sources for getting information out of him.

5) What does Hamlet ask the players to recite? How does the allusion mimic Hamlet’s position?
Hamlet asks the players to recite Aeneas's tale to Dido. The story alludes to Pyrrus and how he must avenge his fathers death much like Hamlet must avenge his fathers. I think there is also a connection with Hecuba. In one version of her tale she goes insane after seeing the corpses of her sons. Can this be connected with Hamlet thinking she is insane because she married his uncle and in a way Hamlet is dead as he is Insane? having a hard time with this connection fielding.

Identify the following speaker of the following lines and discuss to whom the lines are being delivered, and what the lines mean?

6) “No, my lord, but as you did command/ I did repel his letter, and denied his access to me”

Ophelia says this line. It shows us that she obeyed Polonius's order and has not let herself fall in love with Hamlet or Hamlet with her.

7) “More matter less art”

The Queen says these lines. She is telling Polonius to stop flowering up his sentences and just tell her about Hamlet. It is funny because Polonius thinks he's smart and says a bunch of crap thinking he's smart but the Queen sees right through this.

8) “That I, the son of a dear father murdered,/ Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell/ Must like a whore unpack my heart with words,

Hamlet is telling how he feels he must avenge his fathers death. He believes that both heaven and hell are telling him to. These are interesting lines for two reasons. One the idea of heaven tells us that it may be a Ghost of his father but hte idea of hell may tell us its an evil spirit. Two the idea of words come out again "unpack my heart with words" the idea that words are what kill people.

9) “Your bait of falsehood take this carp of truth/ And thus do we of wisdom and of reach,/ with windlasses and with assays of bias,/ By directions find directions out.”

Polonius is telling Reynaldo about his plan to trick people into telling him about Laertes. Once again Polonius thinks he is brilliant and tries to show off but end up looking stupid.

10) “For if the sun breeds maggots in a dead dog, being a good kissing carrion-Have you a daughter?”

Hamlet. Hamlet is playing the "im a insane" card and calling Polonius out while polonius cant do anything about it. He makes the pun by saying "the sun" will breed maggots in a dead dog which is Hamlets way of saying he is going to knock up any woman, like Ophelia, if he gets anywhere near them.

11) List three metaphors (1 direct, 1 implied, 1 extended) from the play.

Direct. Denmark as a garden starting to rot.

Implied. Incest within the families.

Extended. Lies are like Poisen

12) What proof does Polonius have that he believe indicates Hamlet’s love for Ophelia? 

Polonius thinks that Hamlet went to Ophelia half naked because he loves her. Her story about him holding onto her and acting crazy makes him believe this, which really doesn't seem to far off from a likely thing to me but I guess I'm just bonding with the Polonius character.

13) Hamlet is trying to explain why he thinks Denmark is a horrible place for him now because of what he knows and how much he hast to think about it. He now knows that Cluadius killed his father and he has to think about his mother marrying his uncle and the more he thinks about it the worse it becomes. Neat idea as there is always two sides to an opinion and unless somebody starts thinking about it. It is not good or bad and the only thing that would make it otherwise would be a persons thoughts.

14) A fishmonger is a person or a store that sells fish. However Hamlet reefers to woman as fish and mongers to pimps. Efficiently offending most woman and giving pimps a nifty nick name.

15) Jephthah was a judge of israel who sacrificed his own daughter because he said he would sacrifice the first living thing he came in contact with when he returned from battle if he was victorious.

Hamlet Soliloquy

Oh, I wish my ruined flesh would melt off me and turn into vapor.

Or that the Hog had not said suicide is a sin. O God, God!

This world seems boring and pointless and does not seem to give me

any reason to live. It's like a garden that is grown but only goes to seed

without being eaten. Two months my father has been dead, no not that much, 

not even two. He was an excellent king. So loving to my mother and he kept the wind from 

blowing on her face. Do I have to remember. She would hang on him as if her love

for him increased everyday. But within a month, (of his fathers death?) 

She cried bawled and cried at his funeral but even a beast would have morned 

a death longer than she did. She married my uncle, my fathers brother, but he is nothing like my father, it would be like me compared Hercules. Within  a month and before her eyes had dried of tears she married. At such a great speed and indurance she jumped into bed with a relative! It is not good now, and it will not come to be good. But my heart breaks because I cannot tell her my opinion

Hamlet Act 1 Scenes 3/4

1) Laertes advices Ophelia not to fall in love with Hamlet. He says that he is above her class socially and that he cannot love her fully when he is thinking about Denmark.

2)The canker is sex and the infants are young woman. Femanist could go crazy on this as it is saying that woman are ruined after they are "deflowered" and that they are in a sense a garden. When they are wilted or "deflowered" they are a decaying garden.

3) She says that she will take his word into consideration and watch what she does. She doesn't really believe in this greatly however and points out that he has been going around and having his way with many woman. Her analogy is that many pastors tell their students how to get to heaven and how to behave, when they themselves do not follow any of their preachings.

4) List five of the “few precepts” that Polonius gives to Laertes.

1: Dont say what you think, dont act upon any unthought out thoughts.

2:Dont get into fights, but if you are ever in one remeber that the other guy might be scared of you.

3:Listen to everyone who speaks, but speak little to others.

4:Take each persons judgment, but judge others little.

5:Dont lend or borrow items or money.

5) In lines 105-109, what is the metaphor that Polonius uses to describe Hamlet’s words of love?

Polonius asks Ophelia what would happen if she took payment like it was sterling silver, even though it was not. He points out that you would have nothing and be ruined. ....I really dont understand what he is saying fielding...help?

6) List and explain one metaphor found in the lines 115-135.

"Giving more light than heat...you must not take for fire" This is kinda funny because its almost as if Polonious is comparing Ophelia to dumb bugs. He is saying that while the light (hamlet) is attractive as light normally leads to a source of heat. However this light leads to nothing and are just quick blazes that don't warm you.

7) Polonius commands that Ophelia does not look to fall in love with Hamlet and that she not talk to him and stay away completely so that she doesn't cause any harm to her or mostly his reputation.

8) In scene 4, what is Hamlet talking about in lines 13-38?

Hamlet is saying that the King is shooting off his guns and drinking while celebrating. He says that it is embarrasing and will cause them to be laughed at by other nations even though they are highly achieving and honored. He wishes that the king would not get drunk and shoot off the cannon because they are civilized folk and normally act so.

9) Why doesn’t Horatio want Hamlet to follow the ghost?

Horatio is affriad that the Ghost is going to lead Hamlet off into the water and drown or off of a cliff. He think it will transform into another form such as a monster and take away his sanity and cause him to become crazy.

10) Hamlet tells the Guards to let him go and that he is going to follow the Ghost. He then says he's going to kill them if they dont let him go and for them to not follow.

Hamlet Act 1 Scence 1

1)The guards create interest by their arguments of which they arent exactly sure of. A ghost also appears which normally helps to create interest.

2)We learn very little from the actual ghost appearance. However we learn from the guards that the ghost is the dead king and that he is dressed in full combat armor. His armor suggest that the state of denmark may be going into battle and fallling apart or decaying. We also learn that Fortinbras and King Hamlet were killed.

3) The Ghost comes back and they guards try to poke at it but it disappears. This is funny but they also say they will go find Hamlet and ask him about the ghost. Since the play is called Hamlet, people are eager to find out who he is...

4)The time of year and the actual events that are going on make the mood very dark and dooming as it plays into the fall of man kind. However the guards cheer it up a bit considering they are funny because their kind of stupid and don't know what to do with themselves.

5)The guards aren't the smartest people and they don't know what to do with the ghost that keeps coming and disappearing, so they decide to poke at it, even though it is there king. They are also scared because it is their dead king who is dressed in armor and they think that it might be a sign something bad is going to happen. The ghost is also not talking so it gives another reason that pumps of the creepy feeling causing the stupid guards to be frightened.

6) He thinks that the king has come back to tell them how to find treasure and become rich! He then gets realistic and realizes he is wearing armor and not a metal detector, and believes he has come back to warn them about young Fortinbras leading Norway to battle against them.

7) The characters that show up in the scene are Barnardo, Francisco, Marecellus, Horatio, the Ghost

8) Horatio says that the King Hamlet and Fortinbras were enemies and that King Hamlet slayed Fortinbras.

9) Young Fortinbras is King Fortinbras son who wants to get revenge against Norway.

10) Haratio said that all hell broke loose. Dead came out of their graves and began to speak gibberish while the stars feel from the heavens leaving trails of blood and the moon became eclipsed. This is his way of saying that Rome had a horrible curse on it after Julius died.

11) Haratio is the only guard who is educated out of the few. Normally guards are big brutes who dont think much or for themselves at all so they look to Haratio to give them an interpretation of the ghost. He is also the only one who really gives us any information about what is going on with the ghost, even though he changes his mind a lot. Sadly we learn in english that as long as you can back it up your right.

12)Without Haratio we would have a seen with a few stupid guards running around poking at a knight. Haratio sets up the entire story by giving us a background and telling us the possible reason the ghost is there.

13) We learn that Denmark and Norway have had a tension between them for a very long time. They also both have had kings who died and are carried on by their sons.

Canterbury Tales

The Knight: Seen as a very respected and well battled knight. He follows the code of chivalry so is very honest and respected and does his duty well and often.

1) Truth, Honour, generousness and courtesy. pg 4

2) With smudges where his armour had left mark pg 5

Chaucer likes this knight a lot. He is not only spoken of first but he is described as a honest, nice, and hard working man. Chaucer seems to like people who work hard and get a job done over people who are just smart. The knight brings both worlds to the table being very wise and honest while showing up on a pilgrimage in battle-warn armour.

Squire: Very happy young man who dresses nicely because he wants to be fancy with the ladies. He is well talented in jousting, dancing, drawing, and horses and is supposed to be following in his fathers foot steps.

1) Of time, in hope to win his lady's grace. pg 5

2) Knew how to joust and dance, to draw and write. pg 5

Chaucer knows that he is not all about being a great knight but still respects him because he is talented with horses, dancing, and jousting. I think Chaucer understand and respects people who like to have fun if they are also skilled or work hard.

Yeoman: Is an employee of the Knight and is made out to be very well dressed and holds a feeling of power to him. Knows the wood extremely well and is appears to be a master of the bow and sword.

1) A juanty dirk, spear-sharp and well-equipped pg 6

2) His arrows never drooped their feathers low pg 6

Chaucer doesn't know exactly how to make the Yeoman out. While the Yeoman appears to be very well equipped and brings a sense of power and knowledge with him I think Chaucer has a sense of doubt. One of the reason he likes the knight is because he shows he has worked hard in battle with his smeared armour. However the Yeoman is mark-less and his arrows are perfect and not drooping. Why is he unscathed but not the Knight?

Prioress: A woman who would like to be involved in the court but is stuck being a nun, who can blame her. She is a very mannered woman but cries over little things like mice dying.

1)For courtliness she had a special zest pg6

2) Or someone took a stick and made it smart pg 7

Chaucer respects this woman for her manners but she annoys him for crying over little animals which we can see when he reefers to beating a dog as making it smart. He also likes her because she is slightly attractive, and well Chaucer is a man.

Monk:Rather than being a really boring monk who sits and prays this monk enjoys to hunt and ride horses. He isn't seen as a very religious monk and ignores most of his books.

1) Was he to study as his head went round pg 8

2) He rode the country, hunting was his sport pg 8

Chaucer likes this guy because he is very nice and enjoys the outdoors. Rather than staying in and reading books all day he gets out and enjoys life. I think Chaucer like him because of this and I think Chaucer likes a little bit of rebellion in his friends.

Friar: This guy sucks. He he lies about everything takes money from everybody and is fat and lazy. He sleeps with little girls impregnates woman and then sells them off. Is here to show a little bit of what Chaucer thinks of the church. It sucks.

1) and pocket-knives, to give to pretty girls pg 9

2) His neck was whiter than a lilly flower pg 9

Chaucer hates this guy because he treats people horribly and shows the corruption of the church and power. Chaucer doesn't like lazy people and his neck being lilly white shows he does nothing or himself but just uses other people for his gains.

Merchant: Dresses nicely and thinks highly of himself. He is in some type of shady operation because we are not told his name and he wants sea police. He is in debt but nobody knows this.

1)He was an expert in dabbling in exchanges pg 10

2) To tell the truth I do not know his name pg 10

Chaucer likes the Merchant although I think he thinks he is a little to fond of himself. He describes him as sitting high on his horse and wearing fancy clothes even though he is in debt. Besides these flaws Chaucer likes him because he is an expert in trade and is crafty. Chaucer likes people who are able to make money through being crafty and even shady. However there is a difference between being crafty/shady and stealing from people. The Friar steels from people because he is using his position with the church and no actual skill besides intimidation.

Clerk: The clerk is dresses in rags but has great knowledge. He has a horse that is skin and bones but is very well educated and has his own personal library. He doesn't have a job and is given or takes his money from his friends. He is very to the point and doesn't speak for than necessary.

1)Whatever money from his friends he took pg 11

2) Was there; his horse was thinner than a rake pg 11

Chaucer doesn't really like this guy because he isn't a worker or an outdoorsy person. He doesn't like that his horse is poorly taken care of and he thinks that just because you are smart your are excused form working. I think Chaucer is a conversationist and while he is educated it is not to the degree of the Clerk. So they don't have anything in common as the Clerk treats horses poorly and doesn't like to talk. 

Sergeant-at-Law: Very intelegent and wise Judge. He knows his job very well and the history of it and is said to have never made a questionable decision. He dresses nicely and doesn't make himself out to be better than everybody else even though he probably is.

1)Not one conveyance could be called in question. pg11

2)Of his appearance I have said enough. pg 12

Chaucer respects this man because he is wise but does not flaunt it as he describes when he says he is busier than he shows to be. It is interesting that Chaucer doesn't say much about his clothes because he actually respects this mans intelligence and his job rather than just explaining his clothes to describe him. This shows he cares more about his mind that his appearance.

Franklin: A very rich man who doesn't work much but controls a lot of people who live on his land. This man likes to have fancy dinners and host parties with every kind of food possible along with great drink.

1)and no one had a better stock of wine pg 12

2)As sheriff he checked audit, ever entry pg 12

I don't think Chaucer really dislikes or likes the Franklin. He is fascinated by the food and wine the man has a wishes he could go to such parties but I don't think he likes the idea behind how he doesn't really work for his money but then doesn't really criticize because it is more of a business than just taking money from people on his land.

Haberdasher, Carpenter, Weaver, Dyer, Tapestry Maker: Described by their talent and their possesions. Carried only knives and materials of the finest and lined with silver.

1)Their knives were not tricked out with brass but wrought with purest silver. pg 13

2)Their wisdom would have justified a plan to make each one an alderman. pg 13

Chaucer likes these men but probably thinks they could be a little more manly. He respects them for their craft and the fact that they have a business and make money doing so.

Cook: Described as an amazing cook not really fancy but could make great food. However there is a hint that he is very unclean and disgusting.

1)Make good thick soup and bake a tasty pie pg 13

2)That he should have an ulcer on his knee pg 13

Chaucer likes him as everybody loves a man who can make them food but is a little grossed out by his ulcer and his filth. However he will most likely eat the soup he makes and only think a little of dyeing after.

Shipman: Unforgiving and slightly violent pirate. He is an expert in what he does and navigating the stars although he doesnt really care of other people and doesnt likely think twice about getting into a battle.

1)A dagger on a lanyard falling free pg 12

2)The nicer rules of conscience he ignored pg 13

Chaucer thinks this man is slightly evil but doesn't put that against him because he works hard and has knowledge that is useful. I think Chaucer thinks he is pretty cool because he is so powerful without really being a highly honored person. I'm starting to think you can figure out how much Chaucer will like somebody based off how tan they are.

Doctor of Medicine: Said to have a perfect working physician although I think this is more of a remark on the fact that he makes a lot of money and people get medication rather than any healing actually going on. He does much of his work my the starts, doesn't read the bible very much, and is very greedy.

1)When by his horoscope, he knew the power of favorable planets. pg 14

2)He gave the man his medication then and there. pg 14

Chaucer doesn't love this guy but he doesn't hate him. He thinks his business is a sham but thinks the idea behind it is clever and looks at is as basically a drug dealer ship.

Wife of Bath: Very well traveled woman with a lot of money and dresses nicely. She is heavier set and has many husbands all who have died by

 her either sexing them to death or forcing them to give up on life and just quite living. She will probably have many more husbands as longs as she can keep making herself look good with her money.

1)And knew the remedies for love's mischances. pg15

2)She'd had five husbands, all at the church door. pg15

Chaucer is most likely scared of this woman. He knows that she is very clever and knows how to control and a man will probably be staying away from her. However he does admire her sense of power and control.

Parson: Very poor preacher but is one of the only men who actually follows God and doesnt just use him to make a profit. He follows the true nature of God which is an interesting idea because he is poor. He actually follows God and is poor but the other people are very well off who do. This is probably why Chaucer likes this guy and not the others.

1)Who truly knew the Christ's Gospel and would teach it. pg 16

2)He taught, but followed it for himself before pg 17

Chaucer likes this guy because he is honest and gives back to the poor, even though he is associated with the chapel. The parson is a foil for the rest of the church because he is poor and helps people but actually believes in his teachings. Everybody else just gets the benefits and takes the power.

Plowman: Honest working man who believes in God. He isn't exactly talented but works hard to get the job done and helps others when he can without charging them.

1)He was an honest worker, good and true. pg 17

2)and he would help the poor for love of Christ and never take a penny. pg 17

Chaucer likes this man just like he likes all the other men who work hard and help each other. I think Chaucer is a man who doesn't really care what you believe in as long as you treat people with curtsey and pull your own weight.

Miller:  Great beast of a man that is might be the devil. He has a red beard and his mouth is described as a furnace door. He is extremely strong and can rip doors from hinges and steels peoples grain. He fights a bit as he carries a sword and buckler at his side, probably so people don't get mad at him when he steals stuff.

1)Red as the bristles in an old sow's ear. pg 18

2)Or take a run and break it with his head. pg 18

Chaucer doesn't like this guy very much but doesn't hate him as much as the Christian people who are evil. It seems that Chaucer is intrigued by this mans strength and appearance even though he appears to be breathing fire. His beard is red and his nostrils black making him seem like he's blowing flame.

Manciple: Uneducated but very street smart. This man is able to watch the market and make money from it as well as learn the skills of his masters and then outperform them.

1)An illiterate fellow that can outpace the wisdom of a learned man. pg 18

2)He used to watch the market most precisely. pg 18

Chaucer likes this man as he is very skilled and street smart. This is a neat idea because this man is unable to read and the least educated although he is still well off and able to out-dew his masters who are educated. What is this saying about education?

Reeve: Wealthy overseer of land who knows how to work the system. He has a large stash of money but uses it to loan to his king and get his thanks. He doesn't need to fight and is very skinny and frail because he has enough brain power to keep him out of trouble. He is very talented at watching the crops and live stock and knows how to keep people working.

1)The yeild he might expect form seed and grain. pg 19

2)he had a rusty blade. pg 19

Chaucer likes him okay because he's not really stealing from anybody too horribly but then he does have it very well off and continues to make money. However Chaucer probably likes him a little more than otheres because he is using smarts to get money from people and is crafty rather than just saying...GOD is sweet, give me some money and ill tell him not to smite you

Summoner: Probably the most foul smelling person you will ever read about, as well as the ugliest. He is hideous and looks like a monster and on top of all that he drink a lot and scares little kids and speaks in latin.

1)Garlic he loeved, and onions too, and leeks. pg 20

2)Children were afraid when he appeared. pg 20

Chaucer might be saying something by making the summoner as one of the last. He doesn't like him because he smells horrible and treats people poorly when he is drunk. There is nothing to be desired about this man.

Pardoner: He has the voice of an angle and pretends to have a bunch of sacred relics. He is described as looking a little like a girl and having a perfectly smooth face. Possibly a eunuch. He uses his voice to earn money from people especially during church.

1)Thats why he sang so merrily and loud. pg 22 

2)Hanging down smoothly like a hank of flax. pg 21

Chaucer doesn't like this man because he is only in the church to sing and steel money from people doing so. He doesn't really work for a living so Chaucer thinks he's a pansy especially since he is described as a girl and I take Chaucer to be more of a manly man than a i sing and dance the salsa type of guy.

Host: Well carried man who likes to be in charge. He is clever and sets himself up to be the man of importance by having him be the judge and then when they all get back buy from him dinner again. He is upper class and serves good food and wine.

1)There was no manly attribute he lacked pg 23

2)He served the finest victuals you could think pg 23

Chaucer doesn't mind this guy and enjoys his company but probably thinks he is a little to formal as he just kinda agrees to this big epic idea the host has. I think Chaucer would be just as happy walking there and talking about random things rather than listening to stories but wont argue because there is no point.

Best Pilgrims

Knight, Parson, Sergeant at Law, Nun, Manciple, Plowman

Worst Pilgrims

Friar, Summoner, Wife of Bath, Pardoner Miller, Shipman

Sir Gawain Fit 4

1) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight can be viewed as a journey from life to death and back to life. Discuss how this works.

Towards the beginning of the story Sir Gawain is totally dedicated to the lord. When he goes off to look for the Green Giant he takes refuge in his Shield that represents his faith and loyalty to the lord through the pentagram and the picture of the Virgin Mary. At his point in time Gawain is pictured as a nearly perfect man who puts his full faith in the lord being the life before death part. When Gawain finds the castle he goes into a world that tempts his faith and causes him to start loosing spirit. Gawain ends up taking a Girdle that will protect him form teh green giant which shows he has lost faith in the lord for his protection. This symbolizes his spiritual death as he has shunned the lord and replaced him with a worthless piece of cloth. Gawain fights the Giant where he realizes the girdle was a sham and his faith is restored. He realizes that the lord did protect him and was testing him. He then is born again as he will never make the mistake to give up on the lord when the girdle is tied around him. The idea that the castle was his death is interesting here because when the only time Gawain is considered spiritually dead is when he is in the castle or the fairy land. The land that the castle is in is more of a pagan influenced place than a christian place as there is magic in it and Bertilacs wife is a prostitute. Making the pagan relations in the castle be a sign of the destruction of faith. 

2) Sir Gawain is reborn both physically and spiritually at the end of the book how?

You learn a lot more from failing than you do succeeding. At the end Gawain realizes that he has lost faith in God but even though he did God still allowed him not to die. The green Giant was a test and because Gawain failed slightly he will learn from it and never fail again. This is the idea that he has learned from his failure and become a new and better knight. This can be looked at from two views in my perspective. The first one would be that of Gawains, the idea that people dont understand the little things and are hypocritical. While Gawain was being very respectful and passed the test of not doing anything with the Lady, he failed the real test which was his total overall faith in the lord. The other view is that of Bertylac and Aurthor. Their view is that he went and faced the Green Giant and it doesnt matter that he used a Girdle. 

3) Whose Point of View are we suppose to exact at the end of the book? Why?

I believe that the author is trying to make it seem like we are supposed to be looking at the story from a point of view such as Arthur's or the Green Knight's. The view that the whole test was passed by Gawain and he should be happy. I think we are really supposed to be looking at it from Gawain's though. Everybody else seems to be a imperfect and poor religious ideas. They all see Gawain as a great knight because he faced his fear and passed the test so he is worthy of God. However they dont take into the idea that Gawain did not do his deed through the strength of God that is so played upon in the beginning especially with the description of the Pentagram and the Virgin Mary. I believe that if we weren't supposed to look at the story from Gawains point of view there would not be very deep and descriptive things like the shield. 

4) Is Gawain ruined as a knight or will we see great deeds from him again?

Gawain will be a doer of great deeds from now on! He has failed miserably and judging my the giant hissy fit he through he will never never make that same mistake twice. If he truly felt that bad about what he did then the reminder of the green girdle around him keep him from ever forgetting the lord and believing in a little peace of fabric. However, if he has been to the Pagan world that had magic, then will his faith be bestowed in god as much if he knows there are other forms? This is a very interesting idea because the idea of magic was made out to be fake because the green girdle was a sham. However just because the magic in that was fake doesnt mean there is no magic. Bertilac himself says that morgana changed him into the green giant through magic. So is there actually magic, and does it have as much power as god?

5) In your opinion who is really in control?

I believe that when you equip a very large man with a very large axe, they gain control over pretty much everybody. I also believe that when you equip that man with an evil woman with magical powers, the make a pretty good team in terms of being in charge. I know that you are supposed to look into this deeply but his is really what i feel. If you go and look at all the warriors who are very large and have a huge weapon along with magical ability. You'll realize that they destroy everybody which normally means there in control. The magic that is associated with Bertylac and the Green Giant makes them seem to be almost like god. The crone and Bertylac test Gawain faith almost as if they are God themselves. 

Sir Gawain Fit 3 Continued

2) What is your impression of Gawain during this section? How do you think he behaves? Does he uphold his honor while not dishonoring the lady and the lord? 
Gawain is a very honorable night who has excellent will power and self control. I am impressed as most men would likely be unable to control themselves when dealing with a women so beautifully contrasted to the ugliest of woman. Gawain plays his role perfectly and balances on the edge as he is able to keep from going against his code my being to frisky with the Lady but does just enough to please her with his kiss. I do not believe he loses even loses his honor when he accepts the girdle. His faith does falter a little but it is a flaw that humans posses and needs to be gotten over. My impression of Gawain is very, very, very, poor and I don't really like him because he is a baby and doesn't know when to get down on himself or when to get over it. He is all heart broken when he realizes the green girdle doesn't save him. However i believe if he were truly a hero he would have been upset and down on himself right after he had taken it and before his fight. WOuld he not be mad at himself if the girdle did protect him?

3) What is the climax of the book?

After Gawain is teased by the Green Giant the first two times the third strike come and nicks Gawain on the neck. Gawain jumps back and starts to prepare for the battle that isn't about to come. "He lifts the weighty weapon, lets it fall straight" page 82 line 2309 This is the climax because it is the point where we find out if the girdle works or not and if Gawain is going to die. Too bad it was only a trick...

4) What does the girdle symbolize? 

The girdle represents Gawain's over obsessive love for his life on earth. Even though he chooses to believe in God and his powers to save him he chooses to except the girdle. The girdle is a symbol of human nature and its tendency to take advantages of sometimes unrealistic or fake ideals that will hopefully save us. This confuses me though because the book never says that Gawain isn't going to die and get his head chopped off. So why would he be relying in god to save him? Or is he supposed to be sure enough that he's going to heaven so that he isn't scared of dying?

5) There are a few allusions to Christ, Mary and faith (or failure of faith) can you pick a couple out and discuss why they are there? 

pg 74 line 2059 "I will certainly, God Willing, return with a great gift" This is a interesting place to put this line. Gawain has just put on his armor and wrapped the girdle around him tightly. However, he still says that his fate is in Gods hands. You would think that if he were to truly believe this at this time and that his fate was really "God willed" he would not be wearing the girdle. This is another reason why I don't like Gawain, if he is going to get all sad and pouty about being a poor christian then he should realize he is doing it now, rather than just when his pagan qualities are proven fake. 

Right before this the arming of night seen is described. Unlike the first time Gawain sets off in his armor there is a less Christian vibe to it. The first time he describes his shield and its picture of Marry and it's pentangle , "he was found without fault in his five senses." However, in the second arming more attention is paid to his armor and its protecting qualities than its symbolism of faith. Instead of Gawain looking to his shield for protection both physically and spiritually he puts both of those into his girdle that is tied around him. This lack of God and faith is used to show Gawain's falter in belief and to help us see the change the castle has caused him.

Sir Gawain Fit 3 #1

1) Compare each of the hunting scenes with the bedroom scenes in the castle. Explain how the hunting scenes symbolize what is going on in the bedroom and explore how the differ animals hunted relate to the different tactics used by the lady each day.

Bertilaks first hunt is for female deer. His hunting method involves blowing horns and releasing dogs to scare up the dear and trap them near the hunters. This type of hunting requires very little skill and is more of a hail marry than anything. Bertilaks is basically just going out hoping for the best and getting what he can without putting forth any real technique or picking out the animals he wishes to kill. The first time the Lady goes after Gawain she does relatively the same thing. She walks in and makes it clear she is there because she likes Gawain. Much like Bertilak who goes in guns blazing making a huge racket "bugle-sounds echoed around the wood" the Lady goes in without using any real technique except for throwing herself at Gawain. "...the door is shut firm and fastened with a hasp...my mind and body are only for your pleasure." Both in the hunt and in the bedroom no real plan or technique is used to capture their prey. Both Gawain and the deer are blocked from escaping and then the Lady and Bertilak start shooting wildly hoping to come out with what they want but not really taking the time or care to see what it is they are shooting at.

The Boar is a very tough beast that requires a bit more tactic than deer. When Bertilak goes after the boar he must track it down and then throw volleys of arrows at it but the arrows are of no use as they wont penetrate the rough hide. Gawain, much like the boar, takes a plan to bring down. The Lady goes after him and tries to persuade him by flattering him. Much like the boar Gawain is described as having the muscle to force anybody he wants to have fun with him, which is seen in the boar when it destroys dogs and men during the hunt. The hunt of Gawain and the boar are comparable as it took more strategy to take down the boar but the boar was able to withstand the attacks because of its thick hide, or in Gawain's case his chivalry.

The fox and the lady are compared in the third hunt/bedroom seen. The fox is a trickster and a graceful animal while the tactics used by the lady are much the same and she is even described as wearing a fine fur robe. The fox is able to evade the hunters by slipping back and forth and back tracking making the capture of the fox being much more difficult than killing deer or boars with sheer force and power. Like the fox the Lady plays games with Gawain by using her good looks and charm to evoke his boyish hormones in an attempt to seduce him. However both the fox and the Lady's charm fail as the fox is skinned and the Lady gives up after she doesn't get any.

Sir Gawain, Fit 2

Fit 2 (or section 2).

1) Look at the progression of each stanza in this section and briefly list/discuss in order what every stanza is about.

1) Time passes throughout the season as plants begin to thrive in the summer. Does the vivid discretion of nature have anything to do with the Green Knight?

2)Winter starts to come around as plants begins to"ripen and rot". This shows the sine that Gawain will eventually have to seek the Green Knight.

3)Aurthor and his Knights gather and say goodbye to Gawain. Gawain is sad at first but then decides it isn't bad to face your fate. Idea of Honor.

4)Gawain suits up in his Armor. His well valued armor shows us that he is not as much of a weakling and unknown as he claims to be.

5)Gawain mounts his horse which is equally decked out in fancy armor. This passage shows the honor of going on a quest making it seem like a big deal as everything is done with great care and fashion.

6)Gawain is given his Pentangle shield. Is this to show him as a true knight for seeking out the Green Knight?

7)The Pentangle shield is futher discussed and the Virgin Marry is mentioned on the back. It shows the purity of Knights and who/what they show that fore.

8)Gawain goes off and sleep in the woods bye himself and has nothing to eat that he likes. He cannot find anybody who has herd of the Green Knight or his castle.

9)Gawain goes and kills a billion monsters throught the power of god and suffers in the rain and snow on rocks. He then becomes a wimpy little girl and asks the back of his shield to find hi a home.

10)Gawain gets all teary eyed and emotional and starts praying to God and his shield that he can get to a nice place to stay and go to church.

11)God grants Gawain's prayers, perhaps he didn't want to see him cry anymore, and leads him straight to a huge castle with a moat. How very convenient. 

12)The narrator describes the castle as an amazing work of art that towers high which shows the wealth and power of the king.

13)Gawain is allowed into the castle and greeted with great care. The people show him great respect and obviously know who he is. He is not as poor as he described himself earlier.

14)Gawain meets the lord of the castle who is described and large hairy and powerful. Gawain is given new clothes that make him look like spring and better than any knight the people had seen.

15)Gawain is further spoiled with the great riches of the castle and then treated to a feast. Hospitality is shown as a sign of respect and honor.

16)The castle is ecstatic for they have a Knight of The Round Table with them. They honor him by saying they are truly blessed by god to have such a great guest during Christmas.

17)Gawain notices two ladies walking about. The description of the hideous beat of a woman leading the prettier around is set up as contrast to the beauty of the other and possibly setting up a foreshadow.

18)Gawain goes to talk with the two ladies and many games are played between them far into the night.

19)They feast the next day and Gawain sits next to the lovelier of the ladies. They enjoy each other greatly and are pictured spending a lot of time with one another.

20)The next three days go by which seems to be one long party with lots of guests and games. The guests eventually leave and Gawain is thanked again for blessing the castle with is presence on Christmas.

21)Gawain is asked why he must leave and he explains he is on a quest for the Green Knight. Gawain finds out that it is only a few miles away and is able to stay a few more days.

22)Gawain tells Bertilak he is staying and Bertilak screams like a girl from joy. He then tells Gawain to get a bunch of sleep and spend a lot of time with his wife while he is off hunting in the woods.

23) Before Gawain goes off to bed Bertilak sets a wager that whatever he kills on his hunting trip will be given to Gawain.

2) Look at the motif of games and discuss how it works in this section.
In the second section many games are played to keep the men entertained, but the biggest game is the competition between Gawain and Bertilak. Bertilak has staked all his trophies from his hunt for everything Gawain earn in the castle while he is away. There is an irony here because while Bertilak is out working hard to kill animals as trophies Gawain is doing the exact opposite. While trying not to offend his host he must figure out how to keep Bertilak's wife from hitting on him. This is funny because Bertilak as basically challenged Gawain to get lucky with his own wife but give her back to him in trade for fine furs. 

3) Other than the pentangle describe a symbol in this section and relate it to a theme. Discuss how this symbol reinforces the theme.
Bertilak's castle is a symbol of human nature as well as representing a test for Gawains Chivalry. Gawain leaves the wild because his human nature calls for him to seek comfort and company. While in the woods Gawain was by himself un tempted by the evil that he is exposed to in the castle. The theme of Chivalry calls for Gawain to be respectful and courteous to all men and woman. In the castle Gawain is faced with the task of denying Bertilak's wife while not upsetting her or Bertilak. Gawain shows his honor by giving Bertilak's wife just enough to please her but for him to not break his code. The castle proves as a excellent test for Gawain showing that he is true knight, and that even the best of them have flaws.
4) How is Gawain different in this section as compared to the last?
In the second section Gawain is viewed as a true blessing to have in the castle. Bertilak practically begs him to stay when he says he is leaving and is giving the treatment of a king. Feasts are thrown from him, he is given gifts, and Bertilak allows him to spend time with his wife. In the first section Gawain is barely noticed. He shows himself noble in both sections by not upsetting Bertilak's wife and then taking the Green Knights challenge for King Aurthor. However when he takes the challenge in the first section he tells everyone that he is the least valuable person so he should be the one to take the competition. When he says this nobody stand up and says, "No you're not, your the most valuable" they all just sit back and let him do it. After he beheads the green giant Author just says allows everybody to continue eating without really honoring Gawain for his great dead. This sets Gawain in the first section from Gawain in the second. In the first he is viewed as a expendable nobody and in the second he is a greatly respected knight who everybody wants to hang out with.
5) Discuss the setting. 

The first setting is King Authors Court in Camelot. It is portrayed as a silly place full of games and nothing really goes on of too much importance. The setting draws Gawain down making it seem like everybody who's there is less important than they really are. This is contrasted by the serious Green Knight who rides into the hall of a bunch of foolish boys.

At Bertilak's castle the mood is much more serious. It is full of fun and games but the people are more professional and treat Gawain with respect. Although Bertilak and his servants treat Gawain with care it represents the sin that Gawain must withhold from in order to be a good knight. This could be why the castle is right where he need to go to find the Green Knight. Having it right there forces Gawain to stay in the castle longer being the ultimate test to his Chivalry.

Questions for The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki

2. Explain how the following themes work and what characters can looked at as symbols of the theme:

Role of Kings:  In the saga Kings fight for revenge and what is rightfully theirs so they can hold their honor. When somebody has done them wrong they are required by unspoken law to get their payback otherwise they will be looked on as poor and disrespected kings. King Helgi does this when he takes Queen Olof into custody and has his way with her for a while. He does this to make up for shaving his head and sending him away. Even though this is a horrendously poor pay back it helps to gain his respect back even though he is setting himself up to get screwed twice as hard later.

Role of the warrior: Warriors in the saga are seen as protectors of their King. When the Kings/Queens go into battle or wish to get rid of their competition they call upon their best warrior or warriors to get the job done. The warrior is expected to fight if asked without questioning even if they believe they will lose the battle. To not go into battle equals unloyalty and dishonor. It is better to go into the battle swinging hard and making causing chaos before you die than it is to skip out and fight another day. Hrolf's champions and Bodvar are great examples of loyal warriors. Hrolf's champions served as loyal warriors helping him in the battle of king Adils suffering battle and extreme heat from a fire built to torture them. They then fight along with Bodvar in the final battle against Skuld where they fight so well and long that piles of bodies surround them. 

Role of women: Women throughout the saga serve as both Queens and possessions to be claimed for wives. Either a wife or queen though they act as antagonist for war. Queen Olof represents both as Helgi went to claim her as her queen. She then put him to sleep shaved his head and caused extreme embarrassment to him. This starts a feud leading Olof to bare Helgis daughter who then comes back to start a huge war with Hrolf Kraki. Women are the basics for almost every battle within the saga wether they are attacking or if they are the reason men are fighting for. For example Hrolf fights King Adils to help his sister Yrsa which ends up in a huge battle all over one little girl. Yrsa then provokes the battle by giving Hrolf all of king Adils gold and rings, which were rightfully Hrolfs, but it still didn't help the cause.

Concept of Magic: Magic is used in the saga both to escape and to win battles. It is mainly used as a way to cause deceit and is more of a cowards way of battle depending on what it is used for. Skuld uses it to defeat King Hrolf and his champions in a way that I feel was less heroic than fighting normally. She used it to hide her weapons and large army as well as to bring back the dead when they had fallen. This seems less heroic as the idea of a warrior is to fight till death to gain honor. Bodvar uses magic as well but that is a part of him and his strength. Skuld uses it for deceit and with her magic bringing back the dead seems to destroy the whole idea of the Role of A warrior in battle.

Revenge: Revenge must be served if one wishes to be considered a respected honorable person. In the saga if you are mistreated or someone of close relation or relative is, you are expected to defend them and yourself. Without revenge feuds would not continue or be created and the use of warriors would cease to exist. Revenge is the present day version of the law. It is what keeps people from stealing and committing crime to others serving as a form of punishment.  Elk Frodi and Houndsfoot get revenge on Skuld by torturing her to her death. This is a form of blood money or blood guild and showed as a type of honor. They futher show the idea of respecting somebody by killing their enemies when they make a mound for him and his sword.

Hospitality: Hospitality is a form of respect towards somebody. Hospitality is used to trick king Helgi when Queen Olof shaves his head and ships him away. Helgi believes that he should be respected so of course he would be shows great hospitality. This idea is such a custom that their would be no reason for him to think that anything was wrong between him and Olof if he was shown hospitality. This is also another way that women are shown corrupting the normal code of conduct between Kings and Warriors. Women seem to have much better tricks up their sleeves mainly because of men and their lust.


3. Discuss one event in the story that seems to represent what you believe the book to be about. 

4. How do Hrolf and his Champions compare with King Arthur and the round table?

Hrolf and his Champions seem to be a combined force of equals all fighting side by side all working together. When in King Adils house Hrolf cannot be told apart from the champions which is why a giant fire is built hoping to distinguish him from the rest. Hrolf's champions are also perfect examples of warriors in the idea of loyalty to their king. They indure extreme, thirst, cold and heat for him without complaining and fight to their death beside him against Skuld's army. When looking at King Arthur and the round table I view them all as individuals. The nights show that they are unloyal to him and do not wish to battle when the Green Knight comes and asks for a beheading contest.

8. Compare Hrolf Kraki to Beowulf.

Characters of ....

Hrolf Kraki

Halfdane:

Frodi: King who wants to Kill Helgi and Hroar

Helgi: Younger son of Halfdane but more courages than Hroar

Hroar: The older of Halfdane's sons

Signy

Regin: Foster

Vifil

Heid: Serus, girl who gives perdictions of King Frodis castle and if he will catch the boys

Olaf

Yrsa

Hrok

Adils

Skuld

Berserkers

Svipdag


Svip (his advice to his son)

Bjalki


Bera:


Bjorn:

Bodvar Bjarki:

Drifa:

Elk-Frodi:

Haki:

Hakland:

Hardrefil:

Hjalti:

Hott:

Hjorvard:

Hring:

Hromund:

Hvit:

Skuld:

Storolf:

Vogg:

Vott:

Yrsa:


2. Explain how the following themes work and what characters can looked at as symbols of the theme:

Role of Kings:
Role of the warrior:
Role of women:
Concept of Magic:
Revenge:
Hospitality:
Loyalty:
Pride:
Man alone in a hostile world:

3. Discuss one event in the story that seems to represent what you believe the book to be about.
4. How do Hrolf and his Champions compare with King Arthur and the round table?
5. Make a list of at least ten moments of magic in the book.
6. Who is your favorite character and why?
7. How is the Cult of Odin important to this book?
8. Compare Hrolf Kraki to Beowulf.