The Ghost Scene

Analyze

William Blake is an artist and poet whose work you will read next year.

Using the three versions of the ghost scene that we watched in class, offer your commentary on each film.  Consider some of the following points in your critique:

• How did the actors portray the characters? (consider emotion, attitude, actions, tone of voice, etc.)
• Was there music? If so, what tone did it set?
• What was the lighting like? Did it contribute to or take away from the scene?
• Were there special effects?
• How did the director use visual elements (such as flashback) to add depth to the scene?
• What props were used, if any, and did they provide symbolic emphasis to the scene?

Overall what was the effect of these choices?  Do you agree or disagree with the choices the director made?  Which version resonated with you the most?

Extend

If you were to interpret this scene through film yourself, how would you approach it?  What in particular would you focus on?  What in your opinion, is important about this scene and how would you want to convey that?  

For example, what do you want to leave your audience with after watching this scene?  Is it the despair that the ghost feels? Or Hamlet's frustration?  Do you find fault with Gertrude and want to cast doubt about her involvement?  Or is Hamlet imagining this scene?  Could you, through directorial choices, convey that Hamlet is imagining all this? 

Assignment 

Address these questions ON YOUR BLOG, or other topics which you feel are relevant, in a critique of these productions in no less than 300-500 words (Hint: This prompt is about 340).  When you refer to the movies you should use the director's last name to note the different versions and when you refer to the characters, use the actor's last names. Remember that you are publishing these posts on YOUR blog.  Remember that you are publishing this to the world, so proofread and be mindful of grammar, paragraph length, etc.

First Version

Director: (Franco) Zeffirelli     Hamlet: (Mel) Gibson

Second Version

Director: (Kenneth) Branagh    Hamlet: (Kenneth) Branagh

Third Version

Director: (Michael) Almereyda   Hamlet: (Ethan) Hawke

 Film Version Links

Zeffirelli Version (short clip, but enough to see part of it)

Branagh Version

Almereyda Version (jumpy, but good enough if you missed it)

Director's Commentary on the Branagh Version

Shakespeare, Slang, and Spizzerinctum!

In class we recently discussed the differences between "Old English" and the older version of Modern English in which Shakespeare wrote.  During that conversation, we reflected on the fluidity of language and how it evolves to fit the needs of those people who use it.

This morning I came across an article from NPR detailing 7 slang words use throughout the 20th century that are now lost to us.  It's a "ginchy" read!

This Wordle Created at www.wordle.net. 

Getting Started with Blogging: An Introduction

Directions: In the comment section below, consider one or more of the following questions.  (Do NOT answer all of them.)  If a lot of people have answered, consider responding to them instead.

Have you used a blog before? How can you see yourself using a blog in this class?

How will you continue to apply what you have learned about higher levels of textual analysis (i.e. not summarizing) in your online commentary?

What is different, in your opinion, about reading and writing online from other types of writing?

How do you think it might benefit you in college and your career to have practice academic reading and writing online?

OR....

Pose your OWN question about online literacy, blogging, etc.!