Eulogy for Ophelia

"To much water hast thou, Ophelia..."

As we have examined some of the different representations of Hamlet, we have seen how the play leaves many events and people open to debate and interpretation.  Just like Hamlet, over the last several hundred years, Ophelia has become a muse in her own right.  She has inspired songs, art, poetry, books and was even used by early psychologists as the face of female madness against which other patients were compared.

The video here, by Kula Shaker, is one of the most closely aligned with the play - note how Hamlet's love note to Ophelia actually makes its way into the lyrics.  But this is by no means the only music video on Opehelia; a simple search on youtube will yield hundreds.  Similarly, you can trace Ophelia's evolution through the work of artists in a google search, as well as in this gallery, who seek to breathe life back into Ophelia, to represent her tragedy, or to remind us all that Ophelia was an important part of the play, too.

John Everett Millais' Ophelia

You can find a full explication of this painting here.

Back in 2011, when I had the chance to go to London, I made it a point to stop by the Tate Museum to see the famous "Ophelia" by John Everett Millais.  This is perhaps one of the most famous paintings of Ophelia, perhaps because of its hauntingly realistic appearance, or the eerie peace in death that it conveys.  Or maybe it is because, as some people say, you can see a skull hidden in it.  This picture is from my trip, but you can take a closer look here.  

Representing Ophelia

Shakespeare's characterization of Ophelia does not offer the audience a full picture of who she is and what her motivation might be.  As Elaine Showalter writes in "Representing Ophelia: Women, Madness, and the Responsibilities of Feminist Criticism," in , there can be Hamlet without Ophelia, but there is no Ophelia without Hamlet.  Her character’s existence is dependent on that of Hamlet’s.  

Despite this, or maybe because of it, Ophelia has been such a source of inspiration over hundreds of years, and each artist chooses to represent Ophelia in a different way.   What do you notice about the way that Ophelia is portrayed in the John Everett Millais painting?  What characteristics does the artist imbue in his version of Ophelia?  How does it differ from other artistic representations of Ophelia?

Follow some of the links above (and here) to research Ophelia and consider:  How do you believe Shakespeare intended Ophelia to be portrayed?  What were her final moments like?  Did she intentionally drown herself?  Did she just give in after the branch underneath her broke?  Did Gertrude let her die?

What do you believe is the reason for Ophelia’s madness?  What contributed to her demise, in your opinion?  Do you feel sorry for her?  Indifferent? How might you 'represent Ophelia?' 

Your Task

As we see in the play, the circumstances of her death prevent Ophelia from having a proper burial.  After you have considered the questions above for yourself, construct a 'eulogy' for Ophelia.  What words would you read at her funeral? 

Because this is a fictitious assignment, you can choose to honor Ophelia, or you can agree that she perhaps did not deserve more in the way of burial rites.  This is, of course, open to your opinion, depending on how effectively you support it.  

In at least 400 words (what that looks like), eulogize Ophelia; give her the burial rites you believe she deserves based on whatever your opinion of her character is.  Use your research as well as the text to support your 

You can visit the blog here, or do a simple search to find out more about writing a eulogy.

Hamlet's Dilemma

An enduring question throughout the play is whether it is better to be a man of thought or of action.  This question is perhaps most deeply explored in the context of this scene.

What do you think about Hamlet's hesitation to kill Claudius? Is Hamlet right for waiting and thinking about it carefully?  Or should he just shut up and do it already?  What is at stake? Additionally, how does this scene further inform your understanding of Hamlet or Claudius?

Consider carefully ethical issues about murder and cultural issues of honor and filial obligation.  Consider also religious ramifications, as they are a thematic focus in the play.  And of course, consider whether Claudius is really guilty, what would be the cost if he were not, and what might happen to poor Hamlet if he killed the king considering everyone things he is a madman.

Propose your answers on your own blog, in no fewer than 300 words.  This post is due no later than Monday.

To Be or Not To Be

The following links will bring you to the videos that we viewed in class.  Take a moment to review them before considering the prompt.

Olivier's Hamlet             Zeffirelli's Hamlet  

Branagh's Hamlet      Almereyda's Hamlet

Your Task:

Reflect on each film version of Hamlet's soliloquy in more depth. Consider using some of your notes about what Hamlet is saying in this speech to guide your analysis of how the directors and actors interpret this scene.  Use the follow questions to guide your note-taking as you view each version, then evaluate each interpretation of this scene in no fewer than 500 words (due Wednesday).

• In each version of the play, what is the setting? What effect does this have? What is the director trying to convey by setting the scene here?
• Is there any music? What mood does this set?
• What choices does the director make about lighting or props? Do these choices reinforce the theme of his speech?
• What figurative aspects of the speech are represented literally (if any)? How does the director use these symbols throughout the speech?
• What is the emotion with which the actor repeats the lines? How does this change throughout the speech, if at all? What effect does this have?
• More broadly - Why are there so many versions of this play? What do you think that says about the universality of Hamlet? Which version of the play did you like the most (do not think of putting Schwarzenegger's)? What about this version was most effective in your opinion?

Just for fun...The Last Action Hero

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