From:
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To:
Alyssa Mack
Sat, Dec 6, 2014 3:56:48 PM
hamlet passage
Szott AP lit C
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In this passage of Hamlet, Hamlet preaches to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about how
he has lost a sense of interest in the world and about how beautiful human beings are but yet he
doesn’t think they are more than dust itself. Hamlet starts out by saying “I will tell you why” in
order for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to keep their secrets with the king and queen, and not
give anything away that they could get in trouble for. He talks about how beautiful the world
around him is. He discusses the “beautiful canopy” and the “majestic roof decorated with golden
sunlight”. Yet after all these gorgeous scenes in the world, he thinks the world is nothing but a
“foul and pestilent congregation of vapors”.
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He moves on to say just how beautiful a man is. Hamlet discusses how impressive a
man’s capacity of reasoning is and how unlimited and undefined his thinking ability is when he
says “how noble in reason, how infinite in faculty!” He admires a man’s shape and structure and
states that nothing is more beautiful. After all these admirable qualities of a human being,
Hamlet cannot look past the fact that in the end, we are all but dust. “And yet, to me, what is this
quintessence of dust?” He ends his rant by stating that men and women both do not impress him.
He is not delight by them, but by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s face, they seem to think the
opposite.
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Alexander Balabanov
Analysis 2
Szott AP lit C
Sat, Dec 6, 2014 7:54:55 PM
Hamlet’s speech to Guildenstern and Rosencrantz shows us what is going through
Hamlet’s mind at the point when even the reader doubts that Hamlet is simply putting up a façade of
insanity. The passage starts with Hamlet describing the beauties of the world using metaphors, such as
comparing the earth with a “goodly frame” and the air with an “excellent canopy”. When analyzing the
diction of the passage we see a lot of outer beauty description such as “majestically” and “golden”. The
key is to notice that Hamlet underlines the outer beauty and not the inner beauty of earth. He later asks
“what is this quintessence of dust?” which can be taken as “what is this beautifulness of dust?” which
hides a deep meaning to it. Dust is something insignificant, something most people would find an
annoyance or useless if asked. What Hamlet means by this is while everything around him has nice outer
appearances, when analyzed deeper, everything is a lie. To Hamlet everything around him has no
meaning, no true beauty anymore. This passage a significant because it points out that Hamlet has
completely set on revenge.
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Katerina Forbis Sun, Dec 7, 2014 4:53:49 PM
take two
Szott AP lit C
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Hamlet explains why the king sent for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and
the paradox of humans to his two oblivious childhood friends through trough diction and
imagery. Hamlet begins his speech with an explanation of why the two were sent for:
“lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercise.” Hamlet explains that those around
him believe that he has gone mad; the meaning of his speech is further aided by
specific words such as customs. Many readers associate the word customs with
tradition and it causes readers to compare Hamlet’s change in behavior to the breaking
of a long standing tradition. This sentiment conveys how drastic Hamlet’s change in
behavior appears to other people. During this part of the speech, Hamlet attempts to
enlighten his friends with the real purpose of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's
summoning.
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Hamlet goes on to address the paradox of humans. Hamlet acknowledges
how amazing humans are: “What a piece of work is man! How noble in reason…. In
action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god!” Hamlet directly refers to
humans as a (master) piece and goes on to compare man to a god, ultimately
acknowledging how amazing humans really are. His speech takes a turn when his
diction begins to take on a much more negative connotation when he asks: “what is this
quintessence of dust?” The young noble acknowledges how amazing humans are but
ultimately conveys his disdain for them by comparing them to dust. This comparison
speaks to the very realistic view Hamlet has about life and death. At various points in
the play Hamlet speaks to the fact that humans start and end as dust despite their
standing in the world. The young noble concludes that while humans may seem
amazing, there is nothing really beautiful about dust.
-Kat Forbis
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From:
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Beau Burns
Sun, Dec 7, 2014 5:58:45 PM
hamlet = Soren Kierkegaard
Szott AP lit C
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Hamlet uses complex imagery, diction, and comparison to illustrate his existential views
towards the world. The fundamental view of existentialism is that humans (and the natural world) exist
before having any true purpose. In this passage Hamlet acknowledges the complexities and admirable
qualities behind the existence of humanity by using phrases and words like “The paragon of animals”,
“noble” and “how like a god” when describing humans. However he is unable to find delight in humans
due to their lack of true purpose. Hamlet makes this point by comparing humanity to dust when he says
“What is the quintessence of Dust?” Hamlet compares man to dust in order to highlight the absurdity
and pointlessness of human existence. He is unable to find purpose in his own life and therefore lacks
interest in humans altogether despite their unique qualities.
•
Hamlets use of vivid imagery depicts his views by revealing his true emotions. By saying
“Look you , This brave o’erhanign firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it
appeareth nothing to me but a foul and pestilent congregation of vapors.” Hamlet illustrates the passion
and hatred he feels towards the absurdity of the world. Through this imagery we picture a romantic
illustration of the earth that hamlet sees as contagiously poisonous and gross. Descriptive words like
“foul” and “pestilent” show us how passionately frustrated hamlet is with the banality and absurdity of
the world.
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The way hamlet uses literary devices to talk about the absurdity of life is similar to the
way Soren Kierkegaard, the founder of existentialism, used to write about the existentialism. I can’t help
but think that Shakespeare molded hamlet after this Danish philosopher.
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EXTRA
P.S. * Kierkegaard, like Hamlet, was born into an affluent family in Denmark. He was
known for being emotional and radical in the way he acted. He wrote a series of letters under different
pseudonyms (similar to the way hamlet knew how to write letters while posing as other people) that
became known as the first works of existentialism. Kierkegaard also died under mysterious
circumstances. He was diagnosed with a spinal disease but there is some skepticism to his death
because he died soon after publishing a controversial essay. Some peopel claim he was poisoned.
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Julia Solomon Sun, Dec 7, 2014 10:21:33 PM
hamlet
Szott AP lit C
In this passage Hamlet has become very cynical. He has lost faith in humanity in the world. I think
he believes that all people have let him down and there is no one left to rely on. He says that humans are
supposed to be wonderful creatures but instead they are nothing more than a disappointment. This is the
line where he states why humans are supposedly superior. “What a piece of work is a man! How noble in
reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and moving how express and admirable! In action how like an
angel, in apprehension how like a god! The beauty of the world. The paragon of animals” Hamlet gives
reasons such as how we appear to look the same as gods and how our brains are greater than other
animals. He then says how his statement is also wrong, “Man delights not me.” This is his way of saying
that he is not impressed by humans anymore.
•
Not only is he no longer impressed by humans but he has also lost fascination with the world. “;
this most excellent canopy, the air—look you, this brave o'erhanging firmament, this majestical roof
fretted with golden fire—why, it appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent congregation of
vapors.” He describes how the once beautiful world is now a place that disgusts him. This is one of
Hamlets most cynical speeches.
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Libby Knowles Sun, Dec 7, 2014 10:30:50 PM
Hamlet close reading
Szott AP lit C
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The beauty of this speech of Hamlet's is that it is a rant that subtley pokes at the
king and queen inviting his friends to discover the true meaning of his madness, however this
rant is gracefully disguised as a poetic description of humans and human nature. Once the
reader looks beyond the elevated language like "in action how like an angel, in apprehension
how like a god!", one comes to realize the harsh critism being thrown out by Hamlet. He
complains "man delights not me; nor women neither", and even in his complaints the language
and diction outshine the cold meaning and attitude towards people. The very beginning of the
speech is spent informing his friends that he knows why they came. His cruel attitude is
portrayed in the syntax of choppy thoughts; " I will tell you why", and " lost all my mirth,
forgone all my custom of exercises, and indeed it goes so heavily". These lines seem short and
detached, expressing his frustration with the King and Queen for sending for his good friends.
The contrast to these choppy lines comes towards the end, " how nobel in reason, how infinite
in faculties, in form and moving how express and admirable", these lines flow together, one
after another, with few periods and long drawn out words that entrance the reader away from
the true message being told.
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Libby Knowles
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Attachments:
Aerin Hickey
Mon, Dec 8, 2014 5:39:03 AM
close reading
Szott AP lit C
II.2..docx
Microsoft Office Word Document
13K
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Rosencraantz and Guildenstern
Hamlet realizes that besides Horatio, he is alone in the corrupt nature of Denmark; this
section demonstrates this through diction, syntax and imagery. Sensory imagery is used when
he talks about the, “golden fire”, and the “canopy in the air.” The queen and king have hired R
and G to spy on Hamlet, because they sense something is up with him. He purposely writes long,
extended sentences in order to allow Hamlets argument to be drawn out. Hamlet has his first
confrontation with R and G, he can already sense that they are spying on him, “your secrecy to
the Queen and King molt no feather.” Hamlet is smarter and it shows that he can easily sense
corruption in the Kingdom of Denmark. He is saying the Earth and the canopy and the air are
contaminated with this evil, vicious cycle of corruption. Which we see in the diction carefully
chosen as exemplified before. Revenge is the underlining theme. “What a piece of work is a
man!” – He is talking about how the nature of humans is so complex and interesting, and how
he admires human nature and the beauty of the world. Diction is illustrated thoroughly
throughout especially here in order for Hamlet to point out what he is feeling. Then he changes
his opinions, by saying “And yet to me, what is this quintessence of dust?” basically humans are
a waste of space, they are worthless. He is annoyed by all humans. The smile he reads of G
shows he is working for the King.
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From:
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Caroline Pinkelton
Mon, Dec 8, 2014 9:59:19 AM
2nd Analytical Reading Passage
Szott AP lit C
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In a conversation with Guildenstern and Rosencratz Hamlet reflects how he has lost
himself and sense of who he is. Hamlet then goes on to talk about how he feels empty and alone; I have
late, but wherefore I know not, lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises, and indeed it goes so
heavily with my disposition that this goodly frame.” The diction Hamlet uses in these few sentences is
very mallow and depressing as he uses words like mirth, sterile, and disposition. He then goes on to
describe the air and the sky and how it now means nothing to him, “why it appears no other thing to me
than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapors.” He then begins to talk about the creation of man and
the capacity of reason and unlimited thinking a human being possesses and how there is nothing more
beautiful or amazing than that. He describes the magnificence of humankind through self expression
and imagery. “What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and
moving how express and admirable!” The tone and use of diction changes at the end of the passage as
Hamlet begins to describe humans in an admiring way; beauty, admirable, noble, and god like.
~Caroline~
Life is uncharted territory. It reveals it's story one moment at a
time.
Leo Buscaglia
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Cameron Sharpe
Mon, Dec 8, 2014 10:06:45 AM
2nd Analytical Reading
Szott AP lit C
In his speech on page 46, hamlet is responding to Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern after he gets them to admit they were sent for by the king. At first,
he starts by explaining that he has become depressed recently. This is revealed
when he says "I have of late….lost all my mirth". He goes on to talk about how
wonderful the earth and the air is, and how he views it only as a "foul and
pestilent congregation of vapors". In this case, he is giving an example of how his
depression has effected him. He immediately changes subjects to ponder
mankind. His statement "What a piece of work is man!", starts off a series of
statements such as "How noble in reason", which are then followed by the
rhetorical question "and yet to me….dust?". This is another example of the
effects of his depression, but it is also a lead in to the closing lines of his speech,
"Man delights….women neither". These are powerful lines in the closing,
because he exclaims his dislike toward men, specifically the king, and then
includes his dislike for women. This shows how he has grown both untrusting of
men and women, but also almost disgusted with them.
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From:
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To:
Sam Kolls
Monday, December 8, 2014 10:07:21 AM
Szott AP lit C
In Act 2, scene 2 lines 256 through 271, Hamlet is having a conversation
with Guildernstern and Rosencratz. Hamlet reflects and talks about
how he has gone completely out of control, lost his mind, and can’t
seem to find his true identity. From there, Hamlet describes how he is
feeling; for example he is really lonely. Throughout the lines,
Hamlet’s/Shakespeare’s diction is depressing and negative. For instance
he uses words like lost, mirth, and heavily. With this negative thought
process, Hamlet starts commenting man and thinking processes. He
starts talking humankind through imagery, “How noble in reason, how
infinite in faculty! In form and moving how express and admirable!” The
diction takes a 180 turn because he uses different words like
“admirable” which has a positive connotation compared to the other
words he had used.
•
-Sam Kolls
•
"Throw kindness like confetti."
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From:
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Tom Kubitza
Mon, Dec 8, 2014 10:07:28 AM
Second Analytical Paragraph
Szott AP lit C
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Hamlet uses diction, syntax, and imagery in his speech in Act II, Scene II,
as he tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that he has become bored with the monotony
of life. Hamlet uses words and phrases like “sterile promontory”, “quintessence of dust”,
and “man not delights me” to describe his boredom with life, despite previously
describing humanity’s infinite potential by using phrases like “infinite in faculties”, “noble
in reason”, “in action how like an angel”, and “in apprehension how like a god”. Hamlet
even states that humans are the “paragon of animals”, meaning that he believes that
humans are superior to all other living beings in the world. Hamlet also uses syntax to
describe his ennui with life, as he uses long winding sentences that can provide the
reader or audience with an overwhelming sense of boredom. Hamlet also uses imagery
to portray his boredom with life and humanity. Hamlet also uses imagery to describe
the human race’s potential. His carefully chosen words portray various images;
“quintessence of dust” allows the reader or audience to equate humanity with dust,
while “infinite in faculties” allows the reader or audience to visualize humanities
achievements.
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Connor Dean Mon, Dec 8, 2014 10:08:06 AM
2nd Analytical Reading
Szott AP lit C
This passage, a speech by Hamlet addressing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, discusses the
reasons for their summons and his growing contempt for people in general. He employs rhetoric of
aggressive diction, discussing the flaws he sees in man and how his visions contrast with the idyllic world
his parents and friends are trying to paint around him. . He then displays his abhorrence to those
around him, stating that “man delights not me: nor women neither.” Hamlet then goes on to make a
point to single out his friends as men who are merely propagating the illusion of this perfect world
around him. In a statement that tears at Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s sincerity, Hamlet singles out
their joyful expressions, stating that, while he has lost patience and delight in people, their smiling
seems to suggest the opposite. Hamlet employs contrasting imagery to display his surroundings in a
particular light while also comparing them to his perceptions. Hamlet compares his surroundings,
particularly a chandelier, to a congregation of foul and pestilent vapors. He states that man is “noble in
reason” and “the paragon of animals” while following those statements with his own contempt and
distaste for men. Hamlet makes his point to Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, describing his frustration
with their summons by his mother and uncle, but not before describing his growing distaste for his
surroundings and those who try to pacify him.
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Jessica Pusch Mon, Dec 8, 2014 9:52:49 AM
2nd Analytical Reading
Szott AP lit C
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Throughout Hamlet’s speech he uses an eloquent form of diction and imagery to
communicate to his once beloved friends how he now views the dismal world around him. Choosing
phrases such as “molt no feather”, he insults Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in their allegiance to his
mother and uncle/father. He also provides the audience with a strong image of what he describes the
world to be like; “This most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave o’erhanging firmament, this
majestical roof fretted with golden fire”. He then goes and contrasts his own claims, crying “It appeareth
nothing to me but a foul and pestilent congregation of vapors,” explaining how strong his disdain for the
world now is.
•
Because of the precise word choice and strong descriptive accounts dispersed
throughout his speech, he is able, for the first time, to almost open up to someone about the reason
behind his “insanity”. Making use of expressions such as “infinite in faculties” and “this quintessence of
dust”, Hamlet describes both his amazement in all mankind and his utter contempt towards it. Although
he does not give a sincere motive to his recent actions, he does begin to explain his emotions in a more
communicative form.
Jessica Pusch
Greensboro Day School
Email: jessicapusch@greensboroday.org
Cell: (336)-404-1164
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From:
Subject:
To:
Lily Brown
Monday, December 8, 2014 10:19:58 AM
Analytical Reading
Szott AP lit C
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In Hamlet's soliloquy, he uses a variety of diction and imagery in order to express
his feelings and perspective of the world around him to his old friend. In doing so he
tends to insult Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about where their loyalty lies regarding
Hamlet's mother and uncle. "This most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave
o'erhanging firmament, this majestcial roof fretted with golden fire" is a good example of
the vivid imagery that is used during this speech to describe the world. Because of this
strong diction and imagery, that is used throughout this emotional soliloquy, Hamlet is
able to clearly express his feelings and view towards the world that, in conclusion, is the
reason behind his "insanity". He uses expressions like "infinite in faculties" to describe
the inconsistancy and wonder of the world. This allows him to be able to communicate
better and get his emotions across easier.
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THE Lily Brown
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Nich Duehring Mon, Dec 8, 2014 10:22:40 AM
Analytical Reading
Szott AP lit C
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First and foremost, this speech by Hamlet is a great example of Shakespeare’s complete control
of language. His use of stunning imagery creates a sense of immediate wonder, and then so quickly
shifts to utter bleakness. The rollercoaster of emotion on which the reader embarks is so extreme in
such a short amount of time. The way that Hamlet speaks first of how “this goodly frame, the earth,
seems to me a sterile promontory.”, explaining how Hamlet sees the world differently than others.
Hamlet doesn’t see “this most excellent canopy”, but rather “a foul and pestilent congregation of
vapors”. Through this juxtaposition, hamlet demonstrates how he sees the world. Hamlet admits the
greatness of man in the eyes of others, yet he himself sees nothing of the sort. Hamlet instead sees man
as simply made of dust, no specific purpose or innate importance. The way that Hamlet speaks shows
how his mind is functioning, how he understands that his view is different, yet he portrays any other
view as trivial.
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Scott Hollowell Mon, Dec 8, 2014 10:35:22 AM
Analytical Reading
Szott AP lit C
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Hamlet, in this passage, begins with his knowledge of Guildenstern’s and Rosencrantz’s work
with the King and Queen but soon after quickly digresses toward analyzing the world and nature of man.
More so in the body of the passage lay his views of how humans are confined to the earth and the
atmosphere (specifically the air) which we thrive on. He uses great imagery to describe the sun which
man resides under by saying “this majestical roof fretted with golden fire” and also acknowledges the
remarkable traits within this beautiful world through perfect, paragon of animals – although it seems he
believes do not exist. Hamlet not only acknowledges the beauty of the world but also ponders on the
reason for existence, with one instance being when he says “what is this quintessence of dust”. The
depth to which he goes into describing the world and the questions behind humanity’s existence is very
revealing to who Hamlet is, and leaves unanswered the reasoning behind why he ponders so deeply into
these thoughts as well as what brought them into his mind.
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From:
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To:
Mitch Phipps
Mon, Dec 8, 2014 11:03:27 AM
Analytical Reading 2
Szott AP lit C
Hamlet: Act 2 Scene 2 lines 256-271 (Hamlet to Rosencrantz
and Guildenstern
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Analyze the purpose and main idea of Hamlet's speech and how literary devices such as diction,
syntax, and imagery help to make his ideas clear.
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After discovering that his friends were sent for by the king and queen, Hamlet admits his state
of depression to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern all the while being mindful of reserving the details as to
why he is so unhappy.
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Hamlet, in addressing his former classmates' relations with the king and queen, exposes that he
is skeptical about their reliability. "So shall my anticipation prevent your discovery, and your secrecy to
the king and queen moult no feather." These lines express that Hamlet is aware that the two bring with
them the concerns of the king and queen, however he affirms that he will confess to the nature of the
king and queens concerns; as in "I will tell you why." He reveals that he is indeed depressed in saying
that he has "lost all [his] mirth." The rest of the passage largely elaborates upon the extent of his
unhappiness with the world around him. He visually sources the beauty of nature, and similarly
acknowledges the complexity of man, however the substance of such becomes inapplicable considering
his own state of depression. The conclusion that he is depressed is inferred from Hamlet's misplaced
valuation of things with substance: "Man delights not me [;] no, nor woman neither." The paradox of
human complexion and Hamlet's perception is used to surmount the apprehension of Melancholy. As
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern become aware of Hamlet's poor disposition, such is added to our own
understanding of Hamlet's characterization. However complexity, being an underlying characteristic of
Hamlet, the factuality of the message is unknown. He is definitely careful as to what and to whom he
reveals details about his true nature.
Mr. Szott
In Hamlet’s speech to his friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Shakespeare uses strong diction
and imagery as well as syntactical devices and balance in order to illustrate the depths of Hamlet’s
depression. From the start of the passage, Hamlet’s depressed natures shines forth as he states that he
has “lost all my mirth” and that it “goes so heavily with my disposition.” In particular, the term “heavily”
suggests someone in a depressed state, feeling as if life is weighing him down. He goes on to share with
his friends, and with us as the audience, how his mental state has affected his conception of everything
around him. He begins with his surroundings, explaining that the wonder that is the earth, with its
“excellent canopy” and “majestical roof fretted with golden fire” has been transformed in his mind into
a “foul and pestilent congregation of vapors.” Shakespeare here uses the juxtaposition of opposite
images to make the point. In some ways, the initial description of the earth may be a bit hyperbolic, or
at least quite romanticized. He uses adjectives such as “goodly,” “excellent,” and “brave,” which all
have positive connotations, to emphasize the essentially wonderful nature of the earth. In contrast,
because of his mental state, the earth has been transformed into something “foul” and “pestilent,” the
latter word even connoting something poisonous.
In the second part of the speech, Hamlet then moves more particularly to his opinion on human
beings. Just as he did in discussing the earth, he acknowledges that humans are indeed amazing
creatures. He uses diction such as “noble,” “infinite,” and “admirable” to describe humans. He also
compares humans to gods and angels. He places humans at the top of the natural order, calling them
“the paragon of animals.” In this section of the speech, he uses anaphora to help to build up the picture
of humans, repeating the structure of “How…” and “in…” almost as if he is building a case and adding
layer upon layer of argument. Then, after he has built up the image of human beings, he undercuts it
sharply in the penultimate line by calling humans a “quintessence of dust.” Dust is about the most
minute and ignoble substance we can find—it is common and is, essentially, dirt. Not a flattering image.
Additionally, the sentences that precede the end of the speech end with exclamation marks,
emphasizing the inherent beauty and impressiveness of humans. For Hamlet, however, humans are not
amazing and impressive, but instead enigmas, thus his ending with a question mark.