Monday, December 1, 2008
Trimester Two: Blog #2 (1st hour, due 12/7 at midnight)
Shakespeare’s works are considered to be “for all time.” What themes or topics in Hamlet might be considered timeless? In other words, what themes or topics might appeal to today’s audience? Explain your answer. In fact, as you explain, you might consider making connections between the themes of Shakespeare’s masterpiece and the themes of today’s modern theatrical or cinematic “masterpieces”.
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6 comments:
I think that the theme of revenge (as in Hamlet) appeals to audiences of today. This seems like a timeless bit of Shakespeare because people are always being wronged, and wanting to get back at those wrongdoers. A movie that comes to mind is 'Batman Begins', considered by some to be a masterpiece. The whole movie is fueled by Bruce's want to clean up Gotham, which is inspired by his need for revenge on his parents' killer. When one reads Hamlet, or watches Batman, they can connect with that feeling of wanting revenge, and when the "good guy" wins they celebrate. However, as with Shakespeare's tragedies the good guy dies, the bad guy dies, the somewhat bad guy dies, and even the mom dies!
There are numerous themes in Hamlet that one can connect to today’s society. One reoccurring topic is that of anger. Hamlet, Laertes, and King Claudius all are driven by their rage throughout the play. Perhaps anger brought them all to their obliteration, for they were ruled by bitter acts. Today fury is still very prevalent to present audiences; most action movies such as Quantum of Solace and Mr. & Mrs. Smith possess the sole them of revenge.
Love, an escape from reality, will always be an entertaining story for spectators. Love adds mystery and sometimes comical relief to a play. The relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia definitely incorporated interesting details to the play. Suspense is added as viewers cheer these young lovers on, despite the odds. This sentiment can be seen in many romance films today including The Notebook and The Lakehouse.
Overall Shakespeare’s works can be considered timeless. All people need to do is simply use their imaginations and modernize the style of speech to transform his works into current pieces.
I would have to agree with Isaac and say that the theme of revenge in Hamlet is also abundant in many modern day films. From the beginning of the play it is apparent that revenge is an important theme that fuels the plot of this play. A series of action movies that appeal to the theme of revenge are most of the James Bond Films. Many of times James Bond finds himself in precarious situations in order to seek revenge and “right a wrong.” Hamlet also finds himself in similar situations when he tries to convince everyone about the truth behind his father’s death. Without revenge many modern day motion pictures that are considered a tragedy or action packed would be worthless. Overall, the theme of revenge can be considered timeless, and it will continue to keep audiences on the edge of their seat for years to come.
Shakespeare uses themes in his tragedies that are still portrayed in the modern cinema today. Take the theme of revenge. Revenge is the focus of many modern films including Kill Bill, Quantum of Solace, and The Dark Knight. It is an issue everyone still wrestles with, therefore they enjoy being entertained by it.
Other Shakespeare themes used today are the loss of loved ones (The Lion King, The Dark Knight), or the death of a main character (X-men 3, Gladiator, The Departed, The Dark Knight).
Overall, the themes portrayed in Hamlet are still used today because audiences still connect to them and enjoy being entertained by them.
(**Note to Miss Stump**) Notice that The Dark Knight uses all the themes discussed. Maybe we should watch it in class.
Revenge, love, unloyality to friends and family are a few of the themes that are timeless in Shakespeare's Hamlet. All these themes apply to today's culture. The story of Hamlet could be turned into modern day and still make sense. People are always plotting revenge on their foes rather it be big or small. Love is a major part of Hamlet and is a major part of our everyday lives. Love of our family and friends is evident in today's world as it was in Hamlet. King Cladius was unloyal to Hamlet and the rest of his family just like in the world today many family members turn their backs on eachother to gain something for themselves. Hamlet as well as many of the works Shakespeare has produced can all relate to the modern era and will never grow old
The words and works of William Shakespeare have lived throughout the world for numerous years. Speculators have several opinions about the reasoning for this eternal life, but there should be a focus on the themes that have lasted through the ages. Most specifically the theme of revenge has been a piece of many of Shakespeare’s works. In “Hamlet” we find a son seeking revenge for a father’s death and there are many works that are examples of revenge that Shakespeare created. I think that it is fairly obvious that this theme is not only represented in the work of Shakespeare that is still being published, but it is also presented in present cinema. Not to sound repetitive, but modern examples are included in "The Dark Knight", "The Illusionist", "Step Brothers", "The Departed", and many others. Revenge is the route that drives the plot of writings of many known authors.
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