Because soliloquies expose what a character is really thinking and feeling, it is important that we take a closer look at them. In Hamlet, we need to take an extra-specially close look at the soliloquies because Hamlet is working so hard to conceal his true plot and thoughts from the rest of the characters in the play. So, I came up with the "So, What's He Saying Anyway" chart.
You all were given a few post-its and needed to record some ideas about what Hamlet is saying during the soliloquies we read in today's class. When we shared out our post-its, some of you had written the same or similar thoughts, but that's okay. In fact, it's a great thing that you all did not hear something entirely different in the soliloquies we read in today's class.
We also spent most of class reading from the original Shakespearean language. Reactions to this attempt were mixed. Some of you felt like you got lost too quickly, while others favored the rhythm and flow of Shakespeare's poetry to the translated prose.
We'll continue to examine Hamlet's soliloquies in depth and we'll keep going back and forth between the original and the "updated" version of this play. You all did a wonderful job in today's performance and kudos to those of you who are fighting to keep the language alive!
