DRJ #3

Initial Reaction: I re-read Act III, so at this point I understand it better than any other act. I feel like the pace has picked up a little bit. Hamlet's bizarre, inconsistent interaction with Ophelia reminds me of a guy I dated when I was 17. He was also rather pompous and full of himself, and would alternate between being nice and loving with me, and then suddenly dismissive without provocation. This experience was of course far less meaningful than Ophelia/Hamlet, but I also think that Hamlet is an ass.

Character Analysis: I'm going to discuss Ophelia. Ophelia is a nice, eager-to-please, obedient, naïve young lady who is emotionally sort of...weak. I would say that she does have a fatal flaw, which is that very emotional weakness. It does not happen in this act, but eventually Ophelia is worn down by Hamlet's retraction of love (and ensuing flirtatious mind games) and her father's death. She simply cannot muscle through, and succumbs to grief. Although I don't think she is a foil, Ophelia's presence and interaction with Hamlet demonstrates the type of man he is.

Theme Analysis: One theme that stood out to me the most in this act was contemplation versus action. In thesis format, here goes: Too much mulling over what action should be taken ultimately interferes with any action taking place whatsoever. The idea is mentioned at least twice within the act, so I would say that Shakespeare is reinforcing it via repetition. In 3.1.83-87, Hamlet is talking about how a person who is at first resolute weakens if he ponders for too long about the appropriate action, and that instead of considering at length, people should act immediately. Later, when the royal family is watching the play, the Player King says essentially the same thing. At 3.2.165-176, he likens inaction to fruit that dies on the tree because it stayed too long on the branch. He is saying that people lose their fiery passion to act when they pause to think.