Hamlet Act 3

I think when Hamlet was directing the players on how to perform the play the "right way".. it was really interesting. He kept emphasizing that actors shouldn't exaggerate their feelings/emotions and he hates it when they do because plays are supposed to reflect off of what really happened. It reminded me of the time when we were discussing Hamlet's reaction to his problems. I remember some of us said how we think Hamlet is being a bit too emotional and it's annoying. It just all seemed a bit ironic to me.

The way Hamlet treated Ophelia was absurd. I can't believe the things he said to her in such a demeaning manner. But personally, I'm not convinced that he is REALLY crazy here. I think the only times I'll be convinced that perhaps Hamlet's craziness isn't just an act is when he's talking to himself and saying crazy things. This whole scene with Ophelia could be part of his plan and he just wants her to believe he has gone crazy.

I have a question about Hamlet and Horatio in Act 3, Scene 2. I thought Hamlet didn't tell anyone about what the ghost has revealed to him. But then he says, "One scene of it comes near the circumstance Which I have told thee of my father's death." So why is Hamlet asking Horatio to watch Claudius' reaction to the specific parts of the play? And when did he tell him? Did I miss something?

I think it was HILARIOUS how Hamlet's mother asks him to sit by her at the beginning of the play and he says "No, good mother. Here's metal more attractive" and then sits next to Ophelia. haahha.

I think the imagery in Claudius' monologue at the beginning of scene 3 was great. I'm surprised that his conscience actually comes into play and the audience is led to believe that he really feels sorry for his crime. I mean, what is that supposed to show? That Claudius, after all, is actually a better person than Hamlet thinks? I'm not sure if we're supposed to give Claudius' any sympathy here. Is he meant to look weaker because of his guilt? And that's why Hamlet didn't kill him, right? Because even he wants to find an opportunity to kill Claudius when he's being corrupt.

Finally, I think Polonius' death was ... very awkward. So he's accidentally killed? haha. I mean in a way, his death kind of fits his character because he's been looked at as a joke throughout most of the play and it makes kind of sense for his death to be taken lightly. But still. It's just weird how Hamlet comes out of no where and stabs the poor guy. Hamlet doesn't seem all heroic to me right now.