Matty G: Allusions & Personal Response Act 2

Allusions
One biblical allusion I noticed was the reference Hamlet made while speaking to Rosencrantz. "And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? Man delights not me. No, nor woman neither," It just reminded me that man was created from dust in the bible. He compares his loss of interest in humans to his interest in the dust that we technically really are. Basically, he could care less about the people around him. He uses this allusion to establish the severity of his depression. Comparing anything to the work of the All Mighty establishes great significance. Hamlet uses this allusion to display some of the issues he is dealing with. The moodiness and loss of interest he has experienced is clearly stated through his conversation with his two friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

The reference to Jephthah could be alluding to events to come between Ophelia and Polonius. Jephthah was one of the twelve judges of Israel, when it was under that form of government, who, going to fight against the Ammonites, vowed that if successful against them, he would sacrifice to the Lord the first thing that met him on his return home. His daughter coming out to welcome him, was accordingly offered up. Shakespeare loves to write about tradgedies. Therefore, what could be more tragic than having Hamlet's lover's father accidentley have his own daughter killed? I could be totally wrong but it would be very tragic and make for a good twist in the play. This could be a significant reference for some other reason as well.


Personal Response

I am still interested, and I’ll have to be honest and say that I was surprised by act 2. I like how a traveling play shows up and Hamlet will can conveniently use them to his advantage. In my opinion, Ophelia is too paranoid for her own good. Why would she tell on Hamlet if she somewhat loves him? I would think she would want to confront him to handle it herself. I am anxious and want to see how Claudius reacts to the play. It should be interesting. After act 2, it is obvious that Hamlet is having difficulty in obeying the ghost of his father's command. He has wasted some time in debating on whether or not to kill his unlce/dad. His hesitation has allowed doubt to creep up on him. He now has said he needs more proof than just the words of the ghost.