A second opinion

Looking at this clip again, I see that we can also gather information about the story, and more specifically the setting, from the music in the background at the beginning. It has a slow, bluesy jazz feel, with trumpets playing in fifths over the rest of the ensemble. This is pretty indicative of both a time and place: 1940's New York. New York was one of the centers of Jazz music at the time and it heavily influenced by big bands and blues quartets. The trumpets give the music a very militaristic feel that perhaps mirrored the world war happening at the time. Just goes to show how expressive music can be.

Upon viewing this video clip I notice more the voice of the actor and the different inflections that he is able to use to convey the emotion that this character is feeling. He does an especially good at moving from a very quite thoughtful voice to a loud bursts of anger such as at about 2 minutes and 2 seconds when he finds out that his mother has married his uncle. The voice that he chooses to use is a very powerful tool in conveying the emotion of this character that he is playing.

Colors and Lighting in Hamlet

Color symbolism plays a key role in this scene from Hamlet. There are only a few items of color, including the red of Hamet's uniform and the green and red phones on the right side of the screen. The red of Hamlet's coat could allude to the passion and rage that Hamlet feels as he contemplates suicide. The red and green phones could be placed there to show the contrast of Hamlet's soliloquy and decision whether or not to "stop" his life (red phone), or to "go" on living his life (green phone).

Isn't that remarkable?

As I reanalyze this rendition of "Death of a Salesman" I recognize that the tone of voice makes a huge difference in this version. For example, the hatred and contempt that Willy feels is expressed with his line at 0:17. He doesn't raise his voice but it is dripping with emotion. Then later, at the end, 4:25, when Willy says "Isn't that remarkable?" it could be interpreted very differently if he would have said that line sarcastically. But we see the influence that Biff has had on his father through his tone of voice.

The Voice of Hamlet

The tone of voice that Benedict Cumberbatch uses during this soliloquy adds a sense of urgency and drama to this particular portion of the play. It sounds as if his voice is shaky, which reflects nervousness. He also appears to be very pale and sweaty during this scene also increasing the emotion of nervousness. It is very appropriate for this soliloquy because Hamlet is contemplating his life at this part of the play. Further through his soliloquy, Hamlet's voice begins to be more forceful the more passionate he gets about what he is saying (around 1:27).

The Scenic Design of "Death of a Salesman"

In our discussion the other day about drama, we talked about how the scenic design of a production can influence how the audience receives the book, or script, of a play. In this 1999 revival of "Death of a Salesman", we see how the decisions of both the director, scenic designer, and the lighting designer can greatly affect, and enhance a performance. In the script of this play, it says that the stage should be yet as a whole house and yard, leaving every room open for the audience to catch a glimpse of the Loman family. Yet in this opening scene, the directors felt to not follow the script, but only have one set piece on the entire stage: a bed. Fitting how a bed, a symbol of rest and companionship, is the only set piece for a scene between an anxious man and his worrying wife. With this focus on the couple with the bed, we get a more intimate look at this relationship and how it is at the beginning of the play. This is an example of how an artistic decision can add depth that isn't necessarily found in the script, but in the mind of the director. 

Hamlet

The setting is very dark which is appropriate for the dark speech that Hamlet is giving. There are not a lot of props in this scene so it will not distract from the emotion of the soliloquy. The brightest light on stage is focused on the actor drawing attention to him.

Death of a Salesman

In this rendition of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" the set alludes to the ending. The set gives off the illusion of a middle-class, high-functioning family. The paintings on the walls, the books on the shelf, vases and flowers on the table allow us to assume that this family is "put together". The lighting  is inviting with the warm lamps at various parts of the room. The set gives contrast to the scene at hand, which is anything but a "happy family". However, while providing antithesis for the scene, it also foreshadows the end of the scene when Willy can finally realize the love that his son has for him. (4:23)

 The setting for this particular soliloquy was very appropriate, the lighting is excellent for such a dark and sad speech that Hamlet makes. I feel like certain actions that the actor made were also great statements such as hitting the desk with his hands that showed his anger but also his humanity. Over all very well done.

Analysis of a Snippet of Hamlet

In this production of Hamlet, there were some specific acting decisions which darkened the tone of the play. During Hamlet's soliloquy, there are moments where the actor alludes to suicide as he either subtly chokes (0:27) or hangs himself (2:42). The decision to include these movements grab the audience's attention and reiterates the drama, despair, and serious nature of the scene.

Madison's Shelfie

My name is Madison and I am an English teaching major. I hope to teach high school English. I love to play the violin and piano, but can also be found running at the gym. I have always loved to read and write and want to share my passion with others. I'm from Kansas and yes, I know we are not in Kansas anymore.

Hailey's Shelfie

My name is Hailey and I am an English teaching major. I have always loved reading and writing and hope to share that love with others. My hair is like my patience for you... short.

Hayden's Shelfie

Im 21 years old and I speak Finnish, also a huge Stephen King fan. 

Introducing Me

Let me introduce myself. I am Leah: a sushi loving, future Jr. high school English teacher that is often found in obscure parts of the library (like in the Latin-American history section) or fawning over Mr. Darcy for the umpteenth time.

This is me:

This is me. Josh. I am a Junior studying English Education. I have been married for just over a year and we are expecting a baby boy in June.