Hamlet 2000- Workbook Questions

Hamlet 2000

Workbook Questions: 

1. How has the director been true to the text?

The director has been true to the text by using Shakespearean language in the adaptation as well as keeping the story line quite similar to the original text. Almereyda has also kept the same names for characters and incorporated the same themes and preoccupations as that of the original text. 

2. How have they not been true to the text?

There are many aspects of the film that do not stay true to the text. Firstly, the running theme of post modernism within the film. Almereyda suspends the idea of authorship and therefore exemplifies that meaning comes from the reader rather than the author. This highly evident throughout the film in regards to the setting and the construction of the film. 
The film is set in New York in 2000, opposed to a setting from Shakespearean times, and as a result the storyline of the adaptation is exceptionally different to that of the original text. The director has also incorporated popular culture of the time in order to modernise the text. This is evident through the blurring of reality and the blending of high and low culture; which  are additional constructions of the adaptation that differ from the original text.

3. Has the adaptation jeopardised the integrity or literary value of the text in your opinion?

I think that the adaptation does jeopardise the integrity and literary value of the text to a degree. By contemporising the adaptation I think that some literary value is lost and that there are changes to the original text, which in turn jeopardise the intergrity and literary value of the text. Although so I think that the adaptation is a great medium in which people can access literature and the themes and meaning of the adaptation are still relevant to the original text. 

4. How has the director made this literary text relevant to contemporary audiences?

Yes, the director has certainty made this literary text relevant to contemporary audiences. Almereyda has done so by including a range of techniques such as cinematography and visual elements to make the film more accessible to modern audiences. Almereyda's preoccupations and addition of popular culture such as paparazzi and consumerism also add to the overall charisma of the film. As well as, post modernism in terms of the suspension and distortion of reality and authorship and also the merging of high and low culture contribute to the accessibility of the film.

5. What other texts have done the same, either better or worse?

Other texts which have been adapted include ‘’The Lion King’’ which also happens to be a movie adaptation of ‘’Hamlet’’, ‘’10 Things I Hate About You’’ which is based on the ‘’Taming of the Shrew’’ and lastly ‘’She’s the Man’’: an adaptation of ‘’Twelfth Night’’. I that these texts have been done in the same type of way; they all appeal to contemporary audiences without substantially deviating from the original texts. The film adaptations listed above all use varied film techniques such as mise en scene, sound and character to modernise the original texts but also to generate meaning.

6. What is your opinion of the film overall in terms of entertainment and accessibility?

Overall I think that the adaptation is entertaining and accessible to contemporary audiences. Almereyda cleverly incorporates popular culture of the time and reinforces the preoccupations of revenge, deception, ambition, loyalty, madness and detachment through film technique to make the film more accessible to today’s audiences and to make it more entertaining. Although so, I think that some literary value is lost as it in contemporising the original text.

Practice Activities

Select a 200 - 300 word passage from one of the earlier pieces on the Nilsam’s and answer the following questions:

Blood and Water:
1. What is being established regarding character/setting/preoccupations and concerns?

In terms of character we are able to establish that both Rachel and Jeera Nilsam are quite organised although their financial state is not very stable. ‘‘They had saved for insurance in case [something] should happen.’’ We also establish that find believing in God and religion ‘’a little weird’’.

The setting of this particular short story first begins in their home, where they along with a midwife attempt to have a home birth. The environment here is described in a much more personal and intimate way, the ‘’fires purred in the stove and the fireplace’’. But after having difficulties with the delivery, the setting changes to a private hospital.

Tim Winton’s preoccupations and concerns are apparent in the text. The motif of displacement and marginalisation are evident when the Nilsam’s are at the hospital. The way in which the ‘’nurses and orderlies crowded round’’ and spoke to them indicates their dislocation in this particular environment. Spiritualism is another perspective motif in the text, Annie, the midwife ‘’believed in God and healing and the goodness of people’s bodies.’’ Jeera’s responsibility and his determination to look after his family is an indication of masculinity within the text. Conversely, throughout this specific text, Rachel’s strength and determination is also very apparent.

2. In what way is the context apparent?

The Western Australian context is apparent in a number of aspects in the text. Winton’s preoccupations of displacement and marginalisation are apparent.

3. Are there significant language/structural techniques apparent?

The language use for Annie’s character contrasts with that of the ‘’nurses and orderlies’’ at the hospital. The different choices of language are apparent, Annie is described as someone who is ‘’gentle’’ and ‘’reassuring’’. Her relationship with Rachel is substantially different to that, that the hospital staff has with Rachel. The way in which they are described is also different, they are objectified and are described as a unit instead of individuals.

4. Does this point in the text signal a change, climax or conclusion in some way?

This point in the text signals a change and is the climax of the short story. It is immediately after Annie suggests that they ‘’better call the doc’’ and they have come to the realisation that something is wrong. 

5. Are there significant images present?

The significant images present are of blood and water. The repetition and exemplification of blood and water, highlights its symbolism to spirituality.  

6. What is the tone or mood of the passage and how is this created?
The mood of the passage changes throughout the text, with the change of settings. This is created through his different characterisations. The initial setting presented had a lighter mood with the description of the music and fireplace. In contrast, to the sense of displacement and marginalisation at the hospital.

Select a 200 - 300 word passage from one of the middle pieces on the Nilsams, use the questions above to analyse the passage and in addition, answer the following questions:

The Strong One:
1. Are there any developments in the information that you found in the first passage?

Rachel decides to university and study social work. Jeera is worried about Rachel leaving and having to look after Sam. In terms of their financial state, they are still destitute and that they are currently on the dole. We also learn that Rachel ‘’had a cheque from [Jeera’s] parents every month since the winter.

2. What differences have occurred between your first and second passages?

Besides Rachel wanting to go to university there are not many differences that have occurred between the first and second passage. Masculinity in Jeera's character is weakened as we see his anxiety of having to look after Sam.

3. Taken together, what do the passages say about the development of this family's story as a whole?

Taken as a whole, the passages say that the Nilsam family often encounter predicaments, whether it be financially or just their lifestyle and changes.

Repeat each of the nine questions above using a passage towards the end of the collection, about the Nilsam’s.
Gravity:

1.What is being established regarding character/setting/preoccupations and concerns?

In regards to character its is established that Jeera has not fully gotten over his father's death. He questions ''how a party [could] count for anything on the anniversary of [one's] father's death?'' and ''how the hell could anything matter?''. It is also established that Rachel is quite reliant on Jeera, and questions ''where [he was]''.

The initial setting of this short story is at a cafe with Jeera and Sam. The setting then changes to the Nilsam's home, where they host a party for a friend.

Winton's preoccupations and concerns are most apparent in Jeera. The way he is described and his lingering at the cafe indicate the sense of displacement and masculinity. The fact that Rachel expects him to host a party with her on his father's death anniversary highlights the motif of masculinty. The preoccupation of children and their roles is also seen in this particular passage. Sam acts as a source of distraction and also comfort for Jeera. Sam accompanies Jeera to the cafe and stays there with him, he is also tells Jeera to go back to the party.

2. In what way is the context apparent? The context is apparent in this passage through Jeera’s character. A strong sense of isolation and displacement is seen in this passage. The fact that Jeera is the only one who is still griefing his father's death highlights the idea of isolation.

3. Are there significant language/structural techniques apparent?

The descriptions of the landscape indicate that Jeera is preoccupi
The connotations of seriousness and heaviness can be drawn from the title of the short story, the specific naming of the title gives the audience a sense of Jeera's emotional state.

4. Does this point in the text signal a change, climax or conclusion in some way?

This point of the text singals a change in setting, it is when Jeera and Sam are about to go home, to the party.

5. Are there significant images present?

The significant images present in the passage are of sadness and are solemn. There is a great focus on the environment and surroundings in this particular passage, although the imagery of the environment is coloured by Jeera's emotions.

6. What is the tone or mood of the passage and how is this created?

The tone of the passage changes depending on the characters and also relationships. The way in which Jeera talks to Sam is much different than the way he talks to Rachel, Ann and Philip. This is done so, through characterisation and specific wording. Jeera seems much more relaxed with Sam and indicates the preoccupation of masculinity and children.
 

7. Are there any developments in the information that you found in the first passage?

The developments in the information I have found in this passage is that it is the death anniversary of Jeera’s father, and Jeera and Rachel host a birthday party for one of their friends. We learn that Jeera hasn’t fully come to terms with his loss and that ‘’he [is] sad’’.

8. What differences have occurred between your first and third passages?

There a definite differences that have occurred between the first and third passages. In terms of financial status, the Nilsam’s seem to be doing better than they were in the first passage.

9. Taken together, what do the passages say about the development of this family's story as a whole?

Taken together, we are able to derive that the family often experiences changes and that their relationships change depending on certain situations.

Minimum of Two- Tim Winton

1. Choose a character from one of Winton's novels or stories and discuss the way in which he or she is presented as displaced or marginalised. To what extent is the character's status presented as a difficulty and to what extent is it an advantage?
Jeera Nilsam:
Jeera Nilsam is a prominent character within the text and is presented as displaced in many ways. In Forest Winter he is represented as an awkward character, even with his wife he is unsure of how to act when she has an asthma attack. The character's status may be presented as both a difficulty as well as an advantage, although to a larger extent, is represented as a difficulty. The fact that his wife and himself are located in the country, contributes to the perception of difficulty that they experience. They have to drive 'twenty- five kilometres east' to get to the nearest pharmacy. In terms of advantages, Jeera's status does not have a large number of advantages. The sense of self accomplishment and ownership, are advantages. Jeera refers to 'the job and the cabin [as] a sudden mercy'.

2. Discuss the spiritual elements in one of Winton's texts. How do you interpret the nature of the spiritual universe presented or hinted at?
The water was dark and it went forever down:
The sense of spiritual elements is potent within Winton's, 'The water was dark and it went forever down'. The eccentricity surrounding a young girl swimming to a small island hints at the spiritual universe. In this short story, Winton makes references to religion in Catholism or Christianity. The inclusion of religion could be a reflection of Winton's Christianity.
I think the nature of the spiritual universe hinted at in Winton's stories, is a means of illustrating different ideas and contexts. The inclusion of spiritual elements highlights one of many factors that affect individual interpretations and ideas.

3. Discuss the role of environment and landscape in one of Winton's texts. What is the nature of the relationship between characters and their environment?
In Winton's Minimum of Two, there are a vast amount of references to the environment and landscape. The corporation of such elements contributes to the spiritual elements of Winton's texts as well as the audience's interpretation. The environment and landscape is also used as a literary technique to depict the characters in a certain way. In 'the water was dark and it went forever down' the relationship the protagonist has a strong relationship with the ocean, emphasising the role that ones environment and landscape have on ones character.

4. Discuss the male characters in one of Winton's novels or stories. To what extent do they conform to traditional stereotypes of masculine behaviour and to what extent do they depart from these?
Forest Winter:
Jeera Nilsam is one of the male characters in, Forest Winter'. He definitely adopts and conforms to the traditional stereotypes of masculine behaviour. The extent to which he demonstrates such stereotypes varies in the story. For a majority of the story he is demonstrates leadership and looks after his family. Jeera has a job and takes charge of many aspects in his family's life. Jeera's character shows masculinity to a large extent, but conversely, when he is temporally blind he shows signs of weakness which contrasts with the idea of masculinity and stereotype.

5. Examine the representation of children in one of Winton's texts. Discuss the extent to which they are shown as understanding less than adults or the way in which they are presented as possessing different, even superior, insights into experience from those of adults.
No Memory Comes:
In 'No Memory Comes', the male protagonists reminisced his friendship with another boy. The degree of their understanding can be interpreted in many ways. The protagonist's unwillingness to accept that friendships change indicates his lack of understanding compared to that of an adult. Conversely, his character can be regarded as even superior, as he illustrates that no year is a good year. the great emphasis of the phrase 'happy new year' from his parents throughout the story can be an indication of their level of insight in comparison to that of the male protagonists.

6. In The Edge of the World Winton makes an interesting remark about what he perceives as Australians' changing attitudes to the working classes and the way this change is reflected in language. A person, he says, who would have once been described as a "battler" is now labelled a "loser". Winton's characters are frequently of the working class. From your knowledge of his work describe and comment upon his interpretation of working class Australian values.
Individual interpretations vary depending on a number of factors. Winton's background and landscape will unquestionably have an affect on the way he perceives working class Australian values. The fact that Winton's characters are frequently of the working class indicates his outlook of the issue overall. Although so, Winton's use of such characters can be used to highlight both negative and positive outlooks of the working class Australian values. In some of Winton's stories, such values are criticised.

7. A critic in The National Times described Tim Winton's work as follows: "his fiction is full of care, in all three senses - of craftsmanship, of moral concern, and of a sobriety before the facts of life." Discuss this view of Winton's work with reference to two or more of his novels or stories.
Winton's work is definitely full of care in terms of craftsmanship, moral concern and sobriety. In many of his short stories such senses are evident through language as well his descriptions of landscape and characterisation.
In 'Forest Winter', the craftsmanship of the story highlights individual moral concern as well as sobriety. In terms of sobriety, Jeera's character takes responsibility for his family which emphasises his own solemnity.

Analysis:

a) Preliminary vote (pages 8-13)

In this scene, the jurors have decided to take a preliminary vote to have an overview of where they stand. The vote is 11-1 guilty.

Foreman:

• Foreman tries to be fair and in control of the situation. He often asks the other jurors for their opinions and whether they are okay with how the deliberation is running. He is quite hesitant which indicates some anxiety.

Juror 2:

• Juror 2 is quiet and is an observer. 

Juror 7:

• Juror 7 makes cuff remarks throughout the first scene. His character serves as to balance the tension within the courtroom.

Juror 8:

• Juror 8 is the only juror to vote 'not guilty' in the preliminary vote.

Juror 9:

• Similar to Juror 8, Juror 9 considers what he is about to see. This indicates that he is wise and also his background in terms of his education and upbringing. He is an observer and is points out that Juror 10 is an ignorant man.

Juror 10:

• Juror 10 overly uses exclusive language which demonstrates his prejudice towards people of a lower social standing. He is described as a bigot.
• 'You can't believe a word they say. I mean, they're born liars'

b) The Knife (pages 21-24)

In this scene the jurors focus on the knife and its role in the murder. Juror 4 is logical and focuses on the facts, by doing so he also gives the audience more information about the case. There is also a clear distinction between the language of jurors 3 and 4. Juror 3 uses sarcasm and less sophisticated compared to that of juror 4. Juror 3 describes some of the evidence discussed as the 'discovery of the age or something'. Whereas juror 4 is more educated in terms of the way he approaches evidence. 

c) The Confrontation (pages 47-48)

This scene is the point of tension. It is the scene just before scene 2 begins. Juror 3 is derogatory and refers to the other jurors as 'old ladies'. His impatient and bias judgement is explicit in this scene. It is clear that something has hurt him which draws parallels between the defendant's life and his. This scene also exemplifies how difficult it is to leave your personal emotions behind. The conclusion of the play leave s the audience with a climax point/ cliff hanger. It reiterates the name of the play, '12 Angry Men', it also makes the audience think about the severity of the phrase 'I'm going to kill you' and ultimately whether juror 3 meant it or not.

d) The opposition (pages 53-54)

In this scene there is a change of mise en scene. Juror 4, who is an educated, reserved character is agitated by juror 3 and his attitudes towards the case. He is continually rude and bigot. He refers to the other jurors as '6 bastards over there' and is not willing to let the defendant live. He does not want to 'break [his] brain over scum like that'. Juror 3's dislike and prejudice does not go away and at the end of the scene and results in juror 10 giving up on the case. Juror 10's actions further agitate juror 3 as it reminds him of how his con gave up their relationship.  

e) Indecision (pages 60-63)

Revelations occur in this scene. Jurors 2, 5 and 11 are vital characters in this scene and eventually persuades other jurors to change their votes. Throughout the beginning of the play jurors 2, 5 and 11 are observers rather than conductors. Their involvement in this scene is of great importance.

Juror 2:

• methodical- thinks about his arguments

Juror 5:

• shows how a switch knife is held 
• The audience learns that juror 5 is educative and practical.

Juror 11:

• is annoyed with juror 7's immaturity
• wants juror 7 to take the case more seriously. This acts as a reminder to jurors for today of the importance of jury duty

f) Shame (pages 63-66)

In this scene jurors 10 and 12 turn their backs on juror 10. Juror 3's bigotry initiates angry within the jury room and results in juror 4 telling juror 3 to stop because '[they've] heard enough'. This significantly contrasts with juror 4's character in the beginning of the play. Juror 4's outburst gives the audience an indication of how offended the jurors are. Almost immediately after being embarrassed, juror 3 turns away in shame. He is ashamed of his prejudice and stubbornness, although so juror 3's character in the play does not have closure and ends as a defeated character. He no longer cares about the case and is flippant. The audience learns that his lack seriousness is due to his nature rather than his educational background.

g) Conclusion (pages 70-73)

This scene draws the conclusion of the play. All twelve jurors vote 'not guilty' after Juror 9 picks out the fact that the woman's testimony could not have been true. Juror 9, who was an observer throughout a large portion of the play points this out. In the end of the play, the audience is able to see Juror 9's personal feelings and learn more about his character.

Act Summaries:

1) The generation of tension in the play.

Which characters act as the source of tension within the jury room?

 A number of characters act as a source of tension within the jury room.

• Juror 3- Juror 3 acts as a source of tension within the jury room as he allows his emotional baggage to cloud his judgement. He is quick to lose his temper when there is disagreement.
• Juror 7- Juror 7's eagerness for the case to conclude before his baseball game begins, creates a reasonable amount of tension within the jury room. His character is discontent with the idea of the jury and for that reason further distances himself away from the case. Throughout the play, he is often seen making irrational decisions in order to rush the deliberation. 
• Juror 10- Juror 10 is openly racist and prejudice. He is the source of many arguments within the jury and as a result of his bigot personality he is despised by other members of the jury.
• Juror 12- Juror 12's indecisiveness and distraction from the case results in him changing his stance on the case several times. His decision to change his vote causes disagreement and anger.

What other factors contribute to the building tension?

Many factors contribute to the building tension within the play including personal conflict. Each juror is different and has individual differences in terms of background, race and age. Each person’s individuality contributes to the growing tension. For example, juror 3 experiences conflict with his son, which adds to his prejudice and stance on the case and ultimately the building tension. Each juror’s sense of justice and willingness to thoroughly look at all the aspects of the case also contributes to the growing tension. As seen throughout the play, some jurors are apathetic towards the case. Juror 7 merely his vote to 'not guilty' to advance the case. 

What issues or discussion topics cause tension amongst the jurors?

A number of issues and discussion topics cause a reasonable amount amongst the jurors. In the beginning of the play, where a vote is taken, tension arises due to the fact that the vote is 11-1 guilty. Juror 8's decision to vote not guilty surprises everyone and results in anger and frustration from some of the jury members. Some of the jurors had other plans or just wanted the case to conclude (Juror 7 has his baseball game). Tension arises as many of the jurors believe that he is guilty and don't understand why juror 8 doesn't think he is. 

When the juror 8 tries to indicate how loosely the phrase 'i'm gonna kill you' is used in society and how its severity and seriousness is lost, juror 10 reacts negatively and causes tension amongst the jurors. 

2) The progression of the narrative.

What characters have been introduced?

Besides the twelve jurors, two witnesses have also been introduced. The first witness is an old man who drags one leg. In his witness testimony he said that he walked from his bed to the front door within fifteen seconds just in time to see the boy '[race] down the stairs]'. He also stated that he heard the defendant say 'I'm going to kill you' and the sound of a body hitting the floor. Although so, juror 8 indicates that he couldn't have heard anything as an elevated train passed at that time. 

The other character who was introduced was the female eye witness. She claimed to have seen the murder through the last carriage of the passing elevated train. 

What specific traits do we learn about the characters?

We learn that the old man drags a leg when he walks and why he may have lied in his witness testimony. Juror 8 points out that it would be almost impossible for the old man to walk from his bed to the door in fifteen seconds by doing a reenactment. The old man's testimony is not reliable and that he may have lied to feel important.  

Juror 4 raises the point about the deep impressions on the female eye witness' nose. During her testimony in court she didn't wear her eye glasses, this then leads to whether she actually saw the murder happen or not as she wasn't wearing her eye glasses whilst in bed on the night of the murder.

Along what path is the jury debate travelling?

The members of the jury are gradually gaining reasonable doubt and are changing there votes to 'not guilty'. Juror 8 has made some good points and indicated that the some of the evidence given is not accurate and hence, there isn't enough evidence to proof that the defendant is guilty.

3) Predictions regarding the plot development.

What do you think will be the next area of discussion regarding the defendant?

I think the next area of discussion will be why the defendant could not remember the name of the film he saw at the theatre or the names of the actors. I think this will be the next area of discussion they will look at as it will proof whether the defendant was actually at the theatre or not. 

Who do you believe will be the next juror to change their mind?

I think that the next juror to change his mind is juror 6 or 7. Juror 6 is willing to look at the case methodically and examine the evidence thoroughly. I think he may be the next juror to change his mind as juror 8 has made some good points in term of the accuracy of the possible evidence against the defendant and I think that will raise some reasonable doubt about the case. Juror 7 may also be the next juror to change his mind as he wants the case to end before his baseball match. The votes are currently about 5-7 guilty, I think he will change his mind to speed up the deliberation. 

4. Possible viewer responses to the action and character development.

How would an audience viewing the play at the time it was written respond to the action on stage?

People were becoming more educated and less conservative therefore it would be likely that the audience were interested in the play. Members of society were becoming intellectual and hence were likely to show interest in regards to justice and law.

How does this differ from audiences viewing the play today?

Audience responses at the time the play would be different to responses today due to changes in society. People nowadays tend to be more educated and are willing to question issues in society compared to during the 1950's. 

Is there a difference between audience responses here in Australia versus locals in the United States?

I don't think that there would be a significant amount of difference between audience responses in Australia and America. Both the United States and Australia operate on a jury system so it would be likely that audiences would have similar reactions and queries. Both countries have a lot in common in terms of the way it is run now. Multiculturalism is exhibited in both countries and hence the motive of absolute justice is present within the play. Juror 11, is a German migrant and as seen throughout the play he wants the case to be looked at thoroughly to ensure that absolute justice is achieved.