#hamlet i understand you. i COULD be bound in a nutshell and count myself the king of infinite space... were it not that i have bad dreams...

[walterdecourceys]

ok i go to bed now. goodnight world

[lizardrosen]

Hamlet Liveblog 2011, ACT TWO

I found a notebook from college when I went through the text of Hamlet line by line, and now I'm sharing the best parts! Act One

Act II, Scene 1

People who deserve backstory: - Reynaldo - Polonius current Will: I have always been exactly this way, omg

2.1.64 "by indirections find directions out" - theme of the whole freaking play! Polonius is maybe not as much of a fool as he seems. Similar to Hamlet pretending to be mad

2.1.88-89 "he fell to such perusal of my face / As a would draw it" - he wants to remember her as she is before he loses it - and he knows he will

Why stage it like this? Perhaps it is more effective to see his madness through the eyes of someone else

2.1.100 "This is the very ecstasy of love, whose violent property fordoes itself" - now he believes that Hamlet loves Ophelia and that it's killing him to be repelled like this (Perhaps it is)

Act II, Scene 2

2.2.6-7 "Sith nor the exterior nor the inward man / resembles that it was." - what people see and what Hamlet contemplates

2.2.28-29 "Put your dread pleasures more into command / than to entreaty" - Rosencrantz doesn't understand why the majesties are not following the status quo - are they on friendly terms? He doesn't know

2.2.70 "Never more to give the assay of arms against your majesty" Does this mean Claudius has no more foreign relations to deal with? Now Shakespeare can move onto what he really cares about: the domestic/internal stage. current Will: This was partially correct! I was drawing a connection to Othello and Macbeth, where the foreign armies are defeated offstage very early on and never really come up again, and it's true that Fortinbras becomes less of the focus for a while, but he's still a threat on the edges of the play.

2.2.93-94 "Mad call I it, for to define true madness, What is't but to be nothing else but mad?" - You'll drive yourself crazy trying to figure out what madness is, or you'll avoid the question and never know if you're insane or not. In short, this place is a madhouse.

2.2.139 "He is a prince, out of thy star" - again with the celestial spheres and orbits!

2.2.160 "I'll loose my daughter to him" - she's a tool or plot device

2.2.174 "for if the sun breed maggots in a dead dog" - what does this have to do with honesty? When there's no integrity, lies grow easily; or a cute girl in the public gaze gets pregnant and diseased

2.2.201-203 Polonius: Will you walk out of the air, my lord? Hamlet: Into my grave? Polonius: Indeed, that's out of the air. Hamlet is considering his own mortality, but Polonius turns his comment into a joke

2.2.209-210 "You cannot take from me anything that I will more willingly part withal; except my life, except my life, except my life" Hamlet is tired of Polonius and his mindless words, and he's also still thinking of death, so he wants to die and finds it fitting that Polonius would be the one to kill him

2.2.215 Guil: My honored lord (formal) Ros: My most dear lord (impulsive and trusting)

2.2.234-5 "Denmark's a prison" - Hamlet's bound by fillial duty to seek reveng, and he needs to watch as his uncle slips into his father's throne and sheets "Then is the world one" - Rosencrantz is trapped by trying to figure out where he is and why, so he has no free will, no reference point, besides Guil, who's just as confused but more upset

2.2.242-43 "I could be bounded in a nutshell and count myself king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams" Okay, there's a lot of stuff here - hints of claustrophobia; wants to be king somewhere; is it the infinity of space that gives him the dreams, or would he already have them? universes within universes, relative sizes, and the suffocating distance between electrons nutshells associated with fairies and Queen Mab, which is appropriate since she blows men's dreams way out of proportion

(and then I tried very earnestly to analyze the whole "a dream itself is but a shadow" dialogue, but mostly through the lens of coming up with headcanons for Ros and Guil, which is not a very good critical lens actually, and twelve years later it makes approximately zero sense, so I'll spare us all)

2.2.256 "In the beaten way of friendship" - it's like a beaten path, so longstanding, but also maybe just there out of habit and no real affection; or beaten like broken down and in disrepair because he doesn't trust them and has bigger things on his mind

2.2.262-63 "Come, deal justly with me" - genuinely hurt that they don't tell him the truth, also perhaps an order to obey "come, come, nay, speak" - in some versions he actually says 'knave', which belies his claims of friendship earlier "What should we say, my lord?" - Guil is hurt by this; maybe Ros was gesturing and trying to communicate something, or he was trying to figure something out. Anyway, Guil was jolted into the present and remembered about delving

2.2.271 - "by the obligation of our ever preserved love" - Hamlet uses their prior relationship (may be present still) to pressure them into telling him everything. He might not really value them anymore and is jealous of the love they bear each other, (and wonders why he can't have the same with Horatio)

Question: Would R&GaD have gone any differently if they knew about the ghost?

2.2.282-290 He knows that man and earth and sky are beautiful "majestical" creatures, but can't feel it and sees it all as "this quintessence of dust"; "What a piece of work is man!" Is he admiring mankind (in theory) or is he judging R + G for being sneaky? Or mocking them because they have no "apprehension" at all? (well, fear, but no understanding)

2.2.439 "like a neutral to his will and matter did nothing" - unable to think or act, like Hamlet hesitates to just kill Claudius

oh, interesting, I thought that the Hecuba speech was foreshadowing for Ophelia losing her mind after Polonius is killed, and not Hamlet being preoccupied with Gertrude's reaction to her husband's death! I think this has to be because I was unfamiliar with the Pyrrhus and Priam story

The Player can stir up passion in himself for a fictional character, but Hamlet can't do anything with his real motive. All people are characters for him, so he can sympathize with any of them.

2.2.550-51 "If a do blench, I know my course" - somewhat overreactionary (sic), but better than not doing anything; of course Hamlet can make himself see anything (see Othello's "ocular proof")

[dirtbagprometheus]

Introduction

“O God, I could be bound in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space – were it not that I have bad dreams.”

— William Shakespeare, Hamlet Act 2, Scene 2

Hello and welcome, you can call me O or Prometheus or really anything you fancy as long as it's respectful. There is quite a bit of information both above and under the cut for those interested in having a contextual understanding for the rest of the blog. For quick summarization:

About The Creator---

22 (June Gemini Gang 😼)

He/Him; They/Them [any masculine or neutral pronouns are fine]

Bisexual/Queer

Mexican American; Latiné (Mexicano Indígena)

INTJ; 1w2; Tritype: Technical Expert (135)

Main: @prometheuslovechild

If you know me from outside of the Tumblr ecosystem in any way whatsoever… no you don’t 👀 (message me though lmao)

Condensed Academic Background--- 

Doctoral Degree in Science and Technology Studies

Concurrent with Law Degree

Law Degree with an emphasis in Science and Society

Concurrent with Doctoral Degree

Dual Masters Degree in Folklore and Museum Studies

Current Research in Folklore Studies - Analyzing The Role of “The Witch” in Fairy Tales as A Catalyst Figure  Current Research in Museum Studies - Impacts of Advertising on Science Centers and Museums Thesis: Fairy Tales As A Method For Social Change

Masters Degree in Physics

Conducted Research in Theoretical Cosmology; String Theory and the String/M Landscape Thesis: Tying The Knot: Understanding the Theoretical Frameworks of String Theory to Create New Methods For A Grand Unified Theory

Undergraduate in Interdisciplinary University Scholarship

Primary Concentrations in Astrophysics, History (of Science; Historiography; Intellectual), Museum Studies, and Philosophy If you’re curious about my degree or university experience please ask me! There’s much more to it, but my primary concentrations tended to be the largest focus. I love talking about my academic undergraduate experience and academics in general! Conducted Research in Particle Cosmology Conducted Research in Magical and Scientific Beliefs During the Renaissance Period Thesis: The Thread That Ties; An Anthropology of Religion, Science, and Witchcraft

I do advising and mentoring for undergrads - dm's/asks are always open if you’re seeking advice on basically anything.

I am also human, which means I have struggled with my fair share of exams and classes before but I'm persistent to a fault and it's gotten me this far so hopefully I can help out when needed.

Tl;dr: A wannabe academic tries to start a studyblr.

(Tag Navigation + more under the cut)

Tag Navigation---

#academiacore: Miscellaneous thoughts relating to academia, schooling, and the like.

#dirtbagprometheus: Original studyblr content.

#dirtbags spotify: Spotify playlists I've made and published thus far and general song recommendations and rants.

#journal: Excerpts from my journaling I feel the need to put out there.

#personalityprocastination: An over analysis of personality quizzes or traits as a way to feel productive while procrastinating my actual tasks. 

#prometheus vents: Rather self-explanatory, ramblings on whatever happens to come to mind.

#reblogs: Reblogged studyblr content.

#reminders: Advice and motivation.

#research: Ramblings on my research or reblogs of research I find interesting.

#writing: Excerpts from my different wips and writing content. 

Interests [which you can find more about on my main or other sideblogs]---

Aesthetics: I’m quite obsessed with the concept of aesthetics in the current age of social media and will probably write about it quite a bit. For those interested in aesthetics, my aesthetic has been called by those who know me, a mixture of chaotic/dark academia meets punk all tied in a western bolo tie. Do with that what you will. 

Fashion: I have always had an interest in fashion and garment construction, during the March 2020 quarantine, I started working on starting a brand as a way to stay busy. Here’s my fashion sideblog @houseofapotheosis. 

Films: A wide variety of films. I don’t use it too much but if we’re mutuals and you want my Letterboxd, ask!

Music: My music taste runs rather diverse, but I tend to fall into more alternative genres. My current most listened to spotify playlist is here.

Politics: I will bring up politics when I feel necessary because it is necessary. All are welcome here and discussions are always ready to be had as long as all parties are respectful and civil. This is not a space which supports conservative or alt-right beliefs. 

Philosophy:  Not much to say, but I’m always interested in doing philosophical deep dives and want to use my philosophy degree for something. 

Reading: reading is my lifeforce and will always bring up a reason to rant about books. Here’s my StoryGraph. 

Religion: I love talking about religion and spirituality and will probably discuss it at length when I want to. This is to say that people of all religions and spiritualities are welcome here and kindness, common sense, and civility are expected. If you are ever curious about my thoughts on religion or spirituality asks and messages are always open. 

Writing: Shuffling 20 or so wips around on various topics and writing styles. If you’re curious about my wips, ask me! Here are some of my current wips below

Book: The Thread That Ties; An Anthropology of Religion, Science, and Witchcraft (working on turning my thesis into a book!) Journal Article: Everything's Open, But Some Things Are More Open Than Others; The Fight For Open Access Information in Academic Circles  Poetry: Epithets; Finding The Divine in The Mundane

Purpose for blog creation ---

The short and simple, I started this blog as a way to rebuild myself after a strong bout of burnout. I’ve been hyper driven and ambitious since I was quite young and have always struggled with the workhorse mentality. I haven’t had a moment of rest probably ever and want to use this blog as a way to develop a healthy relationship with academics, career, and myself. Along the road I hope to share my experiences and help others that are going through similar things. 

Welcome to my academic labyrinth of a blog, enjoy your stay, don’t get lost, and I'll see you around the woods. 

- Prometheus

Last Updated: Wednesday June 7th, 2023

[astrangergivingthestrangewelcome]

I was just doing a quick Hamlet rewatch and the way he speaks to others is really hitting me. Hamlet almost never speaks plainly, because he doesn't have anyone to be genuine with. He speaks in double meanings which his conversation partners rarely understand. What breaks my heart is how he so clearly wants more. He keeps trying to reach out.

The first meeting with Rosencrantz and Guildernstein strikes me with this. He keeps on trying to open up and be a little genuine. He even tries to explain himself with the whole "I could be bound in a nutshell and count myself king of infinite space" business but they don't get it, they still harp on his ambition. Even after that and their confession they were sent for he's willing to give them another chance because he's so fucking lonely. He says the whole "what a piece of work is man speech" to them. Hamlet never is so raw when he knows others are watching. He's hoping despite everything they can still be friends to him, but instead they just want to make stupid sex jokes. After he says "no nor woman neither though by your smiles you seem to say so" he never tries to think of them as friends again. This may be a little unfair to R&G as you can still care for your more pedantic friends while not understanding their gobblygook, but the fact remains their are not people who will ever really understand him.

His big scene with Gertrude is another strong example of how great Hamlet's need is to be understood, they cut through the bullshit real quick once Polonius is killed. For once there's no "a little more than kin, but less than kind" no "fishmonger sir" no "see the puppet's dallying". He just explodes with everything that has been a long, long time coming and I love productions the best when Getrude and he do have a moment of genuine human connection (*cough cough* RSC company 2009 you guys blew my mind) no matter how utterly fucked their lives are.

Horatio becomes so fucking important for this reason: he's the only one who can pick up what's going on with Hamlet without him needing to scream it from the rafters. When Hamlet does engage in doublespeak, Horatio is always. Always. on his wavelength. Even when Hamlet succeeds in making himself understood, like with Gertrude, she betrays this trust to Claudius. Horatio is the only one who proves a true confidant. I always wonder why Hamlet doesn't seek out his company more in the play, perhaps their difference in station makes it difficult, or maybe when he gets distressed he forgets he can ask for help, but his absence is keenly felt in just how wild he can get when Horatio is off stage.

TL;DR: one of the many reasons why Hamlet is my favorite work of fiction is Hamlet's ceaseless attempts within the play to find someone to understand him. It is so completely relatable, and thank god Horatio is there.