Elliot

1. Elliot- Elliot does address the context of the passage, and how it affects the character of Hamlet. He addresses literary terms, how they are created, and how it affects the story and the characters. He speaks clearly and concisely and has well organized his speech. He does not reference authorial purpose, instead talks about Hamlet’s intentions.

Monika Zaleska Mrs. Harper IB English A1 Part 2 22 September 2008 Review of Elliot’s Commentary: -Did the speaker address context? Purpose? Elliot put his scene (I.ii. 133-164) in context by establishing that Hamlet is both mourning his father’s death and his mother’s new marriage. Furthermore, he acknowledges that this passage takes place before the audience learns that King Claudius is a murderer and before the revenge is established. This is important because we must learn about the characters through Hamlet’s eyes, not through their actions, especially since it is still so early in the play. Elliot focused on the themes of suicide and corruption. The first part of the passage does find Hamlet contemplating killing himself and Elliot addressed this in terms of the Christian beliefs about suicide. Later, he recognized the metaphor of the overgrown garden as a comparison to the “rotten” state of Denmark and explained the various allusions to characterize Claudius, Gertrude and Hamlet himself. -Was there an organizational principle utilized for their commentary? Elliot went through the passage in the order that the text appeared this was effective because it was easy to follow his commentary. Also, he frequently referred to line numbers so it was easy to understand where he was finding his evidence. -What questions would you ask this person for clarification, IF YOU WERE THE ACCESSOR? 1. At this point in the play, how would you characterize Hamlet? In this passage he seems very hostile toward his mother, yet seems to think she cannot help herself, is there something to be said for Hamlet’s apparent lack of pity? 2.What do you think the use of allusion adds to the passage and its overall themes? 3. What does this passage reveal about Hamlet’s morals? -What did the speaker do well? Elliot’s commentary was thorough in terms of devices and analysis of them and he provided a clear and concise view of the passage that he supported with solid evidence. His attention to detail was impressive. -What would you suggest for improvement? I would suggest Elliot practice delivering his commentary. He was very good, there is no doubt, but it always helps to know exactly what one is going to say ahead of time because it eliminates pauses, repetition and nervous “ums.” But these were very minor and I am speaking in terms of perfecting delivery. Also, I think he should have spent more time relating each piece back to the theme of corruption and also should have spent more time establishing and explaining the themes. They are what tie the passage together. -What did they forget to address (lit terms, themes, etc.) Elliot was very through with literary terms. As discussed above, he should consider theme with more depth. -What would you score them based on the rubric? 26/30 Knowledge/understanding 4 Interpretation 8 Presentation 9 Use of Language 5

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