first body paragraph

In the 1980 BBC version of Hamlet, Derek Jacobi directs his Hamlet (I need to look up the actor’s name) to be sarcastic and speak cacophonously, but this distracts from Hamlet’s sorrow and moral disgust. The line that illustrates this most is one that wakes up the viewer and provides the scene with some humor. Hamlet says “seems, Madame? Nay it is: I know not seems.” Hamlet (actor), in this line shouts “seems,” changes tones wildly, emphasizes the repetition of the s, n, and t sounds, and uses all possible sarcasm. Although funny, this interpretation of the line allows the viewer to see only Hamlet’s anger, and distracts (via humor) from Hamlet’s sorrow about his father’s death and his outrage over his mother’s marriage of his uncle. Not to mention, his hyperbolic sarcasm makes the point he conveys regarding his sorrow less valid. Later, Hamlet says “Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother, nor customary suits of solemn black.” Hamlet (actor)’s delivery of this line fills the ear with a cacophonous whirlwind of k’s, s’s, m’s, and n’s, as well as an overdose of sarcasm. But this is not the point of the quote. This line is meant to show Gertrude and the viewers that Hamlet’s behavior is not just an act, rather a by-product of his abject sorrow and revulsion with his uncle (and mother). Instead, all the viewer hears is Hamlet’s anger. Similarly, Hamlet (actor) turns his back to his parents, makes ADJECTIVE faces, and gives the king and queen almost no respect throughout their conversation. While it does effectively show his anger and a portion of his repugnance (as shown by his disrespect), this delivery makes the scene less about Hamlet’s grief and troubles, and more about his almost teen-like anger towards his parents. These deliveries change the meaning of act I scene II dramatically. Instead of introducing viewers to a solemn, disgusted, and angry protagonist, Jacobi provides a comically sarcastic, and vehemently angry boy.