A DEAD ENDing

Mood: In deep sorrow

Song: See That My Grave is Kept Clean by Bob Dylan

They are all dead - every single one of them. First the Queen, dying from her second husband's hatred of her son. Then the King, finally feeling the true wrath of Hamlet. Laertes was the next to go. If only my son would have sought revenge on his own accords and not according to the plans of a corrupt king. Hamlet was the last, demonstrating his fighting and mad spirit. News was also brought that the courtiers, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, had been killed in England due to another one of Hamlet's schemes. Now the kingdom of Denmark is no more. Fortinbras has assumed power, and almost all of us have been forgotten, except for that cunning Hamlet whose story remains enduring.

My Beloved Daughter

Mood: Troubled

Song: Fire and Rain by James Taylor

They buried Ophelia today. My poor daughter, so troubled by my death and by her immature love for Hamlet. Laertes fought with Hamlet, competing to show their love for a soul already passed. I understand his grief, though. He should seek revenge. Hamlet has been seeking an odd form of revenge since his father died, and now my son will attain the justice for both my death and Ophelia's. Hamlet is to blame for all of these troubles. He killed me, drove Ophelia to craziness, and now will cause Laertes to become a murderer, as my son will achieve the task of killing Hamlet.

Claustrophobia

Mood: Agitated

Song: Claustrophobia by Confounded

Hamlet has crammed me under this staircase and no one has found me yet. I hear the screaming of the King and of those searching for answers. I also have heard this woman singing, and I do believe it is my daughter. Oh, I hope she has not become too desperate and crazy. My son must have came back home to Denmark. I heard a crowd of people cheering his name, chanting that he should become King. How spectactular that would be! If my death brings that to this family, then at least I would have died for some good.

"O, I am slain!"

Mood: Lifeless, and kinda lousy

Song: The Show Must Go On by Queen

I entered the Queen's bedroom and gave her a quick overview of what would be occurring. I would be behind the curtain and Hamlet would soon be approaching. Within seconds, I hid and Hamlet entered. I listened for a while, and then it sounded as if the Queen was in trouble and in harm. I heard her exclaim something about "murder" and I yelled for help. Then, I feel this terrible pain, as Hamlet stabs me with his sword, and then.....

The Drama Unfolds

Mood: Provoked and Annoyed

So, Hamlet decided to put on a play today, a drama, maybe a prank, maybe a revengeful act. This man's mind is so difficult to understand. He comes out loud, rude, and insulting. Insulting to his mother, to the King, to my daughter, and also to myself. As if the play was not bad enough, Hamlet continually made brash comments, making the theater a place of awkwardness for everyone. Interrupting the play, allowing a more distasteful drama to unfold. Hamlet triggered the King to rise, to stand up and order the play end. This prince is a major danger to our kingdom. We all left. He stayed. He stayed in the theater and demonstrated his opposition, his lousy worth. I told him to visit his mother. The Queen had requested him and I delivered the message. When he arrives, I will once again take my place behind the curtain. I will listen to this madman, and I will try to understand his craziness. After this play and after his behavior, I have very well concluded, Hamlet is not lovesick; he is unforgiving and mad.

Behind the Curtain

Mood: Angered

Song: Hiding Behind the Curtain by Dave Dudley

The King and I went to our hiding place today and watched the plan unfold. Hamlet met Ophelia in the hall and spoke to her as if they never loved at all. He spoke with such hurtful words and I remained behind the curtain bursting with anger, but limited to no actions. He wants her to go to a nunnery! He questions her purity! He grasps her violently! I do not know what to think of this crazy madman. He loves her, yet he rejects her. Is he lovesick? Is he acting in such a manner due to her neglect of him? I am not sure. Is he still grieving? And over what? His father's death? Ophelia's neglect? The King and I have both agreed. Hamlet must be sent to England.

Issues with Hamlet

Mood: Concerned and Confused

Today I presented the King and Queen with evidence that their son is going crazy. I read love letters Hamlet wrote to Ophelia and detailed the recent occurrence between the two. The Queen seemed more apt to believe her son was fine, rather than experiencing madness. I do, however, believe they both were convinced. We came up with a plan to try and discover the real truth. The King and I will use Ophelia as a pawn. We will send her into the halls to speak with Hamlet, while the two of us hide behind a curtain. I do believe it is a brilliant plan; although, my recent encounter with Hamlet was quite troubling. Hamlet did seem quite insane, referring to me as a "fishmonger" and proposing that my daughter may be pregnant. Oh, what anger he made me feel. For him to even mention such is so disrespectful and I hope he has gone insane and is not speaking from a stable state. Hamlet jumped with joy when actors entered the castle. I am not sure why. Is it apart of this madness? Hamlet has become such an odd fellow since his father's death.

What is going on?

Mood: Startled

Song: What's Going On by Marvin Gaye

So, I have got my pal Reynaldo to look after my son in France. I have purposely sent him in search of what type of impression my son is leaving on the French. He should look, and outright ask if needs be, if Laertes is participating in any bad and obscene behavior.

Directly after this conversation, my daughter Ophelia came terrified out of her room. She had just been sewing, so I had no clue what could have caused such emotions. It turns out that horrid Hamlet had visited her and acted completely mad. I blame myself. I secluded Ophelia and told her not to even speak with Hamlet. Now, he has become love sick and crazy. My next step is to inform the King of Hamlet's behavior and hope we can find a way to end his madness.

Advice For My Children

Mood: Persuasive

Song: Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen by Baz Luhrmann

Well, my son is off to France. He left today and I gave him as much advice as I possibly could. Hopefully, he listened and did not just appease me by acting as if he was in agreement. He should not come back with any debts or with any enemies. Rather, he should have left a great impression on the French. It is my hope that Laertes represents the name of our family and country well. He should leave the impression that he is friendly, keen, humble, and true.

In more alarming news, it has come to my attention that Ophelia is seeing Hamlet. She believes he loves her! So naive, my daughter, to fall for a man more concerned with the country affairs than with her own safety. She makes me angry of how easily she could fall for such! I have told her not to speak to Hamlet any more. To be done with him. She should listen. She should obey me, as I am her father. If she believes for one second that Hamlet is true to her....well, I do not know what I shall do with her. She must free herself of him!

CLAUDIUS IS KING

Mood: Cheerful for Claudius; however, troubled about my son

Song: Don't Worry be Happy by Bob Marley

Today Claudius was recognized as King of Denmark. As Claudius's top advisor, I am very pleased. My son Laertes approached him for permission to return to France. Like any good friend, Claudius made sure I had already agreed to allow my son to return. I would prefer my son remain in Denmark, but after his consistent requests, I finally just gave in. I am very reluctant to let Laertes go, but I will be sure to offer him with as much advice as I can before his departure.