Bennetts vs Hamlets: most dysfunctional?

 My focus today is on Elizabeth Bennet’s dysfunctional family.  I think that’s one of the great strengths of Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth is an appealing character because she has to deal with her family:  an emotionally distant, ineffectual father, a shrill, self-absorbed, silly mother, an older sister who is too nice, two slightly annoying sisters who might improve with guidance, and one willful (and not too bright) youngest sister.  Part of the emotional payoff of the ending is that Elizabeth, who has been sincere but mistaken in her perceptions of the people around her, acknowledges reality and is rewarded with a happy marriage.

Most families have some periods of time where functioning is impaired by stressful circumstances. Negative patterns of parental behavior tend to be dominant in their children's lives. Other parents over-function, never allowing their children to grow up and be on their own. Others are inconsistent or violate basic boundaries of appropriate behavior. Controlling parents fail to allow their children to assume responsibilities appropriate for their age. These parents continue dominating and making decisions for their children well beyond the age at which this is necessary. Controlling parents are often driven by a fear of becoming unnecessary to their children. 

The king can't be embarrassed like that and still be a powerful king. 

You are the Director! (Act III)

First line: upbeat, emphasize the word more to compliment Ophelia and he is upset with his mother. Then Hamlet should lie down beside Ophelia's feet. To add some comic relief, Hamlet should look up at Ophelia and just stare at her. Polonius needs to be surprised in his next line because he is protective of his daughter. Since there is a comma after Lady, there should be an awkward pause to make the scene more uncomfortable. Also Hamlet should empathize the word lap. Ophelia is dismissive in her rejection, however she remains respectful. Hamlet alters his seductive tone to be more direct. He knows what he wants and has given up on being witty and charming. Hamlet will emphasize the word country since he is making a sexual reference. He attempts to make up for his poor decision but Ophelia does not want anything to do with the conversation anymore. Hamlet responds in a creepy voice and Ophelia is confused by what he means. Hamlet chooses not to explain himself and she becomes sarcastic and uninterested. In line 77, Hamlet should emphasize the words: "cheerfully" and "died" to assert that he upset with his mother and devious uncle. He chooses not to be subtle with his words anymore and is clearly very angry with his mother and how merciless she is towards his father's death. Ophelia alters her attitude once again and is now concerned with how Hamlet is speaking to her. She recognizes his aggravation, sadness, and insanity. She corrects him to refrain herself from getting involved with the issue at hand. Hamlet is still sarcastic because he believes people should always remember his father for who he was. Gertrude affirms that he needs to let go and move on, so Hamlet is "shocked" that people still remember his father even though he didn't "build a church."

Same Words, Different Interpretations

Polonius is known as the character to flatter the King with his obsequious and servile language. I would emphasize the part: "And, as you said (and wisely was it said)". Polonius is a brown noser and I would direct with to move his hands a lot as a jester to his loyalty. Also, I would perhaps have him bend down to show his inferiority to the King. Moreover, he spies on his children, so I would establish that he is a frazzled character who doesn't really care for his kids.

Dear Dr. Forman...

Dear Dr. Forman,

At first, I was nervous about the assignment! I don't know why, but after I chose which two films to write about, the process flowed from there! I enjoyed carefully watching the films. It was interesting for me to acknowledge my work ethic. I needed to jot some notes while watching the clips. Having a pen in my hand and the act of writing made me more engaged with my analysis and examples. It took me a long time to choose my title. It was very difficult for me to decide which character I wanted to quote. However, I am very fond of my title and I believe it effectively conveys my message composed in my essay. I am so pleased you taught me this trick of quoting a particular character with a colon, followed by a short analysis to draw the reader in. I cannot wait to use this clever idea next year in college! Thank you so much!!

I hope you enjoy my essay! :)

Alexa