Tuesday, May 25, 2010

6th graders: Your assignment is to comment on at least 4 letters. You may comment as another Shakespeare character or as yourself. These do not have to be long. Two sentences minimum. Be creative.
101 Playing Court

Ellsinore, Denmark

June 30, 1531

Dearest Player,


You will not believe what happened to me yesterday! I had traveled to the King’s castle in order to put on a play demanded by Prince Hamlet. He took me aside and asked me if I could put on the play “The Mouse Trap” with my fellow player, Matthew. Of course, you know I have put on that play many times, but Lord Hamlet asked me if he could change a few of the lines in the play before I put it on, and I agreed to everything. It turned out, though, that Lord Hamlet had changed the play more than just a little so that the cause of my death would be my own brother pouring poison down my ear! I rehearsed the changes Lord Hamlet made.


At the play, there was a large crowd. I especially noticed that the King was right on the front row. By the scene where I started to descend into an orchard about to go to sleep, the King got this look on his face that told me something had to be wrong. Still, Matthew and I continued with the play. Then, Matthew poured the poison into my ear and everything went totally strange. The King had turned into a lunatic! He screamed, “Lights! Stop the play!” Someone summoned me to my small living quarters for the night. Now it has been three days. I have not stepped one foot out of this quarters since then. Three times a day, a servant comes and gives me my meals. But I know that both the King, the Queen, and Lord Hamlet are all dead. I fear it was all my fault. Who knows what could have happened to all of them? Was my play that bad? Did they all kill themselves because of my bad acting? If it was my fault, what could happen to me? I will have the punishment of death, of that I am sure. And so, my playing partner, please tell everyone back in London that I have gone away for good. If I should make it back by any chance at all, I will notify you the minute I get there.


With Distress,


Your Fellow Player


P.S. I hope to see you soon, if I shall remain alive.
7667 Dead King Lane

Heaven

January 6, 1594


Dear Young Hamlet,


It has come to my attention that you have not yet killed your uncle. Well I am very disappointed. I appeared to you, what two days; and specifically said don’t let the throne of Denmark get unrevenged! You still didn’t kill him. I must say Hamlet you disappointed me greatly. so much it makes me want to be killed by that villain again.


I had much faith in you, my boy, but I now have doubts about you. I have also figured out that you have gone mad. I must say I am very proud of you, you’re just like your old man. Now I need you to kill my brother in 24 hours, or I will haunt you until the day you die.


Love,


Your Dead but Disappointed Father


P.S.


I hope you win your fight with Laertes.


G H


Caleb
1250 Capulet House

Verona, Italy

April 30, 1594


Dear Mom,


I wanted to tell you that you should’ve let me choose who I’d marry instead of forcing me to marry Count Paris. I could’ve stopped this crazy war that we are having with the Montagues. But you thought that if I married Count Paris, I could win you points! I would never marry a man I don’t love. If I told you and father who I truly love, Father would kill me because I love a Montague named Romeo, the Montague family’s only child. I met Romeo on the night we had the masquerade ball.


We danced, and it became love at first sight. The only thing that could really stop me from having a relationship was that I was a Capulet and he’s a Montague. Then we met after everyone left under my balcony. It wasn’t something planned, but he’d longed to see me. Every time you try to make me like Paris, I hate him even more. I will never marry someone for power!


Your Daughter,

Juliet M.


P.S


My last name’s now Montague because I married Romeo Secretly!



J. M

Kathrine Do
1314 King’s Advisors House

Elsinore, Denmark

October 3, 1598

Dear Laertes,


I am very sad to tell you that our father has been murdered by Hamlet. I hope you can come and help me with the mourning that has come upon me. All has been sad for me since the death of our father. I hope there is a way you can retaliate on Hamlet for the death of our father. Though he must know what I feels like without a father.


I wonder who will get father’s job. Maybe you can ask the king if you can have it. You are very wise. You were the person who warned be about Hamlet. I should’ve remembered your advice better; maybe then I wouldn’t have been so upset about his betrayal.


Maybe this is his way of taking revenge one me. First he makes me look crazy by saying he never gave me the gifts I was returning. Then he tells me to go to a nunnery. Maybe Hamlet’s gone insane. That’s the best way to explain his past action. I bet that’s his way of expressing his mourning of his father’s death. It could also be that he thinks our father murdered his, but why would he think that? I must go, for it is getting late.


Your Sister,

Ophelia


P.S I hope you can come soon ‘

OC

Leen
Dunsinane Hill

Glasgow, Scotland

July 29, 1603


Dear My Sister,


I am going to need your help with something I found two days ago. I was going through the woods when I saw something spellbinding. It was a Pinjection mushroom! I remember when we were younger I was looking through a book and saw a potion to look into the near future. I never thought I would I would be able to make it because this mushroom. It is VERY rare. You can fly over tomorrow and have a look. I’m inviting Gilda, too, because we need three witches to perform it. I know you’re having a spat with her about that dragon scale, but let’s grow up. After hundreds of years, it shouldn’t be too hard.

Anyway, I thought that tomorrow you guys would come over, and we would search for the other things. We need lots of ingredients like eye of newt, toe of frog, wool of bat, and tongue of dog. Bring the dragon scale because we need that too. I’ve been looking around trying to find a victim and found out there’s a war going on. A battle is going to happen soon, and there will be lots of men in these woods. The potion were making won’t spoil very easily, so I think we’ll be ok.

I was also looking around by the castle, and King Duncan is traveling here. Maybe we could give him a little scare, eh? Some of my supplies are expensive, and I could always use the extra money.


Until Tomorrow,

Ursala Osland

P.S Don’t forget the dragon scales.

H.O
Claudius Castle

Elsinore, Denmark

January 13, 1601

Dear Hamlet,


Hello, my son. I’m deeply sorry for thou father’s passing. Tis a tragic time for all of us. I’m happy to tell you that I am the King of Elsinore, husband of Queen Gertrude, and father of you. However, I still can’t make out who would dare kill a king! It’s just not man like. Tis a fault to heaven and a fault against the dead. Tis a tragedy to all.


Tis sweet and commendable, Hamlet, to give these mourning duties to thy father. I will take great responsibility and care in this. I pray the death of your real father does not come between us, for that would make this scenario more tragic.


I hope all is well Hamlet, and I do hope you come out of this dreadful misery. We are all devastated, and to see you the most devastated of all does not help. We must past thy father’s death. Please Hamlet, live thou life; live it as if you are me, a king. I say farewell, for now.


Love,

King Claudius



P.S. I am proud to be your new father. K.C.


Vaughn Craddock
3417 Capulet house

Verona, Italy

April 30, 1601


Dear Romeo,

How dare you show up at the party last night. I heard what you said about Juliet. She will never love you or marry you. If you ever come in 100 yards of the gates again of our house again, I will personally shoot you with an arrow.


Also if I ever see you or your Montague friends on the streets, I will strike them down. I don not care what the prince says; I will. Oh yes, tell your friend Marqutio to back off. He acts strong, but I could kill him blindfolded. If you ever try to talk to Juliet again, I will kill you then burn down your family’s house.


Your Enemy,

Tybalt Capulet


PS- I liked the shoes you wore at the party. Where did you get them?


TC




Sam
2693 Hamlet Lane

Paris, France

May 17, 1602




Dearest Manager,


Since I have eight children and very little pay for my job, I am demanding a raise!!! My wife and I are in very poor condition thanks to your one shilling an hour. I am the best doctor there, so maybe you should pay me the most!!


Plus I have a dirty dagger, not a happy one because of all the bad blood I have to take out everyday. The pay for me should be at least seven shillings an hour. Otherwise I shall quit!!


With Anger,

Timothy Dagger



P.S. You better make the right decision, or my dull dagger is going to do some damage to you. T.D.











Andrew Murphy

Monday, May 24, 2010

2114 Royalty Lane

Elsinore, Denmark

March 1, 1591


Dear Laertes,



How are thou my son? I just put up your recent fencing award. Good job my son; thou are a great fencer. I was thinking, before you go to Paris, there isith a fencing competition that I would like you to enter. It is a new league much harder that the last one that you were in, but I am sure that you will win. You are the best fencer in Denmark. You make me so proud.


Laertes can you do your father one favor? I need you to look after your sister. She’s been down ever since lord Hamlet went mad. I don’t know about Lord Hamlet. I pity that he is mad, but I am angry with him since he broke my daughter’s heart. Take good care of your sister.


You’re Father,

Polonius

P.S

I got you a new fencing sword. It is the latest edition. I think you will do well with it.

PC


Jalen Skar
7568 Montegue Street

Verona, Italy

May 13, 1597


Dear Romeo,


Hello! How have thou been doing lately. I hope thou have been doing well. I have seen that thou have been acting weird lately. Art thou in trouble? Did thou commit a crime? Well, I hope thou get over whatever thou have been thinking about and come join Benvolio and me in some fun.


Remember when thou hesitated to go that party at the Capulet’s house? Were thou nervous or what? No one tried to kill us. Did someone try to kill thou? Well, Benvolio and I had fun dancing while thou were just wandering around quietly thinking about something. What I want to tell thou is just to relax.


To brighten thy spirit, come to me and I can teach thou sword fighting techniques. Soon thou will be the second best swordsman in Verona. I will still be the best though. Also, if there anything else thou want to do? ‘Tis no trouble and there is no reason to worry. Come to me and we will have lots of fun.


Your cousin,


Mercutio


P.S. Thou need to relax and have fun.


MM


Hasan Raffi
1690 Elsinore Castle

Elsinore, Denmark

1596

Dear Laertes,


I was informed from thy mother that we are going to have a sword fight. It may not sound so bad, but it is a fight to the death! I know we are both good sword fighters, but you and I both know who will win. The fight is in two days at our castle, in the great hall. Invite whomever you want, but it has to be less than fifty people.


I can’t wait till the fight; it will be such a joy. I have improved in sword fighting, and now I am only getting better. Horatio and I have been practicing for weeks and that has made me much better. I can’t wait to see your face when I kill you. I will regret killing you but I wasn’t the one who made the plan. Till Thursday good bye.


With much respect,

Hamlet

P.S. I would start practicing s soon as possible! P.H.


Michael Holden
97 Capulet Castle

Verona, Italy

November 5, 1589


Dear Juliet,


I know, daughter, that you do not want to marry Paris, but you must. He is a gallant young man, and the only one in Verona. He is the only person suitable for you, and marrying him will help us. We might finally be able to overcome the Montagues!


I also would like to tell and remind you to not talk to Benvolio, Mercutio, Romeo, or any of the Montagues. They cause trouble too often. I do not want you to talk to them, or go near them! They are not suitable for you. They are not kind, trustworthy, or strong. I trust that you will listen and obey me. If not, there will be punishment.



Your Mother,

Lady Capulet



P.S. We are having a feast tonight and Paris is invited. I am positive he will be there, so keep your eye out for him. Be kind and please try to like him!

L.C.




Lillian Clark
1234 Shakespeare Lane

London, England

July 4, 1563


Dear King,


You have forgotten to tell me thanks for setting Hamlet up so that he will die in the fight. I was the one that told him to go to the fight. You are a bad king. Aye, of coarse I can get over it. My king, I am worried how this will turn out. If he shall die, or if he finds out you wanted him to die, or if all thou that were in this plan will die.

People have said he is crazy, and I can see why. If Hamlet finds out you made this plan for him to die, he will kill you. If thou think I set it up, I shall tell hem the truth.


Sincerely,

Osric


P.S. You still need to say thanks.

O.L.


Matthew
1278 Waksman

Elsinore, Denmark

March 7, 1568


Dear Horatio,


Listen to me, I saw the ghost which is the dead King Hamlet! I know that you don’t believe me, but I have a witness. Marcellus and I were on Guard, and right after the bell we saw him! The King was big and tall with armor on, and he looked real, but you were able to see through him. He didn’t talk to us, but I could tell in his eyes that he wanted revenge. I have been thinking that King Hamlet got murdered.


When we all meet, we will sit down and tell the story about what happened that night we saw the King. I can tell that you’re trying to be brave, but Marcellus will tell you otherwise. When we meet, the King might come back; He might not talk, but he might be there. I hope you believe me.


Sincerely,

Bernardo


P.S. Meet with Marcellus at 12:00, midnight


M.B.
1413 Kingdom Dr.

Edinburgh, Scotland

March 17, 1601

Dear Macbeth,


What were you thinking! You killed the king of Scotland because your wife told you to, and you killed him because you heard some witches prediction. WOW! That is so greedy. You disgust me. You were first Thane of Glamis, then Cawdor, and now King. You should have just waited until the prediction came true. You wanted what you wanted, and you wanted it now. That is selfish.


You are a very good man in battle, and you were a good person until now. Now you have the burden of murder, and treason on your shoulders. Why did you listen to your wife? You would probably never have done that unless your wife insisted. Why didn’t you just go with your gut? Maybe you did go with your gut, but I think your wife influenced you to do it.


Dreadfully,

MacDuff


P.S. You are next… I hope you enjoy your last few days on earth. Ha Ha Ha M



Kendall Reed
1892 Hamlet Road

Verona, Italy

June 3, 1582


Dear Juliet,


I have grave news. Friar John never delivered the letter to Romeo. He had been visiting the sick and the gate guards said that one of the places he had been visiting had the plague. I fear Romeo has gotten news you are dead. Since he hasn’t heard of the plan he may come to die with you. You must NOT drink the vial so Romeo may see you alive and won’t want to die any longer. If he sees you “dead” all will be lost!

I would highly approve of you telling the Montagues of this whole fiasco with their son. They may be able to do something about it. Most parental advice even if it’s not your own parents may come in handy. Well if the whole Romeo, peace to your families I don’t want to marry Paris thing doesn’t work out you could always join a nunnery. That would take your mind off of Romeo and would be a great way to serve God Almighty.



Sincerely,

Friar Lawrence


P.S. I would really go with the nunnery.

FL


Madi DeVore
1234 Dagger Lane

Edinburgh, Scotland

January 21, 1598

Dear Macbeth,


Last night, the gentlewoman and I watched your wife. She was rubbing her hands and trying to get blood off of them even though there was no blood. She was sleep walking! Then she said that Banquo was dead! Did you know any of this? After that, she heard a knocking and headed to bed. She did all of this while she was asleep.


The next morning, I came back to check on her. I sat in her room watching her. While I was watching, she screamed once. I ran to her and then she screamed again. I am sad to say that she passed away. My Lord, I am sorry that you aren’t here and we will not have the funeral without you. When you get this come home as soon as possible. See you soon my Lord.


Sincerely,

Doctor John


P.S. Are you winning your battle? DJ




Allie Brown
3259 Mac-Lane

Edinburgh Scotland

June, 21, 1592

Dear King Macbeth,


A few days ago you summoned my friend and me to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance. As you know we successfully killed Banquo but lost the son. If you are wondering why I am writing this letter, it is because you under paid us. You paid us 50 notes. We ask for 150. You see, we have to drag the victim to places to hide them. And you see there were two problems. One, your friend is highly cumbersome. Whether it is from fat or muscle, I know not. And the second problem is that near your castle there is no good hiding spot for a body. So we had to drag him for hours until we finally found a creek and thru him in it.

I am not asking this because we are poor (which I am not). I ask for the 100 notes because we deserve 100 notes. My friend and I live happily in a mansion with quite a bit of notes mind you. But if you wish to live your short life a bit longer, I would pay up.


Sincerely,

Nameless Assassin


P.S. I would tell you my name but then I would have to kill you.

P.P.S. Sleep with one eye open.


NA Kate Sorensen
809 Paddock Lane

Verona, Italy

August 28, 1621


Dear Lord and Lady Capulet,


I, Juliet’s nurse, am here to inform you that because of Juliet’s passing, I am no longer needed. Unless you have another job for me, I best be on my way. Since her woeful, woeful death I have no purpose in life. It is such a pity that my Juliet had to die so early; she was only a mere fourteen years old!


I really hate to go. The Capulet family has really become part of me. You know it is quite sad that so many had to die over this feud with the Montagues. Hopefully, the Capulet and the Montague families can unite and become friends. I think that is what Juliet and her Romeo would want. Well I should really be on my way now.


Farewell,

Katherine, Juliet’s Nurse


PS: I will be leaving at the end of the month at dawn.

N

Katie Herthel
9999 Death Lane

Edinburgh, Scotland

August 10th, 16o1

Dear Fleance,


You were very lucky to escape me and my friend, but your father was not so lucky. If Macbeth wasn’t killed, I am sure he would have paid me to kill you.


But I promise you that I will kill you, even if it is the last thing I do! So prepare yourself to have a visit from me! You will soon be with your father.


Do anything you want to do in your sorry life, because you don’t have much time left! So farewell my next victim. May you rest in peace.


You’re Murderer,

The First Revenger


P.S. You are next. You have one day left to live.

FR






By: Gage Walker
215 Capulet Castle

Verona, Italy

October 8, 1600


Dear Lord Capulet,


I am a humble servant who works for you. I want a raise now because I have a wife and two kids, and one of my sons has fallen ill and tis become sick. I also need a new sword because I have been robbed for the 6th time this year, and I need my protection.


You and your wife take good care of me and my family because you let us live inside of the castle for free, but it's not enough. Can you keep a hold of Tybalt for me please? He has been destroying my home and I'm sick of it. I have to use my pathetic sword to fight him. I need the raise and the new sword, please; I am begging you.

Sincerely,

The Servant


P.S There was a montague at the party last night, and he was dancing with your daughter.


T.S.

Jamie Spradlin
1312 Gentlewoman Street

Edinburgh, Scotland

May 10, 1564


Crazy Lady MacBeth,


I never liked you. You were always ordering me around. You also threw stuff at me if I did something wrong. Sometime I can’t be perfect. I have seen you do crazy things like think you had blood on your hands when you didn’t. I think you are very weird. I wish I could’ve quit, but you aren’t allowed to quit a job from the queen.


I have always wanted to have a nice life. I wanted to have a nice house and raise a family. I couldn’t do that because of you. I never had time to settle down and relax. I always had to serve you! You are so crazy, and you are like a devil. You may seem nice, but I’ve heard you talk to King MacBeth. I never told anyone, though. I wish I had fled when I had the chance. I bet you wouldn’t have been able to survive that long without me.


Your Loving Enemy,

Francis (the Gentlewoman)


P.S. You know that white dress that turned pink; I did that! I put a red sock with all your white clothes. Bwahahaha! I’m so evil.

FTG

Allie Lindwall
8404Kings Street

The Castle Elsinore

Copenhagen, Denmark

September 29, 1600





Dear Lord Hamlet,


I am sorry about the death of your father. Guildenstern and I are coming back to see you. We are also going to be courtiers for your uncle Claudius, the new king. I heard your mother is going to marry King Claudius.


I will attend the wedding and the funeral. Also are you and Ophelia still a couple? I will be in Denmark one week from tomorrow. I can’t wait to see you old friend.



You’re Friend,

Rosencrantz






P.S How did your father die?



R




By Trey Bridwell
3843 Speare Circle

Verona, Italy

June 21, 1601


Dearest Romeo,


What is wrong? As your best friend it’s important for me to know. You almost seemeth to be shunning me and Mercutio. Are you falling in loveth again? If you are then here ye, thou will have to tell thy problems. You will have troubleth if you don’t let your friends help you. If thou is still stubborn, then at least answer some of thy questions. We want the best for you…


Now I’m almost positive it’s a loveth issue. Is it that one Capulet? I totally understandeth if so. I’m going to guess it is Juliet Capulet. It is? Thy knew it! Ah, you met her at the ball. This makes sense now. I told thou it would pep up your spirit. It will be hard because if they find you and her together they’ll kill you. But if you get away, you may live peacefully with your Juliet. Ah, that will be the day! Capulets and Montagues together at last…



Sincerely,

Benvolio.





P.S She is kindeth cute. :)

B. M. Tiger Ruan
1372 Hamlet Drive

Copenhagen, Denmark

April 2, 1569

Dearest friend,


I heard how you talked to you father’s ghost. I also heard that you are going to avenge your father. AS an old friend, I advise you to think about your plans and the possible outcomes. A possible outcome is that you, Gertrude, and Claudius die. It is also possible that Polonius dies. Hamlet, please do not think that revenge is an option.


Hamlet, Ophelia might commit suicide if you keep on treating her like a dog. Be grateful you have a lady. Keep her safe, she is a special woman.


Your friend,

Guildenstern


P.S. If you die, don’t blame me, blame Rosencrantz.

G.M.


Kevin Mattar
3217 Acting Street

London, England

August 17,1998


Dearest Dad (King Duncan),


I have missed you a lot since you became king. We now spend less time together so I would like to have some entertainment with you. Your life is short, so we need to have fun from now on! After all family is one of the most important things in life. I feel your life is soon going to come to an end. I know I am a young man at this age, but I still want to have fun!


Now you might be wondering what I mean by having fun I want more feasts, more balls, and more time together! I would also like us to set up more things in the castle. I want libraries because we both enjoy reading. I hope you understand what I mean now. In case you think we are having enough time together, I discussed it with mom, and she agrees with me.


Your Son,

Donalbain


P.S. Today was my birthday! Which we could have celebrated.L P.D. Noor