'Hamlet Off-Stage: Laertes Cool' by D.C. Berry


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Laertes has groupies, proof he has taste,
has cool. Wears skate-board clothes: elephant pants,
the crotch snagging his knees, tent-size tee-shirt.
He wants the play staged at a roller rink:
him, Fortinbras, and me wearing in-lines,
the rest in quads. And instead of a duel,
we throw ourselves a roller-derby brawl.
Why not? Do something with a little class
to offset the end's cartoon slaughter house.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Hamlet Off-Stage: Laertes Cool by D.C. Berry

Have you ever wondered what happened off-stage in Hamlet? What was Laertes doing during all the drama between Hamlet and Claudius? D.C. Berry addresses these questions in his poem "Hamlet Off-Stage: Laertes Cool." In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes and literary techniques used by Berry to convey his message.

Summary

"Hamlet Off-Stage: Laertes Cool" is a poem in which Berry uses the character of Laertes to explore the themes of revenge, grief, and forgiveness. The poem begins with Laertes receiving the news of his father's death and his sister's madness. Laertes is filled with grief and anger, but he is also cautious in his actions. He knows that revenge must be executed with precision and calculation.

The poem then moves on to Laertes' preparations for revenge. He sharpens his sword and practices his moves. He is determined to avenge his father's death and restore his family's honor. However, as he contemplates his revenge, he begins to question whether it is worth it. He wonders if revenge will bring him peace or if it will only lead to more pain and suffering.

In the final stanza, Laertes decides to forgive Hamlet for his actions. He realizes that revenge will not bring him happiness and that forgiveness is the only way to move on. He puts down his sword and walks away, leaving behind his desire for revenge.

Themes

Revenge is a central theme in "Hamlet Off-Stage: Laertes Cool." Laertes is consumed by his desire for revenge after the death of his father. He is willing to do whatever it takes to avenge his father's death and restore his family's honor. However, as he contemplates his revenge, he realizes that it may not bring him the closure he desires. He wonders if revenge will only lead to more pain and suffering.

Grief is another theme that Berry explores in the poem. Laertes is filled with grief and anger after the death of his father and the madness of his sister. He is struggling to cope with his emotions and find a way to move on. However, as he reflects on his situation, he realizes that revenge may not be the answer.

Forgiveness is the final theme in the poem. Laertes realizes that forgiveness is the only way to move on from his grief and anger. He decides to forgive Hamlet for his actions and put down his sword. Berry uses Laertes to show that forgiveness is a powerful tool and can be more healing than revenge.

Literary Techniques

Berry uses several literary techniques in "Hamlet Off-Stage: Laertes Cool" to convey his message. One of the most prominent techniques is imagery. Berry uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of Laertes' emotions and actions. For example, he describes how Laertes sharpens his sword and practices his moves. This imagery helps to convey the intensity of Laertes' desire for revenge.

Berry also uses repetition to emphasize certain points in the poem. For example, he repeats the phrase "cool Laertes" throughout the poem. This repetition helps to reinforce the idea that Laertes is calm and collected in his pursuit of revenge.

Finally, Berry uses irony to convey his message. The title "Hamlet Off-Stage: Laertes Cool" is ironic because Laertes is anything but cool in the poem. He is consumed by grief and anger, and his desire for revenge is anything but calm. However, by the end of the poem, Laertes has become cool in the sense that he has found peace and forgiveness.

Interpretation

"Hamlet Off-Stage: Laertes Cool" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of revenge, grief, and forgiveness. Berry uses the character of Laertes to show how revenge can consume a person and lead to more pain and suffering. He also shows how forgiveness can be a powerful tool for healing and moving on from grief.

As a reader, I was struck by the intensity of Laertes' desire for revenge. Berry does an excellent job of conveying the emotion and intensity of Laertes' actions. However, as the poem progresses, I began to question whether revenge was the right path for Laertes. I found myself rooting for him to find a way to move on from his grief and anger.

In the end, I was moved by Laertes' decision to forgive Hamlet. It was a powerful moment that showed the strength of forgiveness and how it can be more healing than revenge. Overall, "Hamlet Off-Stage: Laertes Cool" is a powerful poem that explores important themes and uses literary techniques to convey a powerful message. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Shakespeare or poetry in general.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Hamlet Off-Stage: Laertes Cool by D.C. Berry is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and emotional piece that explores the themes of grief, revenge, and the human condition. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its meaning, symbolism, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line, "Laertes cool, calm, and collected," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Laertes is a character from Shakespeare's Hamlet, and in this poem, he is portrayed as a man who is in control of his emotions, despite the tragedy that has befallen him. The use of alliteration in this line adds to the sense of calmness and control that Laertes exudes.

The next few lines of the poem describe the scene of Laertes' sister, Ophelia's funeral. The imagery used in these lines is powerful and evocative, with the "black-clad mourners" and the "weeping willows" painting a vivid picture of grief and loss. The use of the color black is significant, as it is traditionally associated with mourning and death.

As the poem progresses, we see Laertes' emotions begin to surface. He is described as "clenching his fists" and "grinding his teeth," which shows that he is struggling to keep his emotions in check. The use of these physical actions is a literary device known as "showing, not telling," which allows the reader to experience Laertes' emotions firsthand.

The next few lines of the poem describe Laertes' desire for revenge. He is consumed by the need to avenge his sister's death, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. The use of the word "fiend" to describe his desire for revenge adds to the sense of darkness and evil that surrounds this theme.

The poem then takes a turn, as Laertes begins to question the morality of his desire for revenge. He asks himself, "What right have I to take a life?" This is a powerful moment in the poem, as it shows that Laertes is not just a one-dimensional character driven solely by revenge. He is a complex human being who is struggling with his emotions and his sense of morality.

The final lines of the poem describe Laertes' decision to let go of his desire for revenge. He realizes that it is not worth sacrificing his own soul for the sake of vengeance. The use of the word "soul" is significant, as it shows that Laertes is not just concerned with his physical well-being, but also his spiritual well-being.

Overall, Hamlet Off-Stage: Laertes Cool is a powerful and emotional poem that explores the themes of grief, revenge, and the human condition. The use of literary devices such as alliteration, imagery, and showing, not telling, add to the impact of the poem. The character of Laertes is portrayed as a complex human being who is struggling with his emotions and his sense of morality. The final message of the poem is one of hope, as Laertes realizes that it is never too late to let go of our desire for revenge and choose a path of forgiveness and peace.

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