SSH 105 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Polonius

• School: Ryerson University
• Department: Social Sciences and Humanities
• Course: SSH 105
• Professor: Thomas Hart

Document Summary

We, as humans, try to avoid experiencing tragedy in our own lives, however we have flocked towards artistic representations of it from the beginning of time. We appreciate the dramatic elements of plays and movies, while also relating to these problems (albeit on a relatively minor scale. ) A successful play will have the audience engaged, relating to and rooting for the various characters, and taking home an understanding of the theme that was portrayed. Personally, i can only enjoy a play if i am able to relate to a character. Both hamlet and agamemnon are enthralling dramatic plays, however at their core, they are relatable to our everyday lives. The following passage from agamemnon speaks both to my own personal life as well as society in general. Were you in fear about any of the absent lords? (chorus): "so much that now, to use your own words, even death would be great happiness. " (545-550)