Hamlet: The Newest Play Written

The Article Hamlet: The Newest Play Written, by Dr. Robert Walton proposes the idea that anyone can look at the character of Hamlet and see themselves in him. Why should we care about Hamlet? I think the answer may be because he can remind us of ourselves. Dr. Walton feels that teenagers will see and relate to Hamlet's rebellion from authority figures. This is a valid point, although I have never been too rebellious a person, it certainly is an appealing situation to take control over those who usually control you. I think Hamlet is important because everyone sees some aspect of themselves in him. Hamlet is a very human character, who is caught up in his own emotions. We see Hamlet struggle to be the person he wants to be, and decide what it is he values most. The reading of Hamlet, can indeed serve as a cautionary tail. Hamlet provides fascinating insight into the human mind and how grief can affect us. As an objective reader, perhaps we can better understand the character traits of Hamlet that we see in ourselves. I feel for Hamlet because I see how badly he wants to do the right thing, he just can't quite figure out what the "right" thing is. I empathise with Hamlet and his desire to make everyone happy. I also understand how deeply affected Hamlet is from his father's murder, and his mother's marriage. I don't see Hamlet as an evil character who deserves to die, but a deeply damaged and depressed man. I see why, in Hamlet's eyes, everything he does is necessary. I understand why Hamlet does what he does, which justifieshim as a good person. Hamlet is a very interesting character who, as Dr. Walton points out, is highly relatable.

Informal Essay- Multiple Misjudgments

Victoria Esztelecky
ENG4U
Mr. Hindley
March 1st 2009

Multiple Misjudgments

I have always loved to take care of children. A frequent babysitter, I confess I do find it exhausting to look after four little girls under the age of seven. I dread babysitting on school nights when homework, reading, baths, dinner, and violin practicing can be enough to put me over the edge. Oh yes, dinner time is often like feeding time at the zoo. Extra time, energy, and money must be put into everything. On a recent trip to a water park it took three adults to safely accompany the four little girls on the various attractions. The admission price was astronomical. I thought about this family when I read of the recent birth of octuplets to a mother who already had six children.
Nadya Suleman’s doctor should not have allowed her to have six embryos implanted through invitro. Firstly, Nadya already had six kids under the age of seven. Three of these children have disabilities. I can not imagine how Nadya felt she had enough time for all her children then! She is a single parent and could not afford outside help. Fertility doctors exist to help people who desperately want a child. Nadya was lucky. She had six kids; she didn’t need more, certainly not at that time. Secondly, there was no reason for six embryos to be implanted. Guidelines recommend implanting no more than two into women under 35, such as Nadya. Nadya’s doctor knew her success with her past pregnancies, and should not have been concerned that the procedure would be unsuccessful. The doctor was aware that Nadya was against selective reduction, should it be an issue, and should have taken that into consideration as well. Thirdly, the mother of 14 is currently unemployed. She has not been working for some time and is living with her children at her parent’s house. Her mother declared bankruptcy last year. The family receives food stamps each month. Clearly, this is not a family who could have afforded even one more child.
A fertility doctor’s responsibility is to determine whether the mother is able to properly care for a child. It is a complicated process, full of ethical qualms, which is why doctors have the right to refuse patients whom they do not think are suitable. Big money is paid to these doctors because they have to make these hard decisions. In this case, Nadya’s doctor should have done more research and considered what was in the best interest of his patients, both the mother and the possible babies.
I wish Nadya the best of luck. We can agree on one thing. I love children, too. However, loving children means doing what’s best for the ones you already have. If you really love kids, you have as many as you can properly look after. My biggest concern with Nadya’s story is the actions of her doctor. He knew, or should have known, her situation, and even then went through with the invitro. I hope that there are serious repercussions for his behavior, and that it doesn’t happen again.