Stephanie+Johnson

__**Ophelia's Diary**__

Dear Diary,  A while ago my brother, Laertes left for his voyage to France. Before he had left he took some time to warn me about falling in love with Prince Hamlet, Laertes believes that Hamlet could not love me honorably. I had explained that Hamlet claims to love me, but Laertes does not seem to understand. After a couple minutes of listening to his lecture about how Hamlet’s love for me is fading, I promised that I would end my relationship with Hamlet, and I as well gave him some advice for his voyage. As soon as he had left, my father, Polonius echoed what Laertes had said to me just a few minutes prior, and forbids me to associate with Prince Hamlet anymore. My fathers and Laeretes’ opinions mean the world to me, I must follow their advice and orders. My brother is affectionate and protective, which contrasts Hamlet’s contemplative characteristics. Either way, I promised to listen to them and not associate with Prince Hamlet anymore.  Hamlet showed up in my room one day, looking very pale, this frightened me so I ran and told my father about what had happened. My father had talked to Claudius about Hamlets recent actions, showing him a love letter that Hamlet had written to me.  A couple of days ago, I was in the castle hall theatre, sitting beside Hamlet watching a play which he had put on, my father had sent me to find out more information about Hamlet’s condition. He was commenting on the players and also making sexual references towards me. It seemed like Hamlet was starting to go mad, speaking to himself and reciting poems all the time. I am unsure of my feelings towards Hamlet, I could truly love him if I was not under my fathers and Laertes’ protection. He showed that he loved me, sending me letters and gifts, but sometimes Hamlet uses inappropriate names and actions towards me, assaulting me, mostly verbally. I think that I could be a positive influence and change this part of him, if hadn’t promise not to associate with him. I promised my father and brother I would not associate with Hamlet, therefore that is what I will do, and see where that takes me. Ophelia