Death_Plot


 * media type="youtube" key="FqDsugfu8M0" width="560" height="315" align="left" By: Zac Crocker
 * media type="youtube" key="FqDsugfu8M0" width="560" height="315" align="left" By: Zac Crocker
 * media type="youtube" key="FqDsugfu8M0" width="560" height="315" align="left" By: Zac Crocker
 * media type="youtube" key="FqDsugfu8M0" width="560" height="315" align="left" By: Zac Crocker

** Hamlet Plot Parallel ** The intricate plot of //Hamlet// has resurfaced countless times in recent pop culture. Numerous parallels can be drawn between the characters in //Hamlet// and their actions with those of present day characters in television shows and movies. Thus showing how brilliant and relatable Shakespeare’s characters and plots were as similarly adapted plots can be enjoyed hundreds of years after they were originally introduced to the public. To name a few paralleled plots from Shakespeare’s Hamlet that continue to entertain millions on the screen include: //The Lion King//, //Sons of Anarchy// and //Breaking Bad//. The parallel I found particularly intriguing was the performance by Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman in the hit television series //Breaking Bad//. Jesse compliments Prince Hamlet almost flawlessly. Like Hamlet, Jesse has flaws such as his constant reliance on drugs, which continues to impede his virtuous lifestyle. In certain scenes of the series Jesse Pinkman influences the plot by being a self-destructive, love sick and vengeful individual just as the audience perceives Hamlet.

A plot parallel that can be distinguished between //Hamlet// and //Breaking Bad// is the way Jesse Pinkman reacts to the death of his love Jane. After Jane’s death Jesse has lost all faith in humanity, he finds himself at a Crack House where he states that he had killed her even though her death wasn’t directly his fault. This seems similar to the way Ophelia had died since it wasn’t directly Hamlets fault but if he had chosen to act differently at key moments the outcome would be drastically altered. An example of an altering decision is when Hamlet stabbed Polonius, which drove Ophelia mad and would eventually lead her to kill herself by drowning in water while Jane dies over an overdose of drugs and related asphyxiation. In the //Breaking Bad// variation of //Hamlet// Jesse can be seen as the character Hamlet while Jane can be viewed in the audience’s eyes as Ophelia. In the episode called ABQ in Season two of //Breaking Bad// the audience sees Jesse become self-destructive as a result of Jane’s death. Jesse contemplates taking his own life in this episode which parallels the thoughts and actions of Hamlet throughout the play. An example in //Hamlet// where suicide is expressed as a valued choice is in the soliloquy where Hamlet utters his famous line “To be, or not to be? That is the question,” (III.i.57) William Shakespeare, while this is before the death of Ophelia this statement lets the audience know how Hamlet deals with the loss of his beloved Father. Jesse may not be as much a philosophical entity as Hamlet but Jesse’s weakness for drugs drives him into problematic situations just as Hamlet’s mourning of his father drives him into a state of madness where he no longer wants to live.

Jesse’s similarities to Hamlet don’t end there; Jesse finds himself madly in love with Jane and would do anything to be with her again. This is another area in the plot where Jesse’s actions parallel that of Hamlet’s. When Hamlet finds out Ophelia has died he jumps in the grave and declares his love for her. He states that he would do anything to show his love for her such as cry, fight, stop eating, cut himself and even eat a crocodile just as Jesse Pinkmen would do anything to be with Jane again seen by the way he reacts to her death in the scene above. Another example of how Jesse’s love drove him mad was when Jesse starts to do heroine with Jane; a drug which he considered to be too dangerous before he met Jane. This is comparable because his love makes him do irrational things he would otherwise not do. This parallels the way Hamlet acts when in the presence of Ophelia, for example in Act 2 Scene 1 when Ophelia tells her father Hamlet was acting very “mad” in her presence.

An additional parallel between the plot of Breaking Bad and Hamlet is the way both characters avenge the murders of their friends. In the //Breaking Bad// drama series Jesse is torn up by the murder of his friend Kombo. After months of grieving he devises a plan to attain his revenge by attempting to poison the ones responsible for the murder of his good friend. This specific scenario is surprisingly similar to the plot of Hamlet. The similarity exist because after the death of Hamlet’s father he is depressed for a very long time just as Jesse is until he finds reason to suspect the death involved foul play. After this realization Hamlet is obsessed with avenging his father’s death this is similar to how Jesse becomes engrossed with the conflict between the people responsible for the murder of his friend. After finding the ones liable Jesse devises a plan to stealthily kill the ones involved; the same way Hamlet devised a plan to write a letter and seal it with his Father’s official seal that instructed the recipient to kill Rosencrantz and Guildenstern who were given orders to let Hamlet be executed in England.

Jesse’s depressed, depraved and unforgiving tendencies add diversity to the plot similar to how Hamlet’s inclinations drive the plot in //Hamlet// to a tragic end. //Breaking Bad// has been entertaining audiences for years now and I think it is in part due to implementing similar character struggles from //Hamlet// into the intricate plot. Without question Jesse portrays a tragic Hamlet type character and I believe that is why he is such a memorable and appealing character. Jesse’s flaws continue to move the plot along because his honorable acts continue to be offset by his seemingly endless follies just how Hamlet seems to show the audience that his virtues are hindered by involuntary obstructions like the appearance of his insanity driven by his love for Ophelia and his obsessive plan for revenge against King Claudius. || Modern Version of Act 5 Scene2
 * media type="custom" key="26108568" ||
 * - By Janine Young ||
 * Created By: Bushra Bhatti
 * media type="custom" key="26108568" ||
 * - By Janine Young ||
 * Created By: Bushra Bhatti
 * Created By: Bushra Bhatti

Hamlet has finally returned from England and is sitting with Horatio over a drink.

Hamlet

Did you know that Dad, or the so called King Claudius is after me? He wants to kill me, like what type of father kills his own son?! Oh, but actually this makes sense, right? He’s not actually my father, he killed my real dad, married my mothering by wooing her and is now after me. Man, I am going to kill him, like this is just getting too ridiculous. Yo Horatio, you know how the King sent those two people with me? What were their names? Oh yeah, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern! I can’t even believe I considered them to be my friends. But whatever, they’re probably in prison right now anyways.

Horatio

What do you mean? Yo, what did you do?!

Hamlet:

Well you’re honestly going to laugh at this! You know that text that King Claudius sent to those people in England? I changed it up a bit, I mean just some minor editing, you know? I mentioned that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern should be imprisoned and intensely tortured and that Hamlet will not be killed and some other random stuff about England and friendship with Denmark.

Horatio:

How did you get a hold of that text?

Hamlet:

Yo it’s so easy! Since King Claudius used imessages to send the text, I could track it with this new app and it basically helps track down messages. Man, it’s such an efficient app, you can get a hold of the text before the contact even receives it.

Horatio:

Wow, your dad is crazy. I can’t believe it!

Hamlet:

Yeah, but you know what's interesting? Now that I’m plotting against the King and I've gotten my so called “friends” in trouble, I don’t feel bad in the least. They're just getting what they deserve.

Horatio

Yeah man, that's real talk. Hey, do you hear that?

Osric:

Hey, so your dad is betting that you’re going to win a wrestling match against Laertes. Should I count you in for it, or are you too chicken?

Hamlet:

First of all, you need to put that hat back on; it is extremely windy! Also, count me in for this battle, I have been practicing for quite a while. LET'S DO THIS BRO!

Osric

Alright, well if you think you can do this, then I'm going to legit sign you up!

Hamlet

Bro, you can sign me up and reward me for it as well, because I'm telling you I'm going to win.

Osric

Laernet is honestly an amazing person, he's a burst of good qualities.

Hamlet

Yeah, he's seriously a really good person, like bro I swear there is no one as good as him, like everyone is only a comparison of him, only he can be the real Laernet.

Osric

Yeah, I would have to agree with you, like he is an amazing person.

Hamlet

Why on earth are we talking about this? Like, this is just a waste of time. Laernet is a cool guy, but what's the point of mentioning all his qualities?

Osric

Yeah, but I know you know something about him, like maybe the reason why he is so amazing?

Hamlet

Bro, I can't say much about this, unless you compare my amount of amazing qualities to his.

Osric

Yeah true, but he is legit one of the most amazing wrestlers I have ever seen.

Hamlet

What tricks does he use?

Osric

Usually, pile drivers are what he is known for. It's when he grabs the head and dives it into the mat. He loves it because it looks really dangerous and cool.

Hamlet

Okay, thanks for letting me know. But, that's only like one trick, so whatever.

Orsic

Oh, he has a lot more, you'll be surprised. By the way, your dad has arranged a really nice wrestling rink for both of you and several blades for you to perform the balding trick as well. Oh, and even some sharpeners!

Hamlet

What do you mean by sharpeners?

Horatio

I knew he would have something to ask!

Osric

Also, your Dad bet that you and Laertes will have a dozen rounds, but he won't beat you by more than three hits. So, this is now or never. I need a final answer from you.

Hamlet

I'm not too sure right now, but I'm late for my daily workout, so I'm going to head to the hallway. If Laernet is down and the king is willing, then we will do it. I'll try to win the bet, and if I don't, I couldn't care less!

Osric

Yeah man, I'll let him know. Those exact words?

Hamlet

Yeah whatever, make it as fancy as you want.

Osric

Alright, I'll see you then! If you need anything, I'm only a text away!

Osric leaves

Hamlet

Oh my God, he's so annoying! He talks so fancy, but his words have no weight!

Horatio

Yeah, I swear he legit has no common sense.

The King's security guard enters:

Lord: Hamlet, Osric said you're down for this wrestling match. The King is asking if you want to do it now, or practice a bit and then do it a bit later.

Hamlet: As long as I’m alive and my health permits, I’ll do whatever he wants. If now is what he prefers, then now it is. I couldn't care less as to when it’s happening.

Lord: Alright, the Queen and the King are coming to the rink. Oh, and all the city will be there to see you guys fight. It's going to be one heck of a game. Oh, and she’s going to text Laertes before the match.

Lord leaves.

Horatio: Bro, what on earth are you getting into? You’re not going to be able to win this game.

Hamlet: I have the same feeling, but I've been practicing for a long time now. Let's just do this, who cares if I lose?

Horatio: Are you sure you want to get into this? You should think about this once more.

Hamlet: Yo, I know I’m being stupid, but I just have a feeling that I should do this.

Horatio: If you think you can’t do this, then just don’t. I’ll just send them a Snapchat of you sleeping, and write that you’re sick. No one will even know.

Hamlet: As if I'm going to let you do something so cheap. I don’t care about superstitions and gut feelings. God is in control and watching everything. Destiny will decide who will and won't be embarrassed. But, you know what’s really annoying? Those people who post other people’s low moments on to Twitter and Facebook! Oh my God, it bothers me so much, like why are my failures featured on Instagram for everyone to see?

Horatio: Yeah, I know what you mean! It's ridiculous!

Hamlet: Preparation and good tricks are needed, and I have them both. Horatio, I’m ready for this.

CLAUDIUS enters with GERTRUDE, LAERTES, OSRIC, lords, and other attendants with trumpets, drums, and some rappers to build their excitement and attract more people to the rink. They entered with several vending machines as well as popcorn, hotdog, and soft drink stands.

Claudius: Laertes, come give Hamlet a hand shake. You should have a good idea of who your competitor is.

Hamlet: Bro Laertes, my man, I am so sorry. I know all this drama that's happened was totally wrong. The people in the audience probably spread the news of my mental illness all over the web. When I wrote that horrible message to you on Facebook, it wasn’t actually me, it was my illness that had possessed me! Sorry to be all technical on you, but all of that was actually not my fault. It's my illness that you should be annoyed with. I know my illness is my issue, therefore it makes it my fault, but man this illness, I swear it’s an enemy to me. I have no evil intentions towards you, and I take this dumb audience as a witness.

Laertes: I understand, and I know anyone in my situation would literally rip your head off and probably make you die a thousand deaths, but I am pretty content with your explanation. Oh, but don’t think that I have forgiven you. It's going to take time, after all, you did kill my sister and Dad, remember?

Hamlet: Yeah man, I completely understand! Hand me the water bottle bro, let’s get this game started!

Laertes: Let's do it!

Hamlet and Laertes squeezed water from the bottle on to their faces.

Hamlet Man, you are so lucky to be fighting against me today, its like an automatic victory for you! I suck at wrestling.

Laertes: Whatever, I know you’re just making fun of me.

Hamlet: Oh gosh, I swear I am not.

Claudius: Osric, tell them to begin the first round. Hamlet, you know the bet?

Hamlet: Yeah, King! Thanks for betting on the weaker player, when you know I suck at wrestling.

Laertes: No man, don’t worry. I know you can do it, because you have better tricks.

Laertes: Ugh, this spot is too close to the audience. Give me a new spot!

Osric: A bit to the right? Is this better?

Laertes: Yup!

Hamlet: Are you ready then?

Laertes: Yeah!

Hamlet and Laertes get into position.

Claudius: Go and put bags of popcorn, hotdogs and drinks on the table for the audience. If Hamlet wins the first of the three rounds, I will make the audience stand up and clap for him. Aahh, I will eat to Hamlet's score and his hotdog. Oh, it will taste better than any other! Judges keep a close eye on both of the boys. Do the wave and make some noise people! Hey rappers, do your thing! And you bodyguards let Heaven know that the King is going to eat to Hamlets death!

Match Begins.

Hamlet: Come on, Laertes!

Laertes: C’mon Hamlet, come at me bro!

Hamlet and Laertes wrestle.

Hamlet: That was one point.

Laertes: No, actually it wasn’t.

Hamlet: Referee!

Osric: Yeah, that was one point for Hamlet.

Laertes: Okay, let's continue bro!

Claudius: Hey hotdog vendor, someone’ s calling you outside. You better go take a look. Hamlet, this hotdog is for you! Cheers!

Claudius takes out the hotdog from the pot before it was cooked. He puts it in the bun and puts some condiments on it.

Claudius Go and give him this hotdog, because he’s probably hungry.

Hamlet: Oh this hotdog looks really good. Just put it to the side for a bit, and I’ll eat it after the match.

Hamlet and Laertes wrestle. Hamlet wins another point.

Laertes: Bro, you got me there.

Claudius: Hamlet is so going to win!

Gertrude: Oh my goodness, Hamlet looks like he’s getting tired now. He's really sweaty. Hamlet, come here! Come take a sip of this Vitamin water.

The queen goes to the table where the uncooked hotdog is placed and picks it up.

Hamlet: Thanks Mom, but not right now.

Claudius: Gertrude, don’t eat that!

Claudius: Calm down, I can eat whatever I want.

Claudius:

(Thinking to himself) Oh no, that was the hotdog that wasn’t cooked properly, now she will get Bacillus Cereus food poisoning! Oh my God, this is going to cause sudden death.

Hamlet: I’ll eat the hotdog later.

Gertrude: Come here and take some vitamin water, it’ll energize you for the match.

Laertes: (to Claudius) Yo, I am so going to get him now.

Claudius: You can try, but I highly doubt it.

Laertes: Why does this feel so wrong? I almost feel guilty for doing this.

Laertes hurts Hamlet. In return, Hamlet hurts Laertes.

Claudius: Separate them! They are going overboard.

Hamlet: Yo, lets do one more round. Come on, come at me!

Gertrude falls down.

Osric: Oh my God, what has happened to the Queen?

Horatio: Hamlet, are you okay? Oh God, you're both bleeding!

Laertes: Oh my goodness, I have been trapped into my own plot. Oh shoot.

Hamlet: What’s up with Mom, how is she now?

Claudius: She fainted as soon as she saw both of you bleed. You know she can’t see you get hurt.

Gertrude:

No, Hamlet, don't listen to him! Claudius is lying! It was the hotdog. He took it out before it was cooked, and he gave me food poisoning of the most severe type.

Gertrude dies.

Hamlet: What on earth? Claudius is so disgusting! Osric, lock the entrance doors to the rink.

Laertes: Hamlet, it’s my fault! You only have minutes to live now. You know that blading trick I played on you? That blade was dipped in poison. My plan backfired on me. It’s all your stupid and evil Dad's fault.

Hamlet The blade was poisoned? It’s probably starting its work!

Claudius: Is there anyone in the audience that can help me? Yo, stop taking selfies while all this crap is happening!

Hamlet: Come here, you animal! You are going exactly where your wife just went.

Hamlet forces the hotdog down the Kings throat. King dies.

Laertes: Man, I am so glad you shoved that hotdog down the King’s throat. If you hadn't done it, I would have done it! I hope you can forgive me because I have forgiven you for killing my sister and Dad.

Laertes dies.

Hamlet: My man, Horatio, it’s my time now! All these dumb people are scared, yet they're taking selfies. They need to know the truth! Once I die, you must tell everyone the truth. Just post it on Twitter and use the hashtag, #kingtoblame.

Horatio picks up the hotdog to eat.

Hamlet: Horatio, what is wrong with you?! Put it down! I'm leaving behind like the worse reputation of life, everyone probably thinks I’m a criminal! You have to set everything straight! If you have ever truly considered me your bro, then you’re going to stay in this world and fix everything.

Stephen Harper and Barack Obama walk in with their bodyguards.

Hamlet: Horatio, I’m dying, I won’t even be able to hear what he has to say.

Hamlet dies.

Horatio: An amazing person has left the world. must arrange a memorial for him.

Harper: What just happened?

Horatio: A very sad event has taken place.

Harper: Man, when death approaches, it takes everyone it came for. Even the rich aren't spared.

Obama: We were here to tell you that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are being severely tortured! They will be dead very soon. The punishments are horrid. Now, who will give us our money?

Horatio: Sir, even if Claudius were alive, he could never give you money for this task, because he never told you to do it. Get these bodies buried. Do you have a phone on you? This story needs to be posted immediately. Let’s see how many likes this story of threat and trickery will get!

Harper: Okay, I'll post it on my Instagram and Tumblr as well! Wow, it feels good to have authority over the King's wealth! But, to be honest, Hamlet would have been an amazing king! Let’s arrange a funeral in his remembrance.

End of Act Five, Scene Two. ||