I think you'll find that my creativity and my commentary gets progressively worse as you read on as it reaches Midnight (gross). So yeah, read Steph's instead.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern:
I want this imaginary conversation to slot in just after R and G have left the King and Queen (Act 2, Scene 2, line 40 +). As R and G walk towards Hamlet, they have a whispering conversation about what they should say and how they should address him. Rosencrantz suggests a formal conversation, and subtly hints that the Kings remembrance may lead to further things. Guildenstern portrays a torn character, and whilst swayed by the Kings remembrance, also mentions Hamlets feelings and current emotional state.
Commentary:
This scene is important because it distinguishes and highlights R and G's personality from each other - as before they sort of 'merged' into one character. It shows Rosencrantz to be less loyal than Guildenstern, and Guildenstern to be a push over. It also creates less ambiguity for the audience as more of their personality is revealed so more reliable assumptions can be made. The characters R and G could then also be seen to symbolise the relationship between the King and Queen. This is because the Queen (Guildenstern) could be viewed as a pushover as she doesn't voice her opinion much in the play, and the King (Rosencrantz) is all about the power he could gain, and doesn't stop to consider others feelings.
Ophelia:
I would like an extra scene to be put in with the King and Ophelia discussing Hamlets intentions and the future. This scene slots in after Ophelia, the King and the Queen talk about Hamlets state of mind, but before the conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia takes place (Act 3, Scene 1, lines 55 +). The King and Ophelia discuss a different plan including Hamlet. The King suggests the idea of keeping Hamlet off the throne, and eventually replacing Gertrude with Ophelia. This conversation between the King and Ophelia may appear to be a manipulative one at the beginning, but it later becomes clear that Ophelia is more than willing to sacrifice her love for Hamlet for power.
Commentary:
This scene is important because it reinforces a possible suggestion of the King being the bad character of the play, which suggests that he did actually murder the King, and it's not just a figure of Hamlets' imagination. But, this scene also shows more of Ophelia's character, as she is fairly silent throughout the play, or only obeys other, more dominant characters. It shows Ophelia to be an intelligent, head strong woman - also bringing in an aspect of feminism as she otherwise fails to voice and opinion; as well as showing that Ophelia will remain to have no power unless she marries the King. This scene allows the audience to make a better decision on Ophelia's character as she betrays Hamlet instantly for the chance of higher Archy.
Polonius:
This bonus scene portrays Polonius as a fragile, old man, who is trying to do what he thinks is best, while he still can. This scene occurs just after the conversation between him and Hamlet (Act 2, Scene 2, line 214+), where Polonius walks around by himself, wondering what to do, and appears to be going senile. He has forgotten parts of the conversation, and is left confused as to why Hamlet obviously does not like him. He walks around aimlessly, then begins retracing his steps. Half way through his speech, he repeats a few lines as if he's saying them for the first time. Polonius mentions good things about Hamlet, and is sad that there isn't a stronger relationship between the two of them. It's a very confusing conversation with himself.
Commentary:
This scene is significant because it highlights quite a commonly occurring thing in life, but one which may only be appreciated in the more recent context of reception. It creates sympathy for him by the audience, as it becomes clear that he is mentally ill. It may also create slight anger with the other characters, especially Hamlet, as he may know (as he is incredibly intelligent) that Polonius is no long 'all there', and yet is still sometimes harsh with his. It may also make the audience reconsider their impressions of Polonius, as the things Polonius may have said and the things he may have done may be out of character from when he was mentally stable.
