Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the theme of truth and deception in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," particularly exploring the idea that the dead may convey truth while the living may lie. Participants are sharing examples of lies from historical figures and contrasting them with truthful statements attributed to deceased individuals.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests a project idea that contrasts truths from the dead with lies from the living, seeking examples to support this theme.
- Another participant reflects on the nature of lying, noting that while people have lied throughout history, it may be harder to lie today due to increased verification methods.
- Several examples of lies from living politicians are provided, including quotes from George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as references to historical figures like Nixon and others involved in scandals.
- There is a mention of Brutus as a potentially truthful figure among the dead, alongside a broader reference to notorious leaders like Hitler and Stalin.
- A participant offers to share a creative project from their past, which includes humorous and potentially inappropriate content related to the theme of truth and lies.
- Another participant expresses discomfort with the idea of plagiarism and notes that the project was due the previous week, suggesting the discussion may not be productive.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the appropriateness of sharing creative work and the implications of plagiarism. There is no consensus on the examples of truth and lies, as various perspectives are presented without resolution.
Contextual Notes
Some participants' contributions may depend on subjective interpretations of truth and lies, and there are unresolved questions about the nature of historical accuracy and the context of the quotes provided.
Who May Find This Useful
Readers interested in literary analysis, particularly of Shakespeare's works, themes of truth and deception, or those working on related school projects may find this discussion relevant.