5-23-2011: Hogwarts Hamlet

Another Harry Potter viewing prompts another post. I know I’m not the only one to notice, but while watching The Half Blood Prince, I couldn’t help but comment on the striking resemblance Draco Malfoy bears to a certain Moody Dane.

 

The visual parallel is obvious– blond, black, duh– and so is the surface similarity of narrative– young man seeking revenge for father– but more fun is matching up the moments of Malfoy with lines from Hamlet.

Gazing agonizingly into the mirror.

   ‘To be or not to be…’ (Ripped right from Branagh)

Contemplating a dead bird.

   ‘There’s a special providence in the fall of a sparrow.’

Duelling with Harry.

   ‘A hit! A very palpable hit!’

Pointing his wand at Dumbledore.

   ‘Now might I do it pat.’