1.2 Claudius Opening Monologue

Question 1

What does knight say about Claudius

Answer 1

Claudius shows every sign of being an excellent diplomat and king

Question 2

What quotes show Claudius speaking in the plural

Answer 2

Though yet of hamlet our dear brothers death ‘
To bear our hearts in grief and our woke
Kingdom

Question 3

Analyse Claudiuss use of the plural in the opening lines of him monologue

Answer 3

He speaks in the plural in order to present a united image / to unite the kingdom

Question 4

Analyse - ‘ with an auspicious and dropping eye// with mirth in funeral
And dierge in marriage//in equal scale weighing delight and dole’

Answer 4

C’s language is based on a series of juxtaposing images which are supposed to portray the e balanced nature of Claudius as king - he wants to seem balanced and therefore a good kind

Another reading is that Shakespeare presents c as jarring and slightly awkward tone, moving on from OH death very quickly

Question 5

Analyse - the head is not more native to the heart…than the throne of Denmark to thy. Father

Answer 5

Metaphors is utilised to underline politics importance to Claudius, which identifies him once again as a great diplomat due to him attempting to gain the trust and loyalty of the royal court through flattery.

Question 6

What tone does Claudia speak in

Answer 6

Speaks in iambic pentameter which, contrasts the hectic and erratic nature of the science before, once again underlining Cs ability to bring stability and control to the state of Denmark

Question 7

What else can Iambic pentameter do

Answer 7

Perhaps subtly portrays C as inauthentic and over rehearsed