ACT 1,2 CLAUDIUS’ SPEECH Flashcards
What happens in 1,2
It is daytime in the royal court and Claudius is delivering a speech
Elizabeth I AO3
This was a time of political uncertainty and fear since Elizabeth had no heir
Performed during 1601 (Elizabeth’s reign)
Had provided 40 years of stability following turmoil eg Henry VIII
Bishop ban AO3
1599 bishop ban prohibited any plays that were deemed unpatriotic or treasonous
Shakespeare overcame this by using the setting of Denmark to reflect the English royal court
What does Denmark represent
The English royal court
Claudius critic
Claudius shows every sign of being an excellent king and diplomat (knight)
Who says that Claudius shows every sign of being an excellent king and diplomat
Knight
What does Claudius began his speech with
Though yet of Hamlet, our dear brother’s death
Analyse Though yet of Hamlet, our dear brothers death
Claudius strategically dismisses any suspicions by opening with a sense of mourning and grief to show a sense of shared grief.
This shows him as an intelligent and careful character.
Words to describe Claudius
Orator
Eloquent
Quote that portrays Claudius as eloquent
Though, yet, therefore
What meter does Claudius speak in?
Iambic pentameter
Positive connotations of iambic pentameter
Shows him as being able to control and provide some sort of stability - strong king
Negative connotations of iambic pentameter
Shows his speech as being rehearsed and somewhat premeditated
Undermines the genuine nature
Branagh version of Claudius speech
He tears up the letter as a show of power - so much for him
In some versions he messes up on the iambic pentameter
Why does Claudius speak in iambic pentameter
It was typical of monarchs and royals in Shakespeare to speak in this way
