Act 1 Scene 2 Flashcards
with mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage, in equal scale weighing delight and dole
(12)
Speakers: King Claudius is speaking to the nobles.
Context: King Claudius is giving a speech to the members of his court, explaining his recent marriage to Gertrude, his brother’s widow, and the mother of Prince Hamlet. He also says that although he mourns his brother, he has chosen to balance Denmark’s mourning with the delight of his marriage.
Importance:
Shows the king is smart as he acknowledges how unusual the wedding is and that the nobles are letting it happen
Gives an insight as to why the nobles are going along with it (respect for Gertrude/stability or trying to get on the King’s good side)
Now follows that you know, young Fortinbras, holding a weak supposal of our worth, or thinking, by our late dear brother’s death, our state to be disjoint and out of frame.
(20)
Speaker: King Claudius speaking to the nobles.
Context: King Claudius is explaining in his speech to the nobles that Fortinbras has written to him, demanding the surrender of the lands King Hamlet won from Fortinbras’s father, to which he responds by ripping up the proposal.
Importance:
Claudius ripping up the proposal indicates that he is not a right fit as a king (characterization).
There is a double-meaning of the word state, referring to the mental state of mind and the country of Denmark all at once.
Ay, madam, it is common
(73)
Speaker: Hamlet speaking to his mother, Queen Gertrude.
Context: King Claudius has suggested that Hamlet should not return to school at Wittenberg, but to remain in the palace at Denmark, which his mother, Queen Gertrude then insists upon as well. This quote is his response to her regarding this request.
-Hamlet’s response to Queen Gertude’s “request” to stay in Denmark
Importance:
-This quote reveals how Hamlet truly thinks about his mother for marrying his uncle a month after the death of his father. (disgusted by moms behaviour)
- He views her as common and easy, also suggesting a tense relationship between them, he thinks his mom is a whore
Seems, madam! Nay, it is; I know not “seems” ‘tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother, nor customary suits of solemn black.
(76)
Speaker: Hamlet is speaking to his mother at the wedding.
Context: Gertrude is asking Hamlet if death is so common, why is he so saddened by his father’s passing.?
Importance:
Shows how Hamlet is based in truth and reality. This is ironic because Hamlet will, later on, go crazy.
Supports the theme that not everything is as it “seems” in Denmark.
No jocund health that Denmark drink-to-day, but the great cannon to the clouds shall tell, and the king’s rouse the heavens shall bruit again, re-speaking earthly thunder.
(128)
Speaker: King Claudius responding to Hamlet.
Context: King Claudius is overjoyed that Hamlet has agreed to stay in Denmark that he decides to celebrate with festivities and cannon fire.
Importance:
This quote characterizes Claudius as a bad king because he does not take into account that his people might be frightened by the cannon fire and presume that they are under attack, considering that they are already on the brink of war.
This quote shows that Claudius is a bad king, he is arrogant, cocky, reckless and thinks hes powerful
foreshadowing the cannons being used for smthg else, the population is already on edge about norway maybe invading
O, that this too too-solid flesh would melt, thaw, and resolve itself into a dew! Or that the everlasting had not fix’d his cannon ‘gainst self-slaughter!
(131)
Speaker: Hamlet speaking to himself (soliloquy).
Context: Hamlet is now left alone after King Claudius’ speech. He feels depressed and suicidal because of his father’s death and the following marriage of Claudius and his mother.
Importance:
Characterizes Hamlet as a strongly religious man since he is saying that he cannot kill himself since it is a sin.
Reveals the extent of Hamlet’s depression.
Frailty, thy name is woman!
(146)
Speaker: Hamlet speaking to himself (soliloquy).
Context: Hamlet is stating how upset he is that his mother married Claudius so soon after the death of his father.
Importance:
Reveals that Hamlet is beginning to hate all women because of his unhealthy and angry feelings towards his mother.
Foreshadowing that he will treat Ophelia, his girlfriend, bad since he hates women and views them in a negative light.
We’ll teach you to drink deep ere you depart.
(174)
Speaker: Hamlet speaking to Horatio.
Context: Hamlet and Horatio are exchanging pleasantries, since the last time they saw each other was in school at Wittenberg. They discuss the funeral of King Hamlet and the marriage of Claudius and Gertrude.
Importance:
Hamlet is showing his disgust for Claudius and mocks him, calling him an alcoholic.
This reveals the conflict between Hamlet and Claudius.
My father’s spirit in arms! All is not well; I doubt some foul play: would the night were come.
(253)
Speaker: Hamlet speaking to himself.
Context: Hamlet has just found out that Marcellus, Bernardo, and Horatio have seen the ghost of his dead father.
Importance:
Hamlet is saying that the apparition of the ghost of King Hamlet could mean trouble upon the horizon (foreshadowing).
Sets a “foul” tone as well as uneasiness
Hamlet feels theres smthg fishy about the ghost, thinks maybe dad got killed and didnt die peacefully
