Act 1 Scene 3 Flashcards
What device is used in ‘a violet in the youth of primy nature’ and what does it do?
The metaphor/colour imagery shows how Laertes believes that young love lacks maturity and permanence. Hamlet’s feelings as temporary/ perhaps not faithful.
How is Ophelia presented in ‘chaste treasure’ ?
She is reduced to her purity and virginity. She is seen as a commodity to be bought and a product of the patriarchy. Laertes can either be seen as protecting himself or Ophelia - doesn’t want a damaged reputation.
How is Ophelia presented in ‘primrose path of dalliance treads’?
She is aware of Laertes’s hypocrisy - perhaps Shakespeare uses her as a tool to show the realities of the patriarchal world.
What quote shows the double standards of the patriarchy?
‘O fear me not/ I stay too long’ - Laertes doesn’t fear his honour.
How does Polonius view Ophelia in ‘Pooh, you speak like a green girl’ and what is the device?
The colour imagery is emphatic of her innocence/ foolish inexperience.
‘Think yourself a baby’ ‘true pay’ ‘sterling’ ‘higher rate’ - how is Ophelia presented?
First she is infantalised, and then through the semantic field of money she is reduced to her sexual value - objectified as a bargaining chip. The context of a dowry shows how she must remain pure to protect her value.
What device is use in ‘Ay, springes to catch woodcocks’ and what does it show?
The metaphor presents Ophelia as foolish to have fallen in love with Hamlet so easily - she is easily manipulated.
Structurally, what is the difference between Polonious and Ophelia’s speech in this scene?
Polonious dominates the speech meaning Ophelia is stripped of her agency.
What device is used in ‘I shall obey, my lord’ and how does it present Ophelia?
The monosyllabic language shows how she has no choice but to be subservient to her position in the patriarchy.
