Act 3 Scene 1 Flashcards
How does this Act start?
With the king in the middle of saying something - media res
What is criticised in the contradictory responses of ‘But with must forcing of his disposition’ and ‘Most free in his play’ ?
Critique of the spy network as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have failed to spy in effect.
‘harlots cheek’
Claudius references makeup, perhaps suggesting we cover up evil acts with a facade like how a prostitute uses makeup.
What device is used in ‘To be, or not to be, that is the question’?
The aporia/metaphor/parallel phrasing shows how Hamlet’s hamartia has got in the way of active pursuit. This soliloquy is vastly different from others as Hamlet is measured and controlled as he considers death.
How is Hamlet presented through ‘a sea of troubles’?
It shows how physically trying to fight troubles of everyday life is futile as life is an endless struggle.
What device is used in ‘to sleep; to sleep’ ?
The anadiplosis shows how the realities/ideals of death are contemplative. Showing his stream of thought in iambic pentameter.
What device is used in ‘the undiscovered country’ ?
The metaphor for death shows Hamlet questioning the uncertainty of it. To those who follow religion, the afterlife is discovered - could be a reflection of Plato as he also had a preoccupation with death. Link to humanism and ‘entirely motivated by reason and untouched by passion’ (Newell).
‘the native hue of resolution/ Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought’
The metaphor for his own hamartia shows how thinking makes Hamlet unable to make bold decisions as he is too busy thinking about the consequences of his actions
‘get thee to a nunnery’
There is a dual meaning so Hamlet could be suggesting to send her to a convent to protect her purity or a brothel where he insults her by calling her a prostitute - desires she remains a ‘maiden saint’.
How does Hamlet speak to Ophelia?
In prose - either to suggest he is mad or he sees her as lowly so she might not understand controlled speech.
‘I have heard of your paintings well enough’
Reveals Hamlet’s misogynistic tendencies as he is suggesting she is false and hiding the truth.
‘You jig and amble, you lisps, you nickname God’s creatures’
Suggesting Ophelia is childish and naive when it comes to sex or knows full well that she is seducing men
‘It shall be so. Madness in great ones must not be unwatch’d’
Claudius as diplomatic - employing espionage
