Act 3 Scene 3 Flashcards
Claudius' Soliloquy
How can we tell that Claudius perceives Hamlet as a threat? What does he say that shows he doesn’t procrastinate?
“I like him not, nor it stands safe with us… And he to England shall along with you.”
How can we tell that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are sychophantic?
G: “Most holy and religious fear it is to keep those many many bodies safe that live and feed upon your majesty”
R: “The single and peculiar life is bound… but much more that spirit, upon whose weal depend and rest the lives of many.”
How does the plot of Deception develop in this extract through Polonius?
“Behind the arras I’ll convey myself to hear the process.”
How is Polonius slightly misogynistic towards Gertrude?
“… a mother, Since nature makes them partial”
What does Claudius initially say that confesses to the crime?
“O my offence is rank, it smells to heaven.”
How can we tell Claudius somewhat regrets his actions?
“My stronger guilt defeats my stronger intent”
Where do we begin to question whether Claudius is actually guilty or simply doesn’t want to carry the blame?
“Is there not rain enough in the sweet heavens to wash it white as snow?”
“But o what form of prayer can serve my turn? ‘Forgive me my foul murder? That cannot be since I am still possessed of those effects for which I did the murder,”
How can we tell Claudius is materialistic and selfish?
“My Crown, mine own ambition and my Queen. May one be pardoned and retain th’ offence?”
How can we tell that Claudius feels like he kind of got away with it now? How does this reflect his kingdom and reign?
“Offence’s gilded hand may shove by justice, And oft ‘tis seen the wicked prize itself buys out the law.” - because the justice system on Earth/in Denmark is corrupt, he’s gotten away with it.
Why is Claudius worried?
“But ‘tis not so above… there the action lies in his true nature and we ourselves compelled, even to the teeth and forehead of our faults to give in evidence” - Claudius is concerned about the afterlife.
How can we tell Claudius is religious?
“Help, angels, make assay” - to intercede on his behalf and defend him.
How is Hamlet’s hesitation highlighted? What’s his reason for it?
“now he’s praying; And now i’ll do’t - and so he goes to heaven”
“A villain kills my father, and for that, I his sole son do this same villain send to heaven.”
“Why, this is hire and salary, not revenge.”
What does Hamlet ACTUALLY decide and shows some sort certainty?
“No.”
When does Hamlet say he will kill Claudius?
“When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage, or in th’ incestuous pleasure of his bed… or about some act hat has no relish of salvation in’t”
What does Hamlet blame for Claudius’ extended life?
“This physic but prolongs thy sickly days.”
How can we tell that Claudius wasn’t able to pray?
“My words fly up, my thoughts remain below. Words without thoughts never to heaven go.”
