Act 5, Scene 2 Flashcards
Beginning of scene?
Hamlet accepts that God will be responsible for justice and he therefore stops actively seeking it ‘There’s a special providence in the fall of a sparrow… if it be not now, yet it will come’
Impact of the beginning of the scene?
When Hamlet stops looking for justice he gets it- increases pathos for him when he dies and he is no longer actively seeking revenge and is therefore a victim to circumstances and other people’s crimes
How is Laertes shown to be reluctant to kill Hamlet?
‘Tis almost against my conscience’
Impact of Laertes being reluctant to kill Hamlet?
He creates sympathy for both characters- shown to be parallel- both just avenging their father’s
What is arguably the biggest punishment for Claudius and a quote to back it up?
He is responsible for murder of Gertrude- one of the overwhelming reasons that he committed his act of regecide- crime is therefore self destructive
‘It is a poisoned cup… it is too late’
How is Laertes death just?
‘I am justly killed with my own treachery’ -cyclical nature of crime
What part of play does Laertes’ death link to in regards to justice?
Act 4, Scene 7- his desperation for justice allows him to be manipulated by the King- his line ‘to cut his throat in the church’ highlights how he is reckless, a contrast to Hamlet
Justice of King’s death?
‘He is justly served, it is a poison tempered by himself’- the King must die as his act of regecide is a catalyst for all other acts within the play- crime breeds crime
What is the impact of Laertes forgiveness?
‘Mine and my father’s death come not upon thee’ - If Laertes can forgive Hamlet so should audience
Horatio ending?
‘So you shall hear of carnal, bloody and un-natural deeds, of accidental judgements and casual slaughters’- sums up the whole play- chaos is caused by Claudius’ crime and this breeds further crime
