claudius Flashcards
what does “oh my offence is rank” suggest about Claudius?
he is wracked with guilt, it plagues him and has infected his everyday living.
Claudius presents himself outwardly as powerful, yet…
his facade begins to crumble and ultimately his true self is revealed.
Three adjectives to describe Claudius.
Shrewd
Conniving
Lustful
TRUE OR FALSE: Claudius doesn’t contrast others in the play.
FALSE
How are Claudius and the other men in the play different?
Other men; preoccupied with justice and ideas of revenge and moral balance.
Claudius: Bent upon maintaining his own power
What is Claudius’ main weapon?
his ability to manipulate others through his use of language.
What does Claudius’ charisma lead to?
Gertrude weds him.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern pervade Hamlet’s privacy by spying.
Laertes is turned to Claudius’ ally.
ACT 5, SCENE 2: Claudius insists what:
A) Hamlet is to kill Polonius.
B) Laertes is to kill Hamlet with a dagger.
C)Laertes is to kill Hamlet with a poisoned sword, and a poisoned chalice.
C
ACT 5, SCENE 2: What does the goblet signify?
Claudius’ greed and desperation.
How does Claudius propel the sheer contrast between Hamlet and Laertes.
He questions Laertes’ grief, Laertes reacts with offense.
What quote highlights Claudius’ mental questioning of his crime?
” My words fly up ; my thoughts remain below “
How does Claudius express his words of apology are effectively meaningless?
” Words without thoughts never to heaven go “
What does the critic Atlick say of Claudius?
` The cunning and lecherousness of Claudius’ evil has corrupted the whole kingdom of Denmark `
