- Read the entire article for The Prince at Wikipedia. The article is here. How do the ruling characters in Act 1 of Hamlet act in accordance with the principals set forth by Machiavelli?
- What does the Hamlet's first soliloquy reveal about the him? How does it affect the mood in Act 1? How does this effect you? I am looking for a close reading. If your next question is "close reading?", please read this. It will help. Be careful of the sources that you find explaining close readings; they can be discouraging.
- Poetry is living language. Find lines that speak to you in Act 1. Quote them fully and explain them as best you can. Why do you love these lines? What do they reveal about the characters that speak them, what do they reveal about you- the person that likes them?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Discussion 1 - You say solid, I say sullied
You have 3 choices for this weeks blog. The first choice is for students who enjoy historical context and politics. The second choice allows for you to stretch your close reading muscles. The third choice allows you an opportunity to form a personal opinion, and defend it.
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The Prince advised the King
It is true that being a king has its benefits. A king does not have to perform hard labour, he makes rules which must be obeyed by his people, and he can decide how those who disobey him will be punished. Although being in this position of power may seem desirable, this job also comes with hard tasks that must be faced. The Prince, written by the great political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, outlines how a ruler should maintain his throne by properly dealing with these hard tasks. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, King Claudius’ actions demonstrate how to properly deal with military, how to gain trust from the people, and how to avoid being overly generous.
Machiavelli explains in his writings that one of the most important things to have is a strong military. The ruler must be ready under any circumstances to fight and defend his country. Machiavelli articulates that “The main concern for a prince should be war, or the preparation thereof” (en.wikipedia.org). In Hamlet, King Claudius has taken over as the ruler of Denmark after the death of his brother Hamlet. The former King was a great warrior, and with legal binding killed the King of Norway. The new issue is that the King of Norway’s son, Fortinbras, is furious, and wants revenge by waging war against Denmark. Claudius must take action, and clealry does when Marcellus asks “[…] why such daily cast of brazen cannon/And foreign mart for implements of war,/Why such impress of shipwrights, whose sore task/Does not divide Sunday from the week” (1.1.76-79). Claudius is preparing Denmark for an attack from the young Fortinbras. Claudius must establish himself as the new King, and shows his intelligence by quickly preparing his military for war. Claudius must denfend the land which was won by his brother, and has to show his valour by protecting it. Claudius is smart to prepare his army, but he is also very confident and sly. Claudius believes he can fend off Fortinbras with a letter to his uncle. Claudius tells his people “Now for ourself, and for this time of meeting,/Thus much the business is:we have here writ/To Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras-/Who, impotent and bedrid, scarcely hears/Of this his nephew’s purpose-to suppress/His futher gaint herein, in that the levies,/The lists, and full proportions are all made/Out of his subject;” (1.2.26-33). Claudius believes he can defend his country with a letter to his enemy. Although he has taken the necessary preparations with his military, he wants to try to win with writing. It may seem unorthodox, but Claudius believes what he is doing is right. The people of Denmark put their trust in Claudius to defend them with his army, and he is surely content to have it.
Since Claudius has taken over as the new King, he must gain the respect and trust from his people. Machiavelli explains “A prince should command respect through his conduct, because a prince that is highly respected by his people is unlikely to face internal struggles” (en.wikipedia.org). Claudius must prove that he is worthy and capable of being a strong ruler to his people. Claudius must make the people feel secure, and that nothing has changed since the death of King Hamlet. Claudius re-assures his people by stating “Therefore our sometime sister, now our queen,/Th’imperial jointress to this warlike state,/Have we, as ‘twere with a defeated joy,/With an auspicious and a dropping eye,/With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage,/In equal scale weighing delight and dole,/Taken to wife” (1.2.8-14). Claudius has married the former Queen so the country will seem that it has never changed. He is doing the smartest thing by making sure the peoples’ lives stay the same as much as possible so they obey and believe in him. Along with the security of the people, Claudius must also show them that he will act as somewhat of a judge to the people. Claudius talks to Laertes in front of all the nobles and states “You cannot speak of reason to the Dane/And lose your voice. What wouldst thou beg, Laertes,/That sahll not be my offer, not thy asking?” (1.2.44-46). Claudius wants to prove to the people that he is a fatherlike figure to all. Claudius tells Laertes that if he wants something, all he has to do is ask him. Although not directly saying it, Claudius implies that he is the leader, and whatever is to be done in Denmark must be approved by him first. Claudius wants the people to have faith in his decisions, and not be afraid to approach him. Claudius gives the impression that he is laid back, but wants to be seen as a strong leader that the people can rally behind. Claudius believes that he must have the trust of his people in order to be successful.
According to Machiavelli, generosity is something that the ruler should be careful with when using it. Although generosity is a great virtue, like anything, too much of it is not good. The article states “If a prince is overly generous to his subjects, Machiavelli asserts he will lose appreciation and will only cause greed for more” (en.wikipedia.org). Claudius wants his people to know that they can ask him for anything they need, but he must approve of it. The smart thing to do, would be to use generosity in moderation, or make it seem to the people that you are. When Laertes approaches Claudius wanting to go back to France to study, Claudius makes himself look like a great ruler and advises him to “Take thy fair hour, Laertes, time be thine,/And thy best gracs spend it at thy will” (1.2.62-63). Claudius is showing his people that he is a great leader, and allows people to do as they please as long as they show enough respect to ask him. This is where Claudius shows just enough generosity, which is something positive to show the nobles. Now in order to not be overly generous, and give the idea of having complete liberalism in the country, Claudius refuses Hamlet’s proposal to leave Denmark to study. Claudius, in a very calm and polite manner answers Hamlets question by proclaiming “For your intent/In going back to school in Wittenberg,/It is most retrograde to our desire,/And we beseech you bend you to remain/Here in the cheer and comfort of our eye,/Our chiefest courtier, cousin, and our son” (1.2.112-117). Claudius was asked a favour from Hamlet, but he refused it, as he did not believe it was the right thing to do. Claudius shows his nobles that he will not give in to every desire in which they have. He must keep order, and will only approve of things which are beneficial to himself and the greater good of Denmark. Claudius wants to be seen as great leader, but one that will not be taken advantage of.
It is clear that King Claudius has followed the principles set forth by Niccolò Machiavelli written in The Prince. Claudius has perfectly put into action the ideas of Machiavelli in the areas of military, gaining trust, and resisting generosity. Without a doubt, Shakespeare used Machiavelli’s writings to formulate the characteristics of Claudius. Machiavelli himself would be proud to see his principles used in so many areas of literature. It is very true that if these ideas were used by real leaders in the world, they could have great success by using these insightful principles.
#2 Hamlet’s First Soliloquy
In this soliloquy, Hamlet is mourning the death of his father and also expressing his resentment of Claudius and Gertrude. Hamlet seems to be extremely depressed and thoughts of suicide are evident in the first part of his soliloquy “O that this too too sullied flesh would melt, / Thaw and resolve itself into a dew, / Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d / His canon ‘gainst self-slaughter. O God! O God! /How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable / Seem to me all the uses of this world!”(1.2.129-134). Hamlets states that he is contaminated and impure because of his liability to sin and in order to prevent such insanity he thinks of committing suicide. The only thing holding Hamlet back is “God”, if he were to kill himself then he would break the sixth commandment “thou shalt not kill” therefore committing a sin to “God”. As the soliloquy progresses Hamlet speaks about Claudius’ skills as a king and a father. When Hamlet says, “So excellent a king, that was to his Hyperion to a satyr (1.2.139-140)” he is saying that Claudius is a beast compared to his father, who was a God. Hamlet continues by saying “Than I to Hercules” (1.2.153). He remarks his hatred and disapproval of Claudius, saying that he is nothing similarly close to the Old King Hamlet than he himself is to Hercules. He then refers to his mother as “woman,” and shows his immense anger he has due to the fact that she married Claudius so soon after the death of the King.
Prior to the soliloquy, Hamlet spoke with Claudius and his mother who told him that he has to stop mourning the death of his father. Hamlet is obviously not ready to move on and Claudius and Gertrude’s constant pressure on Hamlet leads to the various thoughts that he has during his soliloquy. The purpose of the soliloquy is to reveal Hamlet’s deepest thoughts and feelings about Claudius and Gertrude. The soliloquy is directed strictly to the audience and lays the foundation to the relationship that continually grows between the audience and Hamlet as the play progresses. Hamlet delivers the soliloquy with feelings of depression, rage, resentment and vulnerability.
Another important part of the soliloquy is the references made to gardening. Hamlet says, “ Fie on’t, ah fie, ‘tis an unweeded garden / That grows to seed; thing rank and gross in nature / Possess it merely. That it should come to this!”(1.2.135-137). This quote in particular has more than one meaning, one comparing Hamlet’s life as an “unweeded garden” that no one is taking care of. This also closely relates to how his mother did not take care of Hamlet when he needed the most support during his father’s death. Instead, she tells Hamlet to move on, and he is faced with many emotional and psychological difficulties as a result. The second way it can be seen as is that his mother was a garden left untouched and pure until marrying Claudius. This represented Gertrude’s loss of innocence and purity.
This soliloquy affects the mood greatly because it represents how much Hamlet loved his father and how much he hates Claudius. From his point of view Denmark is turning into the darkness of hell he ever so feared and everything else around him is just starting falling apart. This also shows how Hamlet is so quick to judge his mother, suggesting a strong sense of misogyny within Hamlet’s character. This soliloquy in particular has overwhelming feelings of hatred and betrayal that greatly affects the reader and/or audience. This first soliloquy also predicts the overall tone in the rest of the play. This affects me as a reader because after reading the soliloquy, the power of Hamlet’s words as well as his emotion allowed me to empathize with him. By being able to identify with Hamlet’s character, this helps me as a person to learn to put myself in other people’s shoes. I face different problems in everyday life and if I am able to take as much of what I learned from the play Hamlet and apply it in my life, it would greatly affect to way I handle issues as well as everyday situations.
The inclusion of soliloquies in Shakespeare’s dramatic works allows the audience to gain insight into the thoughts of the main characters. In Hamlet, Prince of Denmark the soliloquy is used copiously to display Hamlet’s deepest emotions and from this the audience learns about Hamlet, not just as a character, but also as a man. Through close reading of Hamlet’s first soliloquy it can be understood what his personal confession reveals about him, how it affects the mood of act 1, and how it affects the reader.
The opening four lines of Hamlet’s first soliloquy give the reader an accurate idea of how he’s feeling. “O that this too too sullied flesh would melt,/ Thaw and resolve itself into dew,/ Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d/ His canon ‘gainst self-slaughter.” (1.2.129-132). Hamlet is distraught about his mother’s marriage, to the point that he sees no other solution than suicide. He feels that his flesh has been contaminated by his mother’s ill deed and he wishes he could be nothing other than dewdrops. He uses reason to conclude that suicide is wrong because God has condemned it as a mortal sin. This line reveals that Hamlet is a religious man; he wants to be moral and not disobey the laws of God. These beliefs could ultimately affect the results of his plan to murder his uncle.“How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable/ Seem to me all the uses of this world!” (1.2.133-134). There is repetition in Hamlet’s thoughts; he continues to dwell on his desire to die. From these lines the reader can understand that Hamlet is embedded in a struggle to live his life, there is an anxiety felt in every syllable. There are a number of circumstances that are affecting Hamlet’s mood in Act 1. Claudius demonstrates that Hamlet is too immature to rule Denmark by taking the crown from him. Furthermore, he is forced to deal with his love for Ophelia. As the soliloquy unfolds the root cause of Hamlet’s melancholy is unearthed, his mother’s hast to re-marry.
“But two months dead-nay, not so much, not two-/ So excellent a king, that was to this/ Hyperion to a satyr, so loving to my mother/ That he might not beteem the winds of heaven/ Visit her face too roughly.” (1.2.138-142). Gertrude marries Claudius less than two months after the death of King Hamlet and Hamlet considers Claudius to be the exact opposite of his father, he compares his likeness to that of an animal. These lines demonstrate Hamlet’s disliking of Claudius for he is the man who married his mother and stolen the crown from him. “Frailty, thy name is woman…O God, a beast that wants discourse of reason/ Would have mourn’d longer” (1.2.146-152). Hamlet believes that all women are weak. His relationship with his mother parallels his relationship with all women in the play, most importantly Ophelia. He compares his mother to that of a beast and claims that her tears are insincere. “It is not, nor it cannot come to good./ But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue.” (1.2.54-55). Ultimately, the soliloquy reveals that Hamlet is conflicted by morality, plagued by depression and rooted in a position where he cannot make any progress.
Act 1 of Hamlet is comprised of uncertainty and forces the audience to ask questions about the situations. There is very little that is revealed in the first part of the play, the audience has only been introduced to characters and their strange circumstances. Shakespeare permits a marginal weight to be released from the audience’s shoulders. Hamlet’s words are a release from the anxiety, confusion and dramatic tension that manifests during Act 1. Hamlet has now confessed something that has baffled the audience since the beginning of the play; why has no one in Demark acknowledged the immorality of the marriage between Gertrude and Claudius? The mood has been altered; the audience now confirms that there is something seriously wrong. The royal marriage is not a trivial event in Hamlet’s life and it is something that has affected him deeply. The mood of Act 1 has shifted in his favor; the audience is able to sympathize with him.
Hamlet’s poetic soliloquy has established him as a character that is likeable. He is a person that I can empathize with. From reading, I have been exposed to a character that is able to expose his emotions with the utmost accuracy. I can understand what plagues Hamlet and his soliloquy is confirmation of the root cause of his depression. Although some of the tension has been lifted I am still intrigued to know how exactly the play will unfold.
Hamlets first soliloquy goes in depth on the type of character he portrays in this play. When hamlet first appeared in the play, it did not give the readers a perspective of what type of character he truly is. In his soliloquy, Hamlet talks about the different emotions and feelings he is going through and both the positive and negative affects it has on him.
Hamlets soliloquy starts off very brutal, bold and depressing. Within the first few lines, Hamlet begins talking about how he hates his life and he has been thinking about suicide. He wishes that God would approve of him committing suicide instead of calling it a sin, “O that this too too sullied flesh would melt, Thaw and resolve itself into a dew, Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d His cannon ‘gainst self-slaughter”(I.ii.129-132). These few lines tell us that Hamlet does not appreciate his life and he takes it for granted. He has no will power to fight and try to solve his issues; but instead he thinks of committing suicide and takes the easy way out. This affects me because as a reader, if you are reading an interesting play and a character begins talking about how he wants to commit suicide, it makes you feel sad, angry and depressed. Why would any character think of doing such a horrific thing and hurting themselves? Nonetheless, I had to read these first few lines over and over again to get into the role of the character. If my father passed away, I would feel the same way as Hamlet.
Hamlets soliloquy continues to become depressing because he begins talking about how pointless and useless his life is to him, “How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable Seem to me all the uses of this world!” (I.ii.133-134). Hamlet never got over his fathers death and since that day, he forgot the meaning of life. He has been mourning his fathers death more than what he should have. However, Hamlet has the right to mourn because the King was his father and he feels that he has filial obligation towards him which is right. Nevertheless, there is a certain mourning period which Hamlet does not realize that he has over gone that time frame. This puts the mood of the reader into perspective because some readers might agree with Hamlet by saying that he has the right to mourn his father, while others are saying that he has to move on with his life. In order to get an idea of how Hamlet is feeling, you have to read these couple of lines repeatedly to get into character. I think at this point, Hamlet is getting frustrated of people telling him what to do and how to mourn his father’s death. That is why he feels that his life is pointless because he has no one to care for him.
Hamlet then continues talking about his father by saying that his father was a better person compared to his uncle just like God is better than a beast. This shows you that Hamlet worshipped his father and looked up to him. Hamlet takes a change in tone by saying his mother is weak, “Let me not think on’t- Frailty, thy name is woman-“ (I.ii.146). Hamlet is appalled at what his mother has done and goes on by saying how an animal would have mourned its mate longer than she had. This shows you how Hamlet does not look up to his mother as much as he looked up to his father. He thought of his father as being strong and superior and his mother is the total opposite. He brings the mood down in this part of the soliloquy because he makes his mother out to be a lady of incest. Hamlet thinks of her as being a disgrace because within a month of his father’s death, his mother married his uncle. This also shows you how Hamlet is a sensitive guy because he takes things very seriously. This also signifies that Hamlet must feel abandoned because his father is dead and his mother is with his uncle and then he is by himself. He is also outraged at the fact that his fathers legacy was taken away and forgotten because everyone is focused on the new King whom is his uncle. I liked this part of the soliloquy because it shows you how Hamlet is loyal to his father and he will never forget who his father was and what he did.
Throughout Hamlet’s first soliloquy he talks about what has happened before the play, how he feels about the events that have happened and he foreshadows about the general outlook of the events that will happen in the play.
O that this too too sullied flesh would melt,
130 Thaw and resolve itself into a dew,
Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d
His canon ‘gainst self-slaughter. O God! O God!
How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable
Seem to me all the uses of this world!
135 Fie on’t, ah fie, ‘tis an unweeded garden
That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature
Posses it merely. That it should come to this!
But two months dead-nay, not so much, not two—
So excellent a king, that was to this
140 Hyperion to a satyr, so loving to my mother
That he might not beteem the winds of heaven
Visit her face too roughly. Heaven and earth,
Must I remember? Why, she would hang on him
As if increase of appetite had grown
145 By what it fed on; and yet, within a month—
Let me not think on't — Frailty, thy name is woman—
A little month, or ere those shoes were old
With which she follow'd my poor father's body,
Like Niobe, all tears— why she—
150 O, God, a beast, that wants discourse of reason,
Would have mourn'd longer—married with my uncle,
My father's brother— but no more like my father
Than I to Hercules. Within a month,
Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears
155 Had left the flushing in her galled eyes,
She married—O, most wicked speed! To post
With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!
It is not, nor it cannot come to good.
But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue.
(Hamlet 1. 2. 129-159)
In lines 129-130, Hamlet talks tells us that his life has become contaminated because his mother has married his uncle, and how he wishes to separate himself from the incestuous act that his mother and uncle have done. After he talks about what he wants to do to his life because of these events that have happened to him, lines 131-132, he talks about wanting to commit suicide but stops himself because God is against it. This continues on in lines 133-134 about how life has become useless to him and how he wants to stop existing. In lines 135-137, he begins to think about the consequences of his mother marrying his uncle and tells us that one bad act will lead to many others, exactly how a weed spreads in a garden and destroys all it touches. The lines 137-157 express Hamlet’s feelings about his mother marrying his uncle and also make two comparisons between his father and his uncle using Ancient Greek mythology. He also talks about how he finds their marriage disgusting and repulsive. In line 158, he foreshadows once again about the outcome of the play by stating that “nor it cannot come to good.” In the very last line of the soliloquy, Hamlet tells us that he has to keep all of this anguish and torment inside himself for his own safety and the safety of others.
This soliloquy shows how badly Hamlet is disturbed by the marriage of his mother and uncle and it also shows how he feels that he has been betrayed by his mother for not grieving long enough for the death of his father. It also shows that Hamlet saw his father as a god among the people of Denmark. It also shows Hamlet’s intelligence from the fact that he knows about the Ancient Greek mythology and how he uses it in his soliloquy. This reveals to us already that Hamlet is a very emotional and intellectual person and has the will to finish what he has to do no matter the cost because he does not care about the consequences, just like he does not care for his life.
This affects me as a reader because I can relate to Hamlet about how he feels about all the events going on around him because I would feel almost the exact same things as Hamlet would, minus the suicidal part. It is this key element that Shakespeare used in Hamlet that makes it such an amazing play. If Shakespeare did not write Hamlet the way he did we would have ended up with just another tragic play about royalty and not a masterpiece about human life. It is all of these things that is revealed by the first soliloquy that makes it so important about what will happen in the play and how Hamlet the man will develop throughout the play.
The purpose of soliloquies in Shakespeare’s plays is to provide the reader with a sense of the character’s innermost thoughts and feelings, thus enabling the reader to truly grasp the individual’s role in the story. In Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, the first soliloquy found in Act 1 Scene II reveals a great deal about the main character to the audience. It demonstrates Hamlet’s feelings about three important themes: the recent passing of his father, his uncle replacing his father on the throne, and Hamlet’s mother marrying his uncle. Essentially, this soliloquy exposes Hamlet’s current depressive state.
Throughout the soliloquy, Hamlet dwells on the recent sudden death of his father, King Hamlet. He speaks highly of his late father and proves to the audience that he is deeply saddened, and ultimately still mourns for his loss. This in itself speaks volumes, considering the fact that all the other citizens of Denmark seem to have already moved on from the tragedy of their King dying. Unable to empathize, the other characters do not seem to understand why Hamlet continues to dwell on his father’s passing, therefore making it more difficult for Hamlet to cope with his feelings.
After King Hamlet died, his brother Claudius replaced him as King of Denmark, therefore diminishing Hamlet’s immediate chance of taking the throne and instead making him the Prince of Denmark. At the beginning of Act 1 Scene II, Hamlet somewhat made public his thoughts on his uncle becoming King, however it was not until the first soliloquy that his genuine feelings were shared with the reader. He questions Claudius’ skills as King, and generally speaks of his disapproval. Hamlet compares his father to his uncle in four simple words when he states: “Hyperion to a satyr” (1.II:140). Hyperion was the sun-god of classical mythology, and satyr refers to something that his half human and half beast. Comparing his virtuous father to his faulty uncle, Hamlet proves the fact that he not only disapproves of Claudius as King, he also dislikes his personality.
The main source of Hamlet’s depression is the fact that his mother, Queen Gertrude married her late husband’s brother Claudius almost immediately after his death. In fact, she married him so swiftly that she wore the same shoes to her former husband’s funeral and her wedding. Hamlet speaks of his mother’s unfaithfulness to his father’s memory, and her lack of mourning following his sudden death. “Within a month, /Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears/Had left the flushing in her galled eyes, /She married-O most wicked speed!” (1.II:153-156) This quote demonstrates that Queen Gertrude re-married so quickly, there was not even time to cry after her husband’s death. This reveals that Gertrude is a very impulsive character who makes decisions without necessarily considering how it will affect the people around her. By law, the marriage between Gertrude and Claudius would make Claudius Hamlet’s former uncle and current step-father. However, in this soliloquy Hamlet proves that he does not accept Claudius as his father whatsoever. “My father’s brother-but no more like my father/Than I to Hercules.” (1.II:153-154) Hamlet is stating that just like he is nothing like the superman of classical mythology, so his uncle is nothing like his father. Furthermore, Hamlet shows a misogynistic side when he says: “Frailty, thy name is woman” (1.II:146). He is judging all females based on his mother’s flaws.
What's more, Hamlet shows that he is leading such a despair-filled life due to the recent string of events that it is causing him to have suicidal thoughts. “How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable/Seem to me all the uses of this world! /...’tis an unweeded garden” (1.II:133-134) Hamlet is considering his purpose in life, and is wondering if it is a life worth living. He compares his life to an ‘unweeded garden’, in other words saying that he was not taken care of. This can be related to his mother not supporting him following the death of his father. However, he is a Christian man, and is aware that one of the Ten Commandments given by God is: ‘Thou shall not kill’. Therefore, Hamlet knows that committing suicide would mean violating the Canon Law.
The first soliloquy in the play significantly affects the mood in Act 1. It creates a sad, depressing aura which is caused by the exposure of Hamlet’s deepest thoughts and feelings. Essentially, it shows the reader the complexity of Denmark’s state from the point of view of the main character, who feels as if everything is falling apart. Hamlet’s feelings of betrayal from his mother and hatred for his uncle provide for a negative outlook. Much of the soliloquy is based on filial obligation. Hamlet feels that it is his duty to respect his late father’s legacy, which is evident when he states that Claudius is not worthy enough to replace Hamlet’s father as the King of Denmark.
This soliloquy affects me, because as the reader I am able to empathize with Hamlet. By sharing his feelings, he makes it possible to identify with him. If I were in his position and my father suddenly passed away, I would surely mourn for my loss, and ensure that his memory lived on. There is no way I would let anyone sully my father’s image, no matter what the circumstances. This comes from a strong sense of loyalty, which is something I share in common with the main character in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. I understand Hamlet’s feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts, considering all the heartache and resentment he is facing. To make matters worse, he has no form of support, which would make any person wonder if their life is worth living.
Through out Act 1 there are a few lines that I find interesting. The first line appears in the second scene when Hamlet is speaking to his mother about how he is feeling.
Seems, madam? Nay, it is. I know not “seems“.
‘Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother,
Nor customary suits of solemn black,
Nor windy suspiration of forc’d breath,
No, nor the fruitful river in the eye,
Nor the dejected haviour of the visage,
Together with all forms, moods, shapes of grief,
That can denote me truly. These indeed seem,
For they are actions that a man might play;
But I have that within which passes show,
These but the trappings and the suits of woe.
(Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 76-86)
Before Hamlet makes these comments to his mother, she says, “Why seems it so particular with thee?” (Act 1, Scene 2, Line 75). She is referring to Hamlet’s mourning over his father, also her former husband. Hamlet is describing his actions in a sarcastic manner that suggest to his mother that the way he is acting is genuine grief about his father‘s death. I like these lines because they reflect the way most teenagers and parents converse. Hamlet uses sarcasm to get his point across which, in my opinion, reflects that he is using a poor attitude towards his mother’s question. I also find it funny how Hamlet responds because his mother was expecting a proper answer. I do not think she was intending to offend Hamlet when she asked the question. These lines tell me that Hamlet is not afraid to speak his mind when he feels strongly about something, it does not matter who he is speaking with, and he is still not scared. The lines may tell others that I as well am not afraid to voice my opinion.
Another line that stands out is one Hamlet says when he is speaking with Horatio, “Let me not think on’t--Frailty, thy name is woman […]” (Act 1, Scene 2, Line 146). Hamlet is discussing his mother’s quick transition from King Hamlet to his brother. He is speaking very poorly of his mother in the lines before this, but in this specific line, he states that all women are weak. He may be implying that women act similarly to his mother and it is very negative. When reading this line, it makes me think of how naïve Hamlet is acting. He believes that all women are frail, but it is definitely not true. These lines reveal Hamlet’s youth and the fact that he may not be experienced with women. They also expose his anger towards his mother. In regards to myself, the line can demonstrate that I do not believe that all people of a certain sex, race, or culture have the same traits or behavior. Some additional lines that show Hamlet being upset about his mother’s new marriage is shown in the same remark to Horatio.
“She married---O most wicked speed! To post
With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!
It is not, nor it cannot come to good.
But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue” (Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 156-159).
Hamlet is saying that his mother re-married quickly and with clever tactics. Meaning she married Hamlet’s brother so she would remain queen and be faced with no other changes than that of her husband. He concludes by stating that he will contain his anger about the whole situation. I like how Hamlet has already figured his mother out when no one else in the play has even recognized it. The next lines that appeal to me appear in Polonius’ discussion with his son, Laertes.
Neither a borrower nor a lender be,
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This above all: to thine own self be true […] (Act 1, Scene 3, Lines 75-78)
As Laertes is going off to school, his father is giving him advice and it is good advice. Basically he is saying that Laertes should be careful with who he befriends. Most important is his finishing line, “To thine own self be true” he wants his son to be himself. Like any good father, Polonius wants the best for his child, he is telling Laertes not to change for anyone and stick to what he believes in. I like these lines because I think this is the best advice a parent can give. A parent who tells their child how to act is changing who they are, but a parent who tells their child to act as themselves is telling the child to behave as they choose. I also believe strongly in good parental support, which Polonius demonstrates within this speech to his son. The final lines within the act that I find interesting also come from Polonius, but to his daughter.
Marry, I will teach you. Think yourself a baby
That you have ta’en these tenders for true pay
Which are not sterling. Tender yourself more dearly
Or--not to crack the wind of the poor phrase,
Running it thus--you’ll tender me a fool (Act 1, Scene 3, Lines 105-109)
In these lines, Polonius is speaking to Ophelia regarding Hamlet. He is saying that Ophelia gives in too easily and is bought off by gifts and praise from Hamlet. He is telling her to raise her price for love. Polonius also says that if she does not do so, since she is his property, he will look like a fool. I don’t specifically like these lines, but I do find them interesting. I think that it is sad how materialistic Polonius acts towards his daughters true affection for Hamlet. As far as I can tell, Ophelia has feelings for Hamlet and the way her father explains things to her, he makes it seems as though she can get more out of Hamlet. If Ophelia loves him, she shouldn’t be concerned about presents or tenders, as Polonius says. These lines reflect my opinion on situations similar to this one. I do not believe that money can buy love and I do not believe that money-oriented objects can determine how one feels for another.
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is introduced with a transitioning government. King Hamlet has been killed, and his brother Claudius has assumed the throne as King of Denmark. Claudius must now understand the methods necessary in order to become an effective leader, and Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince outlines said methods. The Prince is a book dedicated to the principles of becoming an efficient leader, as Machiavelli states what one must do in order to achieve the state of stability and order that a nation should have. Throughout Act 1 of Hamlet, Claudius is seen putting into effect many of Machiavelli’s theories, and at this point in the play, he has become entirely successful. In Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, King Claudius exhibits the principles outlined in Machiavelli's The Prince through improving his reputation among the people, understanding military and defensive strategies, and maintaining a stable government.
In The Prince, it is stressed that a leader must maintain some sort of reputation amongst his citizens, however this falls behind the importance of the nation’s stability. Machiavelli states that a leader should strive for respect and obedience through his actions, as to avoid resentment and ultimately, rebellion. King Claudius demonstrates this principle through his actions concerning Laertes’ departure from Denmark. Claudius demands respect from him citizens, and this becomes apparent when Laertes - the son of the Prime Minister, is obliged to ask for Claudius’ permission to return to France in order to continue his education, “My dread lord,/Your leave and favour to return to France,/From whence though willingly I came to Denmark/To show my duty in your coronation,/Yet now I must confess, that duty done,/My thoughts and wishes bend again toward France”(1.2.51-55) Claudius makes known to his people that he commands respect from even the highest of ranked citizens. Laertes is not only forced to request Claudius’ permission, but he is forced to do so in front of a court comprised of high ranked soldiers, the Queen, and even his own father, Polonius. King Claudius is now portrayed to his people as not only merciful, but as a leader who is in control, and a leader who receives his due respect from all citizens.
Perhaps one of the most important elements of any nation’s stability is its military and defensive forces. A nation that lacks a powerful military is doomed to be conquered, whereas a powerful army is not only used to fight off an attack, but to prevent an attack from ever taking place. Without a powerful military force, a leader and their nation are left vulnerable to an attack. Machiavelli’s idea of a power military force is one that possesses the ability to hold its ground against any foe, however, Machiavelli’s The Prince states that for a territory to be well-protected, more than a powerful army is required. A nation must also be well fortified with defenses. King Claudius demonstrates this point in every possible way; he not only keeps a powerful standing army, but Claudius has cannons built, ships constructed, and men standing guard on the castle walls twenty-four hours a day as if preparing for war. Denmark’s common soldier is oblivious to the military preparation that is underway, however soldiers such as Marcellus begin to draw conclusions from the war-like state Denmark is in, “Why this same strict and most observant watch/So nightly toils the subject of the land,/And why such daily cast of brazen cannon/And foreign mart for implements of war,/Why such impress of shipwrights, whole sore task/Does not divide the Sunday from the week.” (1.1.74-79) Marcellus asks why Denmark is preparing for war, and is soon presented with an answer from the seemingly all-knowing Horatio, who tells him that Fortinbras is seeking revenge for his father’s death. This quote shows King Claudius preparing for an unpreventable confrontation with Fortinbras, however in the following scene, Claudius’ true military genius is exposed. The Prince states that a good leader must be ready for war, but strive to avoid it. This principle is embedded in how Claudius controls the situation, for he takes the military measures necessary to defend his country, but at the same time he takes the political measures to avoid the war; King Claudius avoids the war with Norway with a simple letter. He tells his court of his plans in scene two, “to suppress/His further gait herein, in that the levies,/The lists, and full proportions are all made/Out of his subject”.(1.2.30-33) King Claudius avoids this war by informing Fortinbras’ uncle of his actions, and through this letter and military preparations combined, Claudius places into effect the outlines presented in Machiavelli’s The Prince.
In the beginning Shakespeare’s Hamlet, questions are raised as to why, with the death of King Hamlet and transitioning of Claudius onto the Throne, Denmark remains such a stable nation. The message that is put forth by Machiavelli’s writings emphasizes that a nation’s stability is paramount. All of the points and messages in The Prince are written to lead to stability. A leader must achieve what Machiavelli has written about in order to maintain his nation, and to maintain his leadership in said nation, and King Claudius attempts to do such a thing in Hamlet. Throughout the first act of the play, Claudius attempts to keep Denmark in control by making the transition of Hamlet to Claudius less apparent to the people, and therefore raise fewer questions towards Claudius’ methods of becoming king. Claudius does this by changing as little as possible, as to keep Denmark the very same as it was when Hamlet was king. Polonius stays Prime Minister, even though this act is unheard of, and Gertrude remains the Queen of Denmark. Hamlet remains the Prince, and Claudius goes as far as to marry his brother’s wife, the Queen. With Claudius as king, questions are not raised because he has kept Denmark the same as it previously was, and by doing this, has demonstrated Machiavelli’s idea that a leader must maintain stability in their nation in order to thrive. Claudius is successful in his leadership at this point because of the very stability he has provided for his nation. In his efforts to maintain his position on the throne, Claudius deters the people’s thoughts from his ascension to the throne to the threat on Denmark at the hands on Fortinbras. The maintenance of a nation not only depends on governmental order, but the type of encouragement the leader gives the people. Claudius has his court focus on the threat at hand, and then assures them that he has taken care of the problem by merely writing a letter. He does not avoid all confrontations, however. Hamlet begins to misbehave while having a conversation with Claudius and Gertrude, but this event is quickly turned around in Claudius’ favour, “A heart unfortified, a mind impatient,/An understanding simple and unschool’d;/For what we know must be, and is as common/As any the most vulgar thing to sense-“(1.2.96-99) Claudius instills trust and confidence in his court, and as such, confirms with his court that he is the right choice for king. He has answered the suspicious questions of how he became king over Hamlet. Hamlet has acted like a child – uneducated, and impressionable. Claudius has shown his people that Hamlet is not fit for king. Claudius maintains a stable Denmark by keeping the country in an ordinary state, one that the people are accustomed to, and through this stability, Claudius uses the principles outlined in The Prince.
Niccolo Machiavelli’s writings have a significant influence on the actions of King Claudius in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, including the crucial maintenance of stability in Denmark, the military and defensive preparations against Fortinbras, and the significance of Claudius’ reputation on his government and citizens. Claudius is able to keep Denmark under control, managing to take the throne without raising much suspicion. The King is then able to prepare for a war with Norway, and at the same time avoid this war with confidence and intelligence. King Claudius demonstrates his uncanny ability to redirect any negative happenings into a confident, reassuring statement of Claudius’ character that in turn benefits his reputation with the people. All of which are principles outlined in Machiavelli’s writing, The Prince.
Principles of a Great Prince
“Leadership can be thought of as a capacity to define oneself to others in a way that clarifies and expands a vision of the future” (Friedman). Niccolò Machiavelli expresses his views on the qualities that a great ruler should have in his novel Il Principe. According to him, in order to acquire or continue to reign over a country, one must meet the expectations of having a strong defence and military, the intelligence of a noble, and a prestigious reputation. In Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, various characters portray the characteristics that define what it means to be a great ruler with the accordance to Machiavelli’s views. While not one character simply possesses all expectations that Machiavelli lists, these qualities can be found in certain individuals in Hamlet.
Machiavelli states that, “The main concern for a prince should be war, or the preparation thereof. The two most essential foundations for any state, whether old or new, are sound laws and strong military forces.” King Claudius exemplifies the first expectation. Marcellus reveals that Denmark has been fortifying its kingdom recently by the order of the new king through his questioning, “Tell me, he that knows, why this same strict and most observant watch so nightly toils the subject of the land, and why such daily cast of brazen cannon and foreign mart for implements of war” (I.I.74-77). Since King Claudius is aware that Fortinbras is seeking for revenge and is planning on declaring war against Denmark, he prepares the kingdom for a possible war by ordering his people to be on constant watch and constant construction of military weaponry. As well, he takes a different approach to solve the problem, “We have here writ to Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras…to surpass his further gait herein” (I.II.27-31). When he informs the King of Norway about Fortinbras’ actions, he shows that he can prepare a less violent defence that is also effective. Machiavelli also states that, “A self-sufficient prince is one who can meet any enemy on the battlefield.” King Hamlet best portray this quality. Horatio affirms the courageousness and bravery of King Hamlet, “Such was the very armour he had on when he th’ambitious Norway combated. So frown’d he once, when in an angry parle he smote the sledded Polacks on the ice” (I.I.63-66). King Hamlet proves himself as the best warrior in the battle field by conquering not only the Pollacks, but including King Fortinbras. The characteristics of both King Hamlet and King Claudius prove that Machiavelli has influenced Shakespeare of what traits belong a great leader possess.
Machiavelli mentions three types of intelligence, two of which a prince must have- “the kind that understands things for itself, and the kind that understands what others can understand”. The first intelligence proves how knowledgeable the ruler truly is. The brilliance of the prince shows on his understanding and acceptance of things. The second intelligence proves that he can empathize with the people and thus know what is best for them. King Claudius expresses his intelligence through his speech in the scene 2, when he states that he has written a letter to Fortinbras’ uncle. King Claudius knows that Fortinbras has filial obligation to his uncle, this he uses this knowledge to his advantage to solve the country’s problem of war threat. When he lectures Hamlet on grieving for the Dane, he says, “’Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet to give these mourning duties to your father, but you must know your father lost a father, that father lost, lost his” (I.II.57-90), he subjects Hamlet to face reality about the circle of death. King Claudius knows that his subjects can understand why Hamlet is grieving thus he uses this as his explanation. Hamlet presents his intelligence when he is boggled by the presence of the ghost, “Yes by Saint Patrick but there is, Horatio, and much offence too. Touching this vision here, it is an honest ghost, that let me tell you” (I.V.142-144). Despite what they are taught in university, as a renaissance man, he is not to believe in ghosts, yet Hamlet as a Christian has faith that entities like ghosts can truly be his father. His acceptance to the idea of ghosts shows that he can understand things for itself and what others can understand. Such intelligence from prominent leaders such as King Claudius and Hamlet continue to follow Machiavelli and his theories.
Machiavelli emphasizes that a prince’s reputation is based on his behaviour towards his subjects. He writes, “Since there are many possible qualities that a prince can be said to possess, he must not be overly concerned about having all the good ones.” In his coronation speech, King Claudius uses his charisma to attain his prestige as rightful king. He begins his speech portraying a compassionate king and a loving brother, “Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother’s death the memory be green… that we with wisest sorrow think on him together with remembrance of ourselves” (I.II.1-6). He then changes the mood, making himself into a saviour for not only the sorrowful queen, but to the country, “As ‘twere with a defeated joy…with mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage, in equal scale weighing delight and dole, taken to wife” (I.II.10-14). He continues on, showing bravery despite the threat of war- his simple reply to the threat emphasizes to the people how he could easily handle and fix the situation, “He hath not fail’d to pester us with message importing the surrender of those lands lost by his father, with all bonds of law, to our most valiant brother. So much for him… we have here writ to Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras…to surpress his further gait herein” (I.II.22-31). When he acknowledges Laertes to ask for his permission to return to France, he uses it to show his power to the people, notifying them that he is in fact the king, “What wouldst thou beg, Laertes, that shall not be my offer, not thy asking?” (I.II.45-45). When Hamlet disrespects King Claudius, the king is not shaken- he demonstrates to the public that he can be a family man, “We pray you throw to earth this unprevailing woe, and think of us as of a father… This gentle and unforc’d accord of Hamlet sits smiling to my heart” (I.II.106-108; 123-124). Shakespeare shows that King Claudius is not afraid to be perceived as different personalities towards his people; it helps his public and subjects realize that King Claudius, in harmony to Machiavelli’s expectation, can act against his different qualities when it is necessary. Hamlet also concurs to this expectation because in scene two he says, “Sir, my good friend, I’ll change that name with you… I’m very glad to see you” (I.II.163-167). He is seen as friendly and charming, but suddenly, in scene four, he changes his personality and says, “Unhand me, gentlemen. By heaven, I’ll make a ghost of him that lets me. I saw away” (I.IV.84-86). Even though he is friends with Horatio and his men, he is willing to become violent if and when they do not follow his wishes. The sudden change of character of both King Claudius and Hamlet shows undying leadership retrieved from Machiavelli’s theories.
Defining what qualifies one to be a great leader follows a certain principle. The most influential qualities have been theorized by Machiavelli. Preserving his work, William Shakespeare incorporates these expectations in his plays. In Hamlet, the characters King Hamlet, King Claudius and Hamlet reveal their qualifications throughout Act 1 of the play through their courageous actions, strategized preparations, intellect, and adaptation to situations. From experience, I’ve learned that in order to lead a successful group, I must be able to have an open mind yet be assertive on my decisions, putting limitations to the extent of the power of the people. This adaptation to situations helps keep the group focusing on a specific goal instead of a constantly changing idea. But even though I may not have all the qualities that define a great leader does not mean I cannot lead the people into greatness- just as how the characters in Hamlet have only certain qualities, the country of Denmark still continues to reign.
Think about this, you have a father that has recently fallen to the treacherous underworld, an uncle that has taken over a throne that was intended to be passed onto you after the passing of your father and a mother that marries your uncle in less than two months of your father’s death. Wouldn’t you have something on your mind about all this or even have something to say? A soliloquy is supposed to show a “series of unspoken reflections” (www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soliloquy) by a particular character. In Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet the protagonist, Hamlet, reveals to the reader what really runs through his mind but more strikingly the kind of man he really is through his first soliloquy.
Hamlet’s first soliloquy reveals so much feeling towards the events that has recently occurred. It is believed that Hamlet is in a very agitated state whether it’s the depressing feeling, which is a filial obligation, towards his father’s death “How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable / Seem to me all the uses of this world! […] So excellent a king, that was to this / Hyperion to a satyr” (1.2.133-134, 139-140) or even the disappointment and disgust towards his mother for the hasty commitment of marriage with his uncle “As if increase appetite had grown / By what it fed on; and yet within a month- / Let me not think on’t-Fraility, thy name is woman” (1.2.144-146). This shows that Hamlet is very disturbed to what has happened thus far. But there is more to this soliloquy than just the coated feelings; something more in depth.
There is a common characterization about Hamlet. He could have killed himself if life seems so useless to him or he could have halted the marriage of his mother and uncle or he even could of left Denmark to go to Wittenberg and therefore that would be committing treason because he did not listen to his uncle, the king, and then he would be sentenced to death to end his useless life without committing suicide. From a close reading perspective, Hamlet’s first soliloquy reveals the kind of man he has grown to be. The fact is Hamlet cannot take part in any action and this is revealed in his soliloquy “[…] but no more like my father / Than I to Hercules” (1.2.152-153) and “But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue” (1.2.159). It cannot be anymore clearer that he can’t take action with the evidence that he makes the comparison that he and Hercules, a man of action, are exact opposites and he also has these feelings about how his mother is acting like a whore but he won’t stand up say the things he is saying in his soliloquy to her upfront. To take it further, his weakness to not take any action can foreshadow upcoming events. If Hamlet is faced with any events that make him feel sad, angry, depressed, etc. then it is probable that he will bottle it all up inside rather than react to the situation. It can be predicted, with Hamlet being considered a tragic hero that his weakness is his tragic flaw.
If I were placed into his experience I would be feeling the same thing. I feel very sympathetic, pathos, for Hamlet because he is taking in all this grief and he won’t let it out and it kills him inside. The position Hamlet faces affects me personally because there are times where I don’t know how to react to different situations and I don’t say anything or do anything to help relieve any stress inside and solve my problem.
The Living Language in Hamlet
Poetry is the expression of feelings and reflection. American Poet Robert Frost recalls it as “when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words”. It is created for the cause of a wide variety of emotion within witnesses of it, and memorable, beautiful poetry is often cited, quoted, and said over and over again. William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet contains many great examples of the English poetic language, and it contains many great lines of poetry that speak to the audience. Beauty, misery, excitement, vengeance, sympathy and many other human emotions are displayed through the poetic expression of the characters. The most notable ones are often very important to the story, and they very successfully stir up a wide variety of emotions (often the same that which is felt of the character conveying them) in the audience. They reveal many facts, both obvious and well hidden, about the character speaking them as well as the audience witnessing it.
In the first soliloquy of the play, Hamlet addresses his conflicted feelings for his mother, Queen Gertrude, and her speedy remarriage to Claudius, now the King of Denmark. It is a clear reflection of the depressing thoughts Hamlet has felt towards the whole ordeal. “Within a month,/Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears/Had left the flushing in her galled eyes,/She married – O most wicked speed!/To post With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!/It is not, nor it cannot come to good./But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue.” (I.ii.53-159). Hamlet reveals to the audience the period between his mothers mourning for King Hamlet and her remarriage to his brother Claudius had only been about a month, and this has obviously deeply affected Hamlet and made him very miserable. He notes how her love for King Hamlet must have been dishonest because of her quick unity with Claudius, and it is an act of incest, to remarry to a brother-in-law. He then alludes that this cannot be the cause of a good result. As Horatio, Marcellus and Barnardo approach the Prince, he must, despite the ongoing ache his heart feels, conceal his feelings. Hamlet’s brief soliloquy reveals his struggle to cope with his mothers actions, which is a major theme of the play. He is in a state of melancholy, or deep sadness, and it becomes not only incredibly apparent to the viewers of this play, but also to Hamlet’s peers. It is a great effort for him, and the quote above clearly identifies his viewpoint on the quick remarriage. The whole soliloquy speaks to me as when I read it, I feel an unmistakable sense of pity and sorrow for Hamlet. His pain bleeds off the book and becomes an engulfed relation for the Prince of Denmark for the rest of the play. As others approach him, he conceals his feelings, and this is something we can all relate to. When our mind is on something; we try to hide it from others, even though it may be more apparent than we would want it to be. For example, when one may have a bad day at school or work, no matter how hard we may try to oppress it, somehow others can tell.
In Act I, Scene III, Laertes gives advice and his own personal opinion of Hamlet to his sister Ophelia, who happens to be dating him. “For Hamlet, and the trifling of his favour,/Hold it in a fashion and a toy in blood,/A violet in the youth of primy nature,/Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting,/The perfume and suppliance of a minute, No more.” (I.iii.5-10). Laertes uses the expression “trifling of his favour” when talking of Hamlet’s actions with Ophelia, alluding that Laertes does not take kindly to them and he somehow is knowledgeable of the reasoning of them, which are unknown to her. He compares Hamlet to a violet flower that blooms in the springtime, evaluating the initial feeling of love he professes to Ophelia to be wonderful and good, but as time goes on, it will fade away. This exposes to the audience Laertes’ feelings about Hamlet, and what he is supposedly like with Ophelia. Laertes is not Ophelia, so this is only his assumption, giving the impression that Laertes is very overprotective of his sister. He seems to somehow know what Hamlet is like, more than he really should. While this quote reveals the somewhat arrogant nature of Laertes, it is a beautiful example of a metaphor, and it uses a flower in it, a theme used throughout the play. When I read these verses, I can picture a violet rising out of the ground to welcome springtime, quickly blooming, flourishing, then wilting and dying. The metaphorical use gives me a clear impression of what Laertes means, and it is a revelation of the start of new relationships. In a few cases of meeting a girl, things go great for the initial time being together, but it is usually only temporary, or just the preliminary feeling of all dates.
In the last scene of Act I, Hamlet is confronted by the Ghost of his father, and is sent on his mission of revenge. As Horatio and Marcellus have also witnessed the Spirit, Hamlet makes them swear secrecy to the events of that night. Before they leave, Hamlet says “And still your fingers on your lips, I pray. The time is out of joint. O cursed spite, That I was born to set it right.” (I.v .95-197). He colorfully describes their oath of secrecy, and makes known his actions that will unfold. He knows he is destined to get revenge for his murdered father, and foreshadows the future proceedings of the play. It reveals Hamlet’s new quest for vengeance, and this mutter of hostile words can be compared to the calm before the storm. It is the course the rest of the play will follow, and this scene can be marked as the point where Hamlet’s mindset completely changes; he knows what he must do, and the audience is left waiting for his next move. When I read the last few lines of Act I, it almost feels like those brief moments before the huge event of an action flick; words that outline future events of the story in a thrilling, deeply excited way. They can be comparable to many great action movies, and these lines make me anticipate a very climactic event in the play.
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet delivers many superb lines of poetry throughout the play, and they stir up a very wide spectrum of emotions in the audience. They can make one feel sadness and pity for certain character, reflect on past events in their own life, and deliver strong feelings of excitement and anticipation. Because one play can make all these emotions prominent (and in the first Act alone), already Hamlet has shown why it is a great play, and a container of many living, breathing lines that make the audience feel strong emotion. The poetry presented in Hamlet is incredibly thought-provoking and moving, and it is because of this it is a incredible play.
Like in any other plays, through the use of soliloquies, Shakespeare is able to reveal the innermost thoughts and feelings of the characters aloud to the audiences of his play, Hamlet. These revelations are unbiased perspectives that help the audience to understand the motivations behind the character’s actions. In addition, one can also understand how the mood and him/herself as a reader are affected by studying the soliloquies of a play.
Hamlet's first soliloquy reveals his inner conflict caused by the events of the play. The first four lines accurately state how much his mother’s hasty marriage to his uncle has disgusted him, “O that this too too sullied flesh would melt, Thaw and resolve itself into a dew, Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d His cannon ‘gainst self-slaughter”(I.ii.129-132). Just to witness such incestuous marriage has contaminated his flesh and for Hamlet the only solution is to end his life, however he claims to be stopped by the fact that self-murder is forbidden by God. On one hand this shows his religious belief, on the other this shows that he is a coward. If the world seem to him as that “weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable” (I.ii. 133) and has been turned into “an unweeded garden that grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature” (I.ii.135-136) then why does he care rather his soul will be condemned or not? Throughout this soliloquy, it sounds like that he has a strong will to die but at the same time Hamlet is not willing to take this risk.
It is interesting how Hamlet has shortened the time interval between his father’s death and the marriage of his mother and uncle, “But two months dead-nay, not so much, not two” (I.ii.138) to add on his anger of the betrayal. He also demonstrates his knowledge of mythology when he calls his father Hyperion and in contrast calls Claudius a satyr and also when he condemns Gertrude’s change from being a weeping widow “like Niobe, all tears” to an incestuous bride. Not only does this strengthen his scholarly figure as a prince among the audience, but also allow Shakespeare to use just one name to explain the differences among the other characters in Hamlet’s heart.
Hamlet’s mood does not improve as he continues to reflect on the issue. He continues to attack his mother by saying how her she has kicked the same shoes that she has worn to his father’s funeral under Claudius’ bed, “those shoes were old With which she follow'd my poor father's body” (I.ii.147-148). This explains in what kind of wicked speed she has jumped from one king’s bed to another. Sadly, Hamlet has taken the single example of his mother and condemns all women with the statement, “Frailty, thy name is woman” (I.ii.146).
The final lines "But break my heart, for I must hold my tongue" (I.ii.159) foreshadows how all characters are required to wear a mask and true feelings are always hidden. It also tells the audience more about Hamlet’s character: no matter how angry he is, he represses the call to action.
Not much of the plot has been revealed to the audience in act 1 yet. Hamlet’s first soliloquy is tense and nihilistic. The audience are now informed that Denmark is seriously corrupted and by knowing how much this royal marriage has affected Hamlet allow them to sympathize the prince.
"A little more kin, and less than kind"(1.2.65).In this quote Hamlet is disturbed that his uncle is married to his mom, Queen Gertrude and that now his uncle is his step father. Hamlet’s quote is referring to different words of "kind”. There is one kind where one your family members has a relationship with a same family and there is another kind where one family member is having a relationship with someone not part of the family. Shakespeare relates to human reality and that is what makes me feel surprised about him. Reality has not change 400 years from now because today people would feel gross inside if they knew about their uncle, aunt or any family members becoming their parents. In Hamlet, Hamlet feels the same way.
"The better to beguile. This for all./I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth/Have you so slander any moment leisure/As to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet./Look to't.I charge you. Come on your ways."(1.3.131-135).Polonius is telling to her daughter Ophelia not to see or talk to Hamlet. What this reveals about Polonius is that he is very protective over Ophelia especially with Hamlet because is a prince. Polonius believes that Hamlet might use Ophelia for royalty. If Hamlet were to be king than he would choose his one true love Ophelia to be queen. Polonius tells Ophelia that Hamlet is not fit to be king,he is young and does not know what he is doing.
"Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern./Moreover that we much did long to see you,/The need we have to use you did provoke/Our hasty sending. Something have you heard/Of Hamlet’s transformation-so I call it,/Sith nor th'exterior nor the inward man/Resembles that it was."(2.2.1-7). King Claudius and Queen Gertrude welcome Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet’s childhood friends. The reason for there visit to Denmark was to find out what was going with Hamlet's behavior and to cheer him up.
They were sent to spy on him. Basically Hamlet's best friends are going to betray him.Rosencrantz and Guildenstern accept the King's offer will be rewarded. King Claudius and Queen Gertrude welcome Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet’s childhood friends. The reason for there visit to Denmark was to find out what was going with Hamlet's behavior and to cheer him up. When King Claudius speaks this quote it reveals worry ness and poor leadership because he can not handle Hamlet himself and neither can Queen Gertrude. He is worried that Hamlet plan to overthrow the King’s throne since the prince found out that it was his uncle who murdered his father. Claudius brings Hamlets’ close friends to see if they can change Hamlet’s attitude. If King Claudius can not handle one man than eventually he can not handle an entire kingdom.
There are many lines that speak to me in Act 1 of Hamlet. Here are some that I find rather interesting and which reveals the characters that speak them.
“Such was the very armour he had on
When he th’ambitious Norway combated.
So frown’d he once, when in an angry parle
He smote the sledded Polacks on the ice.
‘Tis strange.” (Act 1 Scene 1 Lines 63-67)
The above lines were spoken by Horatio to Marcellus. They are discussing the the ghost whom they just saw. Horatio thinks that it is the ghostly form of King Hamlet and he is surprised to see the ghost wearing Armour as if its ready for war, he also notices that the ghost of King Hamlet has the same look on his face that he had when he had sliced the King of Norway’s head off. Seeing this Horatio knows that something must be wrong because the King’s ghost appears ready for war and he thinks that the ghost isn’t happy about something.
I like these lines because they reveal the horror which overcomes Horatio as he realises that something must be wrong for the King’s ghost to appear like that and it brings a sort of urgency or a tense situation in the play which makes the readers wonder what was going to happen next.
“O that this too sullied flesh would melt,
Thaw and resolve itself into a dew,
Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d
His cannon ‘gainst self-slaughter. O God! God!
How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable
Seem to me all the uses of this world!” (Act 1 Scene 2, lines 129-134).
The above lines are being spoken by Hamlet in his first soliloquy.
Hamlet refers to his flesh as sullied meaning contaminated because this is the human flesh and he is liable to sin and it is the same flesh he shares with his mother. Hamlet is thinking of suicide but he cannot kill himself because he is a Christian and is God-fearing. He thinks Denmark is now worthless and pathetic because Claudius is the new king and he thinks it would be useless to live and that he no longer has anything to gain.
I like these lines because Hamlet lets out his true inner feelings and it reveals to the readers that Hamlet is a very unhappy man inside and has all his feelings bottled up. Those lines are Hamlets moment of truth.
“She married---O most wicked speed! To post
With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!
It is not, nor it cannot come to good.
But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue” (Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 156-159).
The above lines are from Hamlet’s first soliloquy where he is left all alone and is thinking about the tragedies that recently took place in his life. In the above lines he is disgusted by his mother because he thinks that she did not waste any time in getting married and he also thinks that she is weak because she needs someone to support her and who would be better than Hamlets uncle, the brother of King Hamlet because he is powerful. He also thinks that no good could happen with her marrying his uncle who is now the King. I like these lines because they make Hamlet realise that his mother is weak and that he finds it really wrong when no one else in the whole kingdom does. These lines would not reveal much about me, I like them because Hamlet reveals his true feelings about all the things that are going wrong in his life and I think that this one would be the worst of all.
“Neither a borrower nor a lender be,
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This above all: to thine own self be true
And it must follow as the night the day” (Act 1, Scene 3, Lines 75-78).
The above lines are being spoken by Polonius to his son Laertes.
Polonius is having a fatherly moment with Laertes and he tells him not to take nor borrow any money from anyone because it will only lead to problems with friends and he would lose himself. He also tells him to spend his money wisely and put it to good use and never do anything bad with it. Polonius tells him that he should always be true to himself that is never gain any pride or never forget who he is. I like these lines because it reveals that Polonius is a caring father who is worried about his son having to go along and live his life alone and he is advising him on choosing the right path.
“Marry, I will teach you. Think yourself a baby
That you have ta’en these tenders for true pay
Which are not sterling. Tender yourself more dearly
Or--not to crack the wind of the poor phrase,
Running it thus--you’ll tender me a fool.” (Act 1, Scene 3, Lines 105-109)
The above lines are being spoken by Polonius to his Daughter Ophelia.
Polonius does not like the idea of his daughter dating Hamlet and he does not want to see them together. He tells Ophelia that he will teach her how to react in situations like that, and to stop being naïve by thinking that Hamlet would actually love her when she doesn’t know if his feelings are true or not. He tells her to take care of herself and to make herself worth more. Polonius was telling her all this because he did not want her to embarrass him.
I like these lines because they reveal Polonius’s feelings about his Daughter dating Hamlet. I don’t like the way he advises her on building a relationship with Hamlet because he obviously thinks Hamlet is taking her for granted and that he does not have any true feelings for her. I don’t like how Polonius forbids Ophelia to see Hamlet because he does not yet realise that their feelings are true for each other.
Throughout Act one there are several lines that stand out to me. Many of these lines have a hidden message or meaning behind them. The two lines which I have chosen to focus on are spoken by Polonius and the Ghost of King Hamlet.
Act 1 Scene 3. Lines 68-69
Polonius: Give every man thy ear, but few they voice. Take each mans censure, but reserve thy judgment.
In these two lines, Polonius is giving his son, Laertes advice before he leaves for France. He gives Laertes several piece of advice. One of them was to listen to people, but talk less. Hear everyone’s opinion but keep your judgment to yourself. When Polonius gives these words of advice it shows that he is a caution and smart person. He has lead a life filled with experience and wanted to share this with his son. It shows that Polonius cares about what people think about him and his children. He wants to shield his sons from making mistakes.
The fact that I enjoy these lines shows that I am a thinking person. I much more comfortable listening than I am speaking.
The reason I enjoy these lines is because the advice that Polonius gave to his son can be translated in today’s world. It is always wiser to listen and to speak less. It is also a wise thing not to pass judgment on others.
Act 1 Scene 5, Lines 39-40
Ghost : The serpent that stiny they father’s life, now wears his crown
In these two lines the Ghost of King Hamlet is explaining to Hamlet how and who killed him. The Ghost tells Hamlet what he had been told about him being bitten by a snake was false. He tells him that the new King Cladius had poisoned him. When the Ghost says these lines it shows that he is angry and wants revenge on King Claudius. He wants his son Hamlet to kill the King and restore “justice”.
The fact I enjoy these lines shows that I am in agreement with the Ghost that King Claudius should pay for his crime. I believe in the concept of crime and punishment.
The reason I enjoy this line is because the Ghost reveals the answer to an important question in the play. He answers the question who killed him and how. Another reason I enjoy these lines is because symbolism and parallelism can be found with in them. The symbols are the serpent and the poison both represents sin and evil. The parallelism can be found when you look at the story of Adam and Eve. They fell into temptation from the serpent and ate from the forbidden tree. Their sinful caused them to be kicked of the Garden of Eden. This can be recognized as their downfall. This is similar to King Claudius’ situation . He poisoned his brother, which awakened a revengeful ghost which could led to his dowfall.
Hamlet’s soliloquy in Act I Scene II shows the full range of dark emotions of anger, sorrow and rage. These dark emotions set the tone for the remainder of the act.
Hamlet’s first soliloquy reveals much about him. In the soliloquy, he states his true feelings. It reveals he is angry at his mother for marrying his uncle so soon after the death of his father. Hamlet’s disgust for his mother marrying his father’s brother is clear in his words. “She married. O! most wicked speed, to post/With such dexterity to incestuous sheets” (1.2.156-157). This shows that Hamlet is overwhelmed by the death of his father and realizes it is only been two months since his father’s death, yet his mother has moved on but he can not. Hamlet states “but two months dead; nay, not so much, not two:/So excellent a king” (1.2.138-139). The soliloquy also shares his dislike for his uncle and his continued mourning of the loss of his father. “My father’s brother-but no more like my father/Than I to Hercules” (1.2.152-153). He is comparing his father to a God and his uncle into a beast, showing how much he thinks of both his father, and his uncle. Further in the play, his mother reveals her thoughts regarding Hamlet’s behaviour. “I doubt it is no other but the main:/His father’s death, and our o’er hasty marriage” (2.2.56-57). Through this dialogue with the King, his mother shows that she is aware that the marriage was done very quickly and that this could be a reason for Hamlet’s behaviour.
Hamlet’s first soliloquy is pivotal to setting the mood of Act 1. Hamlet reveals anger, resentment, sadness and depression. The first lines of the soliloquy create a suicidal mood. “O! that this too too solid flesh would melt,/Thaw and resolve itself into a dew;/Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d/His canon ‘gainst self-slaughter! O God! O God!” (1.2.129-132). In these lines, Hamlet states that if suicide wasn’t a sin then he would kill himself, showing he is a religious man and that he knows the Bible. These words set the stage for Act One as Hamlet is seen as depressed and angry.
As a reader, the soliloquy has me sympathizing with Hamlet as I feel he has reacted how most people would react in this situation. I can understand how he would be depressed by loosing his father; however I can also understand his anger related to his mother’s behaviour. While he is still mourning his father’s death, it seems that he is angrier at his mother’s quick marriage to his uncle. Overall, the soliloquy shows the human side of Hamlet and sets the stage for Hamlet’s to believe that his father was murdered.
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