- 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, September 16, 2007
Discussion 2 - You say solid, I say sullied
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23 comments:
Intelligence not madness
In the play “Hamlet”, the character Hamlet is very cunning and sly. There are many quotations where Hamlet says something, but at the same time subliminally makes fun of the character he is talking to. The quotation I like is, “I shall in all my best obey you, madam”. (11) In this quotation, Hamlet is being asked by his mother and his uncle to stay home from attending school in Wittenberg. Hamlet has great distrust and anger for his uncle, who is also the King, and he decides to only address his mother when he speaks. In doing so Hamlet shows his ignorance towards his uncle and the King of Denmark. Although this is illegal to do, the intelligence Hamlet has allows him to say such things in a way as to not get caught. No one understood the hidden meaning in addressing only his mother, except for his uncle. Hamlet knows his uncle will not do anything about his rudeness because his uncle wants to look like he is in control in front of the crowd.
I like these lines because even though they are very brief, they show Hamlet’s sense of intelligence. Hamlet, even though being put down by the King in front of many nobles, still has control of the situation. He never lets the King over power himself to a point where Hamlet is bowing down to him. This shows Hamlets ability to control a situation regardless of who is involved in it. When Hamlet says his quotation it shows that he is very calm throughout the whole discussion. Instead of getting mad or showing his emotions about the King, he speaks calmly and hides an ignorant slur behind his words. This is also another example of Hamlet always being in control of the situation by being very sly and cunning.
What this quote reveals about me is that I like hidden messages in plays. I feel that it makes the play a lot more complex and interesting. It made me read in between the lines, which kept me on edge. This quote reflects my interest in Shakespeare because a lot of Shakespeare’s plays have many hidden messages when the characters talk. I like Hamlet’s character because each line he says has a lot of meaning behind it and this makes his character more intelligent. His quote reflected it because of the hidden insult towards the King.
Hamlet’s complex and dynamic character makes the play “Hamlet” a lot more interesting and enjoyable to read. Shakespeare uses Hamlet’s character to make the reader have to think more about the words he says. This makes the story feel more real and makes it very enjoyable to read.
Topic #3
“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.”
(1.2. 76-86)
This quotation is said by Hamlet to his mother in hopes of her understanding Hamlet and the attitude he currently has. Hamlet is dealing with a lot and his mother is not helping by pressuring her son to stop mourning the loss of his father. Hamlet could easily pretend to be fine, put on a fake smile and pretend like nothing has changed, but he does not do that. It is not in his character to do such things. His dark clothes, heavy sighs, and his crying are ways of expressing his loss, and respecting his late father, the King of Denmark.
Personally, I like these lines because it shows that Hamlet is not going to change his character for anyone, he will not back down and he will stand up for what is right in regards to his father. By telling this to his mother, the Queen of Denmark, he is reminding her that he, and only he, can choose how he will mourn the loss of the King, and that she ‘seems’ to have already forgotten about her late husband and grieving son.
Hamlet would be lying to himself if he did anything else but grieve, thus showing the audience his true character. The audience can now see more clearly that a little piece of Hamlet lives in them. Surely everyone has lost a loved one at some point in their lives- even if they were not forced to move on quickly, just imagining the King and Hamlet’s mother pressuring him to stop mourning and to ‘suck it up’ will make anyone feel disgusted. People need time, a lot of time to mourn and become at ease with the reality of their loss.
People who can be true to themselves and not let the demands of the outside world penetrate their soul are rare. I believe Hamlet is one of these people. This quote is a reflection of me because I too, will stand up for what I believe in and what is right.
Shakespeare’s Modern Influence
Poetry is a form of literature that has an incredibly unique way of connecting with and relating to people of all ages. Shakespeare is undoubtedly one of history’s most talented writers and uses a poetic form of writing that has the capability to move you in copious ways. For different individuals, specific lines speak to them more than they would to others. Through reading and analyzing such lines we are not only able to gain insight into the personality of the character speaking, but we are also able to learn much about ourselves through relating our lives to those of the characters. In Act 1 of "Hamlet" there are several quotes that stick out to me, however, there is one in particular that draws my attention in a way that not many others do,
“And these few precepts in thy memory
Look thou character. Give thy thoughts no tongue,
Nor any unproportion’d thought his act.
Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar;
Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,
Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel,
But do not dull thy palm with entertainment
Of each new-hatch’d, unfledg’d courage. Beware
Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in,
Bear’t that th’opposed may beware thee.
Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice;
Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.
Costly by habit as thy purse can buy,
But not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy;
For the apparel oft proclaims the man,
And they in France of the best rank and station
Are of a most select and generous chief in that.
Neither a borrower nor a lender be,
For a loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This above all: to thine own self be true,” (1.3.58-78)
At this point in the play, Laertes is getting ready to return back to France. Polonius is giving Laertes a lecture; in the same way most parents would lecture their own children. He is attempting to instill values into his son that any parent would wish upon their offspring as they become more independent. He asks Laertes to remember to think before he acts, to be friendly, but not to devalue himself. He asks that he does not volunteer himself for a fight, but if found in one, to handle himself in a way that will have his opponent fearing him. He tells him to be polite and to be sensible in his apparel. Most importantly, he wants his son to be true to himself and to allow this experience to help him grow as a person.
This quote is effective in revealing quite a bit about Polonius’ character. It shows that he is a very loving man that cares a lot about his children. He wants what is best for Laertes as he leaves to start a new chapter of his life, and like any parent, wants to aid him in doing so. When Polonius says, “This above all: to thine own self be true”, he shows that he values the person his son is, and wishes that Laertes will be able to remain that way. Through Polonius, audiences of every generation are able to recognize the fact that no matter what time period a situation like this may be set in, parents still have the same general desires for their children. Through this quote, Shakespeare exposes a great deal of who Polonius is and creates a quality in the relationship between Polonius and Laertes that people of all ages can relate to.
A great deal of time I spend reading Shakespeare, I also spend trying to figure out how the plot and characters influence me as an individual. I tend to automatically assume that because the text was written so long ago that it could not possibly have a substantial effect on me. It is quotes like this, however, that remind me that something that was written over four hundred years ago can still be true to this day. I know that my parents would wish the same thing that Polonius wishes for Laertes, and that they would, more likely than not, lecture me in the same fashion. Knowing this allows me to recognize that the situations Shakespeare writes about in "Hamlet" are the same kind of situations that would influence me today, but with a different kind of setting. I find that I am better capable of enjoying a literary work if I am able to find a common ground between the characters and myself, being the main reason why I appreciate this piece to such a great extent.
Shakespeare’s literary works are most defiantly some of the greatest ever composed. He is not only a talented writer but has an incredible gift to engage his audience in personal assessment through several different characters. Through the relationship between Polonius and his son, Laertes, I find that I am able to place myself in that particular situation but in a setting that is more relatable to the time period I am accustomed to. Whether one chooses to relate to the struggle of a character, or to the relationship between certain characters, it is inevitable that there is something in Shakespeare’s works that relate to you as a person. "Hamlet" is one of these amazing pieces of art that will have an influence on generations for centuries to come.
Topic Number 3: Hamlet Speaks!
Throughout the play “Hamlet” there are several lines that stand out and draw my attention. Even from beyond the grave, William Shakespeare is still drawing people’s attention to his work because of the emotion portrayed in his writing. Shakespeare uses several puns, and displays many situations where sarcasm is subtle, but at the same time blatantly obvious.
The first line that stands out to me is Hamlet’s opening line. We do not even hear a word from Hamlet until the second scene, and his first line is an aside! When he walks in, he simply states, “A little more than kin, and less than kind!” (I, ii, 64-65) This shows how bitter and upset Hamlet is. Hamlet is now in fact a little more than kin because he is now Claudius’ son, however he is also his nephew. Furthermore, with this first line, we can see how Hamlet does not have good intentions and does not intend for Claudius to have a good time as King of Denmark. I can easily relate to this quote. There have been many times when I have been upset at someone, and when I want to be bitter, I’ll often do it so that it is not obvious. This line also shows how human Hamlet is, and how his emotions are similar to my own. Also, Hamlet’s line has a double meaning, which when I’m upset, I’ll use often to get free shots at unsuspecting people.
Another line that I also enjoyed was shortly after the previous line. Hamlet’s mother was telling Hamlet to stop being depressed so shortly after the death of his father. She thinks that Hamlet should let go. Hamlet’s reply was eleven lines, and is as follows.
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 forced breath,
Nor the dejected havior 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. (I, ii, 76-86)
I particularly like this passage because it shows that Hamlet is not going to simply change the way he is acting because someone tells him to. Here Hamlet shows genuine emotion, and that it is not just an act any man puts on. Furthermore, his sadness and depression will not go away just because his mother tells him that everyone dies, and it is not a big deal. I can relate to this quote because Hamlet stands his ground, just as I do. When confronted with a situation, I will not change my opinion just because someone is telling me how to feel. When a person feels emotion, they should never have to change how they feel because emotion is genuine, and nobody can tell you how you feel but yourself.
Finally, another one of my favorite quotes in act one was in Hamlet’s first soliloquy. Hamlet shows how honest he is about his feelings towards other people. A character cannot lie in a soliloquy because you cannot lie about the thoughts inside your head. Hamlet has to be completely honest when he states, “She married. O, most wicked speed, to post, with such dexterity to incestuous sheets!”(I, ii, 156-157). In this line, Hamlet enforces the point that he lost faith in his mother. He compares her to a horse that is running fast and dexterous to the finish line. She simply ignores Hamlet in this time, and just keeps running to the finish line, where she gets her prize, Claudius. I really like this line because I am always a big fan of honesty. Lying is not going to get you anywhere, and if it does, it got you there in all the wrong ways. When being honest, you have no guilt, and no other worries. When Hamlet says this line, he is rethinking his view of his mother because of how fast she forgot him.
In conclusion, one can see I like quotes that relate to honesty, sarcasm, and quotes that show great amounts of emotion. Without these elements, the play would not be interesting, and it would make Hamlet appear to be a robot. What makes the play interesting is when the characters display regular human emotions that you can relate to.
What Does It Take to be Number One (Topic 1)
The story of “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare is placed with a number of characters that are rulers of their own land. The actions and decisions made by these characters are related and in line with the beliefs and insights of Niccoló Machiavelli’s “The Prince”. It is about theories on how a prince can obtain the throne and how a reigning prince can maintain their throne. The ideas correspond based on leadership and acquisition leading to control and reputation showing in the ruling characters.
Even within the beginning characteristics and elements of a ruling leader noted under Machiavelli are shown in the conflicts between Norway and Denmark. The King of Norway: Dar’d to the combat; in which our valiant Hamlet/(For so this side of our known world esteem’d him)/Did slay this Fortinbras, who by a seal’d compact/Well ratified by law and heraldry/Did forfeit, with his life, all those his lands (1.1.86-91). The lines show that each King is adequate in making an agreement and willing to fight each other for their land. “A self-sufficient prince is one who can meet any enemy on the battlefield […]” (en.wikipedia.org) which would be the term Machiavelli would identify both in King Norway and King Hamlet. Both kings put aside actual war with their armies and settle it themselves as leaders who are trying take over territory. In their fight for land King Hamlet has the advantage, as he is able to kill Fortinbras, which is also another concept in “The Prince”. To take over new territory “force is the effective and efficient means as the prince will employ its leverage” (en.wikipedia.org). King Hamlet display this means of leverage as he is a strong warrior that can really fight which is the result of obtain new territory from Norway which both Kings agreed on. King Hamlet is one good example of a leader who can take over new territory in military action and agreement.
King Cladius is also a leader whose actions apply to Machiavelli’s ideas of acquiring territory in means of the throne. After the death of King Hamlet Cladius is ruled as the next king not because he is next in line but his act and decision to apply himself to the throne by acting on “harsh and civil ways” (en.wikipedia.org). Cladius is able to become king as he marries King Hamlet’s wife who is queen. King Cladius says in his speech: With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage,/In equal scale weighing delight and dole,/Taken to wife. Nor have we herein barr’d (1.2.12-14). Since the queen is a woman she can not be in charge of the throne Cladius’ action results in “executing a member of the ruling family” (en.wikipedia.org) in the sense of being vulnerable to have any choices on her own. This removing of the ruling family also includes Hamlet, in a way to make Cladius look like a better king. As Hamlet grieves for his father Cladius tells him: In filial obligation for some term/To do obsequious sorrow. But to persever/In obstinate condolement is a course/Of impious stubbornness, ‘tis unmanly grief (1.2.91-94). This shows Cladius acting “on by evil and civil means” (en.wikipedia.org) telling Hamlet that he is acting foolishly making him look like he is not good enough to become king. Cladius is making the people look down on Hamlet because he is stubborn and naïve. In this way Cladius is gathering his reputation and showing his control and power over others. Also proves that he is maintaining his power by means of Machiavelli’s concepts.
The characters including King Norway, King Hamlet and King Cladius all follow certain aspects of “the Prince”. Overall these characters of “Hamlet” follow the methods of obtaining power and learning how to preserve it.
Hamlet’s Denmark: A Machiavellian Monarchy
To be a ruler of a country is a challenging task. There are wars to be won, enemies to befriend, and civilians to satisfy. Niccolò Machiavelli’s, The Prince, gives the author’s view of how a Prince can achieve and maintain the throne in different ways. Claudius, from the play, Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, is a ruling character whose actions imitate the ideas put forth by Machiavelli that include military preparation, earned respect, and being both feared and loved.
Michiavelli believed that an army was an important aspect of preserving power. He stated, “the main concern for a prince should be war, or the preparation thereof.” (en.wikipedia.org) After the successful defeat over King Fortinbras, King Hamlet, Denmark’s finest warrior, earns land for his country, “In which our valiant Hamlet (For so this side of our known world esteem’d him)/Did slay this Fortinbras, who by a seal’d compact/Well ratified by law and heraldry did forfeit, with his life, all those lands.” (1.1.87-91) Young Fortinbras, outraged at his father’s death, began to gather an army for a surprise attack against Denmark to regain the lost land. After the unfortunate death of King Hamlet, Claudius, the new leader, realized the need to prepare for a potential attack. Civilians began noticing the unusual activities occurring in the night, “And why such daily cast of brazen cannon/And foreign mart for implements of war […].” (1.1.76-77) Michiavelli states that, “A self-sufficient prince is one who can meet any enemy on the battlefield,” (en.wikipedia.org) and Claudius understands that if Fortinbras attacks Denmark, he has to be ready to fight back. Claudius is intelligent and knows that he must take caution in order to prove himself worthy to his subjects and to sustain his position as King.
Michiavelli describes a powerful Prince as one who can gain and earn trust from his subjects, “A prince that is highly respected by his people is unlikely to face internal struggles.”(en.wikipedia.org) In order to be seen as a righteous King, Claudius has to earn respect from his people, especially since he is a new leader. To have people be in favour of his ruling, he must act consciously. After the death of the King, Claudius marries the Queen, “[…] With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage/In equal scale weighing delight and dole/Taken to wife,” (1.2.12-14), to prove to Denmark that he is there for his country. By taking up the throne, Claudius ensures the citizen’s of Denmark that the country will not be thrown into chaos. Claudius also decides to deal with the possible attack by Fortinbras without physical action, but with a note, “Now for ourself, and 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 further gait herin,” (1.2.29-31). The wise choice to settle the conflict with a letter allows Claudius to demonstrate his strong intellect. The people of Denmark admire the new King for this because the threat of war has now been diminished and they no longer have to live in fear.
Michiavelli also states that a great Prince is both feared and loved. However, he explains, “[…] It would be best to be both loved and feared. But since the two rarely come together, anyone compelled to choose will find greater security in being feared than in being loved,” (en.wikipedia.org). Claudius is a man who strives for control and his main objective is to be kind, yet cruel. When approaching his people, Claudius is sure to remind them that he is in charge. The King interrogates Laertes, “And now Laertes, what’s the news with you? You told us of some suit: what is’t, Laertes? You cannot speak of reason to the Dane and lose your voice,” (1.2.42-45) and makes Laertes feel uncomfortable. He makes Laertes feel foolish in front of the nobles. So too, when speaking to his step-son, Hamlet, Claudius yet again expresses his power when ridiculing Hamlet on his “impious stubbornness,” and “unmanly grief.”(1.2.94) Hamlet’s sorrow for his father’s makes Claudius angry and he tells Hamlet to put it in the past and move on. Claudius demonstrates that he can be quite rude and merciless. However, to his civilians of Denmark, they see his actions reasonable, which, therefore, make Claudius both loved and feared.
In the play, Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, Claudius is a ruler who proves to act in accordance with the attributes set forth by Michiavelli’s, The Prince. Military preparation, respect from his people, and the balance between love and fear are elements that Claudius portrays to maintain his title. In like manner, many of the great rulers of the world have been able to maintain their leadership.
The Revenge of a Death (Topic 3)
In the play, “Hamlet”, there are many lines that come to my attention. The reader can relate to Hamlet with what he is saying because he is a real character. What that means is that he holds real emotions that readers can understand, because they can link what Hamlet is feeling to one point and time in their lives. The way Hamlet acts in certain situations makes the reader believe that they would react the same way.
One thing that I love about Hamlet is his ability to make you believe the unreal. With the many times that the ghost appears, Hamlet makes it seem like it’s not crazy to be talking to a ghost. Hamlet would do anything to find out what happened to his father, as most of us would. This includes Hamlet talking to, and following the ghost when it beckons him. “Go on, I’ll follow thee.” (23). Hamlet does as the Ghost wants him to. In the following lines, the ghost reveals that he is King Hamlet.
I am thy father’s spirit,
Doom’d for a certain term to walk the night,
And for the day confin’d to fast in fires,
Till the foul crimes done in my days of nature
Are burnt and purg’d away. (24)
This quote finally explains the ghost’s identity, which is Hamlet’s dead father (the king). Hamlet instantly believes that the ghost is his father, the king. I personally like these lines because although it is crazy to be talking to a ghost, the reader can relate to it because it is easy to see why Hamlet begins to believe the ghost once he realizes that it is his father. Because Hamlet thinks of his father all the time, and what his death has done to him, he will believe anything.
The content of what the ghost tells Hamlet is very important to him, because it deals with the death of his father, and who killed him. This quote deals with Hamlet’s feelings on his father’s death.
Haste me to know’t, that I with wings as swift
As mediation or the thoughts of love
May sweep to my revenge. (25)
I like this quote because it builds up suspense for the reader. It foreshadows what Hamlet is going to do in the future, which is get revenge on his father’s murderer. The fact that Hamlet believes the ghost the whole time also allows the reader to believe that this is actually happening to him.
Hamlet and his thirst for revenge make the story interesting. These lines allow the reader to put themselves in his position, and to feel the same emotions that he is feeling. I enjoy lines that deal with Hamlet’s emotions because they are what make the play special. Many plays do not have such an emotional depth that Hamlet portrays, thus making them not as realistic. Readers can relate to the play easily, because real life experiences are similar to Hamlet’s.
Shake Spear and Niccolò Machiavelli
Shake Spear’s play Hamlet, had deliberately demonstrate the principles of ruling which are similar to the principle of idea prince set forth by Machiavelli. These principles are shown through the choices and the steps that the characters made, especially the kings and the princes. Though these are use to gain power from people these are also use to maintain and protect their kingdoms. All these shown the qualities that the ideal King or Prince should possess for him to withstand any siege.
In the play young Fortinbra’s actions are the first which is based on the principles of Machiavelli. Machiavelli state that “If you are more powerful, then your allies are under your command; if your allied are stronger, they will always feel a certain obligation to you for your help.”(en.wekipidia.org). this is what happened between Denmark and Norway; after Claudio asked the king of Norway a favor by writing a letter to the King of Norway to tell his nephew young Fortinbra to stop preparing arming against them, this is when young Fortinbra feel certain obligation to Denmark for their help . the ambassador said “ Herein further shown, that it might be please you to give quiet pass through your dominion for enterprise”…(2.2. 70-80) the plead of Claudio had made young Fortinbra feel that he is more power than them . Now if Denmark agreed on Norway’s request this mean their going to be under the command of Norway. Young Fortinbra is a kind of prince that has a great military power and ready to conquer anybody.
Machiavelli emphasize that “ A prince should establish himself on that which is his own control and not in that of others” (en.wekipidia). This is an example of Hamlet himself. He doesn’t take instruction from any body; he does what pleased him and other around him he doesn’t trust any body not even his mother. He claim her mother betray him. This had made him little desperate because the one that he can talk to in this situation are on his opposite site specially Ophelia. Hamlet trusting himself demonstrate the principle of Machiavelli.
Marhiavelli also believed that “Always wiser to choose a side, rather than to be neutral”(en.wekipidia.org). this was what Claudio was doing ; he wanted to be friend with Norway, that is why he couldn’t made any military reaction when young Fortinbra was forming war against Denmark instead he wrote a friendly letter to Norway. Claudio was trying to prove that he is highly educated then King Hamlet and Fortinbra himself. He used letter to solve war.
The character of hamlet, King Claudio, and young Fortinbra shown the essential qualities of ideal prince or King set forth by Niccolò Machiavelli. Among then Claudio was the one who mostly demonstrate the qualities of an ideal king by doing everything within his power to make some one’s life painful so that he can fully enjoy the throne that does not belong to him. He is preparing for war which can come in his way; he let his servants guard the palace gate day and night, they are making war implement day and night he does not even let them divide the Sundays from the week. As Machiavelli’ principles; Claudio use fear and love to keep up the throne. These are what every great leader used to maintain their thrones.
Holding Your Feelings In
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! God!
How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable,
Seem to me all the uses of this world!
Fie on't! ah fie! 'tis an unweeded garden,
That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature
Possess 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,
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
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, even she --
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
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’s first soliloquy is him letting everything out, but only to the audience or readers.
In the first few lines (lines 129-137) Hamlet describes his flesh as “sullied’ meaning to stain or defile. He’s desires his flesh to melt and dissolve, wishes suicide wasn’t a sin and sees all the uses of this world to be unprofitable and weary. In the next few lines (lines 138-140) Hamlet refers to his father and uncle, the present King as Hyperion to a satyr, a god compared to a beast. Hamlet informs the audience in lines 146-158 of his outlook on the Queen. In line 146, he describes his mother as morally weak by using a personification. He realizes this by the way she failed to make her eyes red and sore from crying and agreed to marry Claudius without giving time to mourn for her husband. From line 158 the reader realizes that Hamlet knows it all will come to no good.
Hamlet’s soliloquy tells me a lot abut Hamlet. I look at Hamlet as a smart young man that has a lot on his mind he doesn’t want his “parents” to know about. So far in the play King Claudius and Queen Gertrude only see King Hamlet’s death as the one thing that could be bothering Hamlet. In young Hamlet’s soliloquy he makes it clear that there are other things he is unhappy about. This makes me see Hamlet as a severely hurt and depressed young man that wears a mask in front of his “parents” to hide all other possibilities for his downcast state.
The reason why I love this soliloquy is because it lets me see Hamlet for who he really is. In lines 85-86
“But I have that within which passes show,
These but the trappings and the suits of woe,”
shows that there are things bothering Hamlet but his feelings can’t be expressed.
I didn’t realize but these quotes reveal a lot about my character. I’m the type of person that will sometimes hold my feelings in when something is bothering me. My parents and friends will try comforting me and asking me questions and I answer them but very bluntly without details. Personally I find prayer. This is how I relate Hamlet to myself.
Nowhere To Go No Way To Say It
Topic #3
Throughout Shakespeare's Hamlet, many lines are said that set a claustrophobic mood upon the watching audience. The overwhelming feelings of grief, anger, and despair are experienced by many of the characters in the play who seem so real, it becomes incredibly hard if not impossible not to identify and sympathize with them. All of these characters seem to be trapped in such a way that they are simply unable to express their true emotions by the means of words. Take Hamlet for example, his father dead, his mother married to his uncle soon after the king's passing, finds himself overwhelmed by a most unfair twist of Fortune. In Act I, scene II he says:
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 forced breath,
Nor the dejected havior 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. (I, sc ii, 76-86)
When his mother asks him to take his dark clothes off, he answers that even if he were to take them off the sadness and sorrow he feels for the passing of his father would not leave him, when he says that he can hardly breath again the claustrophobic mood sets in. He even says that there is no man alive that can remotely understand how deep his wounds are. He feels trapped and watches in horror and disbelief how everything he held dear now crumbles before him. He loses respect for his mother for he feels she is betraying the memory of his father.
Later on the play in Scene V, Hamlet meets the ghost of his father who orders Hamlet to avenge his murder to which Hamlet replies:
Haste me to know't, that I, with wings as swift
As meditation or the thoughts of love,
May sweep to my revenge. (I, sc v)
A few lines before he says this, Hamlet tells the ghost that he is bound to hear what he has to say, which goes back to another theme of the play which is filial obligation. From that moment, Hamlet has no choice but to believe what the ghost tells him and obey him.
I think that the reason why I like this play so much is because it is easy to identify with Hamlet and his outlook on life. Many times we are offered limited choices, if any, in life. As a teenager you are pretty much still dependent on your parents and many times you just want a little more control over your life. Sometimes you might feel frustrated because you realize that you cannot control every single variable that affects your lifestyle and you will have to rely on other people or, even worse, mere luck to reach your goal. This feeling is particularly frightening because is when you finally realize that life does not offer as many paths as you would like it to and sometimes you cannot always make the turn down the path you want.
Hamlet’s Sorrow
“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).
In the last lines of Hamlet’s first soliloquy, Hamlet reveals his feelings of disgust towards his mother’s hasty marriage to his uncle Claudius. He uses the metaphor of post horses running skillfully to the finish line in regards to his mother running to the alter, and into bed with Claudius. As Hamlet reflects on what has just happened, he realizes that his life has changed for the worst. Nothing good can come from it. He is alone in his grief, with no one to share this emotion with. His mother has already moved passed the stage of mourning and onto happiness of a new life. Right now, when Hamlet needs support the most from his mother she is not there for him. Everyone has turned their back on Hamlet, he has no one to understand him, no one to comfort him, and no one to retain his father’s memory.
These lines speak to me because I know what it is like to feel as if you are the only person to experience a situation in a certain way. The degree to which I have experienced this was somewhat the opposite of what Hamlet is going through. Sometimes you may experience something, such as a death. The way you react to it is very unique in comparison to the others that were also affected by this misfortune. When I heard my cousin had died, I handled the situation very differently from others and I was confused as to if I was treating the situation properly. Others around me may have cried their hearts out but I stood there dumbfounded, I could not comprehend the fact that they were dead. It seemed so unrealistic.
This scene proves to me that Hamlet loved his father dearly and can not perceive how his mother is questioning his mourning. It also shows us that Hamlet dislikes his uncle very much and is repulsed by both of their actions. Their incestuous and preposterous marriage replaces hamlet’s love for his mother with utter disrespect. He ponders how his mother could have had such love for his father, yet less than a month after his death, marry his brother. Hamlet’s father’s death has thrown him into a deep depression although it has seemed not to affect anyone else.
Love lasts forever. Nothing can stop the strong bond of love between people. Not even the end of a life. Love lives on, even after that person passes away. Hamlet’s love for his father protrudes in these lines and this is the main reason I like them. This shows that I have a very strong bond with my family and if anything like this occurred to me, I feel like my life would spiral down a dark path just like Hamlet’s. Although everyone is pressuring him to forget his father and move on, he can not lie to himself and pretend that everything is ok.
Hamlet takes off the cloak of Invisibility
Hamlet’s choleric first soliloquy displays that he is an exceptional character due to his internal anguish and sagacity that allows him to express his sorrow and concentrate his emotions into a direct task. However, Hamlet does have intense moments of animosity which the soliloquy reveals since he would prefer the release of his soul rather than being incarcerated to his flesh (1.2.129-130). Personally, I declare that Hamlet appears as a very determined young adult but his raw emotions nibble at his soul and lead him to thoughts on suicide which is prohibited by the sixth commandment. Besides, Hamlet professes that all things in the world are vain, useless, and worthless to him (1.2.133-134). This is the result of betrayal that his own blood mother committed by pretense love for his father and the quickness in which she married her brother-in-law. To me, it seems as if Shakespeare is trying to portray the idea that all parents are flawed just like their children and do in fact commit mistakes that can break the hearts and minds of their offspring. In this case, Hamlet’s love and bond to his mother are shattered by her act of treason against him, thus he truly despises her and all women by attributing them to frailty (1.2.146). Thus, it is revealed that Hamlet has certain disgust in women and this can signify his future hardships with Ophelia. However, he has kept all his emotions internally until this point where the audience is held in awe as Hamlet lets out all the grief that he is tortured by every single day of his life. As a result, Hamlet wanted to dissolve from his impure, mother given flesh due to his longing of freedom from everything worldly which is corrupt and rotten (1.2.135-136). It makes me think that all people perceive something foul in the world and certain few would go to any lengths to satisfy own desires or ideologies. In this case, Hamlet will go on to avenge his murdered father and bring down all corruption associated with Claudius. Be that as it may, Hamlet would have to find a way to bring down the King of Denmark without brute force in order to remain alive and have the possibility of attaining the rank of king when Claudius is overthrown. This shows the vast difference between Young Fortinbras and Hamlet along with their methods of action which are two extremes since one is all thought and the other is barbaric. Nevertheless, one of the most traumatizing aspects of Hamlet’s torment exists due to assassination of his dear father since Hamlet idolized his eminence and dared to call him a Hyperion compared to his futile brother who is no more than a beast (1.2.139-140). Hamlet also realizes that Claudius is nothing like the old king and it sickens him down to the gut when he remembers that his own dear mother married her husband’s slayer only two months after the funeral. In spite of everything what Hamlet knows and feels, he cannot act irrationally by taking a blade and cutting Claudius like butter, otherwise he will be no more than a murderer himself. For this reason, Hamlet decides to remain quiet (1.2.159.) until he can utilize a specific opportunity in which Claudius will be exposed and brought to justice.
In this way, we realize that Hamlet is a very peculiar character since he possesses all human attributes that we do: such as determination, sincere agony and torment, facing real life challenges and most of all, finding acceptance and love in a society. Hence the reason why I am deeply affected by his speech since I have also felt moments of anguish and betrayal and the strive to do something even though it seems there is everything going against me. I have also raged against time when trying to complete certain tasks whereas Hamlet rages on against time to bring down Claudius and accomplish the requests of his father’s ghost.
In addition, the mood is greatly affected by Hamlet’s first soliloquy since he reveals his true identity as a man of logic and of great knowledge. The mood darkens due to the comparisons Hamlet makes and the realization that this is a rotten and a corrupt world, full of murder, lies and evils of all kinds. On that account, the audience is ready for Hamlet to take drastic and cunning measures to achieve the nearly impossible.
Hamlet vs. Claudius, who is on the power play? (Topic #1)
When power is there for the taking, ones true ambitions become exposed. Power has always been something that mankind will do anything for. But it is how this power is gained, and held onto that is the challenge. In the play “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, many of the important characters’ traits are parallel to the views on gaining power, as outlined in Niccolo Machiavelli’s political book, “The Prince.” Many of Machiavelli’s statements on how to gain power are followed by Hamlet and King Claudius. Both of these characters, at one point, see the potential for gain in power and act on it.
In “The Prince”, Machiavelli writes about how a wise prince must always be in control. In the play “Hamlet”, the character Hamlet shows the reader/viewer that he is in complete control in his first appearance with King Claudius. When Claudius tells Hamlet, in front of everyone who is important, that he should stay with the King and Queen, instead of going back to Wittenberg, Hamlet ignores him. However, when the Queen asks, Hamlet responds to her, and only her “I shall in all my best obey you, madam.” (1.2.120)
This shows that Hamlet is in control and that he does not have to listen to the King. This type of rebellious act against the King is one that is outlined in “The Prince”, when Machiavelli states “ A wise prince should establish himself on that which is his own control and not in that of others; he must endeavor to avoid hatred, as is noted.” (en.wikipedia.org). Hamlet clearly follows these guidelines as he plans for his gain of power, and establishes, in front of everyone that the King does not control him.
King Claudius follows Machiavelli’s writings, as he portrays himself as something he is not. Claudius acts as if nothing has changed politically after he gains power, however at the same time he is able to act compassionately, trustworthy, sympathetic, honest and religious which are all included as how to act in “The Prince.” (en.wikipedia.org) This is seen in the King’s speech to the people where he says that King Hamlet was a great King and it is sad he is gone, then goes on to say he has generously taken the Queen’s hand in marriage, as if he is helping out. And near the end of his speech he explains that Young Fortinbras wants to go to war with Denmark, but soon says he wrote to King Norway telling him of what Fortinbras is doing, and he will be punished accordingly. This is a brilliant plan by King Claudius to keep political peace, and have the people of Denmark relieved that everything is seemingly under control. This whole speech by Claudius falls under ‘the traits of an effective political leader’, most importantly “The ability to illustrate how government is necessary to the well being of the populace.” (en.wikipedia.org). King Claudius is able to avoid chaos in Denmark by keeping the government exactly the same, the country even has the same Queen as before. This strategy keeps the people of Denmark comfortable with the state of their country.
Though all statements are valid in “The Prince”, one that seems to come forth in the play “Hamlet” the most, is that “It is best to be both feared and loved, however if one cannot be both it is better to be feared than loved.” This relates to the play, because King Claudius for the most part is loved by the people, as he has a tendency to drink, and keeps everything the way it was. However he is not feared by many. On the other hand, there is Hamlet, who is feared by most, as he is thought to be ‘crazy.’ He is also feared by the King, because he knows the King’s secrets. It is clear that there are many parallels found in Machiavelli’s “The Prince” and Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, when you look at the ruling characters in act one of the play. But in the end the smarter one who is in complete control will end up gaining power, and that is Hamlet.
Hamlet’s First Soliloquy (Topic # 2)
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’s first soliloquy set a very depressing mood for the beginning of the play. At such an early scene in the play, Hamlet’s life is already turned upside down. This soliloquy informs the audience/reader’s of what is going on in Hamlet’s life and in the life of Denmark’s royal family. Hamlet’s father, King Hamlet, has passed away and within a month’s time, the Queen Gertrude has already remarried. Unfortunately she has chosen to marry Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius. At the beginning of the soliloquy, Hamlet is contemplating murder/suicide. The only reason for Hamlet not to kill himself is because God does not allow murder, “Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d/ His canon ‘gainst self-slaughter. O God! O God!” (1.2.131-132) Hamlet gives off the impression that he has given up on everything. On Lines 135-137, Hamlet compares the world to an unkept garden where the weeds just grow and grow, and the most powerful take over. Hamlet then describes how wonderful his father was to his mother and then asking Heaven and earth why he has to remember this about his father. Knowing how good his father was to his mother makes Hamlet feel worse about what his mother did because the King did not deserve it. Hamlet then informs the audience that his mother had remarried only one month after the King’s death. Hamlet also personifies frailty by naming it woman. This is intended to call women weak and frail. Hamlet is commenting on how he feels about all women because of the example his mother has set. According to Hamlet, his mother remarried because she was too weak to handle the King’s death and needed to find happiness wherever it might have been. Hamlet then repeats to the audience how quickly his mother got remarried, as if to highlight to the audience how cruel her act was. He mentions that his mother wore good parts of her outfit from the funeral to her wedding, “A little month, or ere those shoes were old/ With which she follow'd my poor father's body.” (1.2.147-148) Hamlet insults his mother more by adding that a beast incapable of rationalizing the death would have wept more then his mother did, but instead she married his uncle, which is nothing more to his father, then he is to Hercules. “ Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears/Had left the flushing in her galled eyes,/ She married—O, most wicked speed,” (1.2.154-156) tells the audience that before the tears could leave the Queens eyes, she had already married again. At the end of the soliloquy, Hamlet realizes that there is nothing that he can do about this situation and that he just needs to keep quiet about it.
Hamlet’s first soliloquy affects the mood in Act 1 Scene 1, because it reveals a lot of about the Hamlet’s mother and King Claudius. After hearing what they have done to Hamlet, it is hard not to feel compassion for Hamlet. At the same time, one can be angry at the Queen and King, for they are the cause to Hamlet’s depression. One also can relate to Hamlet toward the end of the soliloquy as we too cannot speak up to change anything, because we are only viewers. Both the audience and Hamlet are stuck in the same position because we must “hold our tongue.” (1.2.159)
A Reader’s First Impressions
The impression that a character leaves on a reader will affect the reader throughout the literary piece. Changing attitudes from scene to scene or chapter to chapter may change the interpreters view, but the first impression sticks. No matter the actions the character may engage in further into the literary work, the first set of comments, jokes or actions primarily displayed affects the reader’s perception more deeply in the beginning as an opinion of the character is formed. In William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, the reader’s opinion of the protagonist, Hamlet himself, begins with hearing about the general situations taking place in his life. In the first scene, without hearing Hamlet even speak, the opinion begins to build around the fact that he has just lost his father. Feeling sympathy for Hamlet and viewing him as a depressed boy changes by the second scene of act one, in Hamlet’s first soliloquy.
Hamlet’s first impression begins settling in the reader’s perspective more permanently as we hear him speak about his father’s death, the marriage between his mother and his uncle and the relationship with the two of them.
Hamlet gives his first impression in his first soliloquy. In the speech, Hamlet shows characteristics of being depressed, angry with his own mother and having a lack of an ego. The feeling that Hamlet is depressed comes naturally well before Hamlet even speaks, but when Hamlet talks himself about the death of his father using his own words, readers use the literary evidence more closely to determine that Hamlet is for sure upset, “O that this too too sullied flesh would melt...” (Act 1, scene 2: 129) Hamlet’s announcement of suicide in the first line of his first soliloquy will automatically give readers the impression that he is in fact depressed, but as Hamlet continues on with his speech, a religious remark implies Hamlet does not want to actually kill himself, “His cannon ‘gainst self-slaughter. O God! God!”(Act 1, scene 2: 132) Hamlet interprets the religious commandment of “thou shall not kill” into suicide and proves to readers that his religious perspective would not cause such an act as suicide. Hamlet also displays his feelings on his mother as he says, “Let me not think on’t – Fratility, 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...” Hamlet says his mother wore some of her funeral attire to her wedding and explains that the concept of weakness is what a woman is. When Hamlet says such things as these, the reader will know that he quite obviously is upset with his mother, he has lost respect for her and does not like the fact that she got married so quickly. Hamlet compares his mother to a horse towards the end of his speech, “O most wicked speed! To post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets!” (Act 1, scene 2: 156-157) he describes her as galloping at full speed and jumping over obstacles which, from the readers view will give them an insight to how Hamlet thinks his mother rushed the mourning of her father’s death and that Hamlet questions if she was faking her tears and sorrow. A very important characteristic that readers can gain from Hamlet’s lines in this dialogue is that Hamlet lacks an ego, as he explains that his uncle is weaker than his father as Hamlet is weaker then Hercules, “My father’s brother- but no more like my father than I to Hercules.” (Act 1, scene 2: 152-153) Readers will then picture Hamlet as a small boy. Hamlet is basically categorizing himself as weak and readers take notice of this because they are searching for lines and words to help build their first impression of the main character in the play, a boy they are very interested in.
First Impressions and the Mood that they set
Due to the fact that the majority of perceptions readers first build in Act one of Hamlet are that Hamlet himself is depressed and angry, the mood seems to take shape of uncertainty. Reader’s still recall the presence of a ghost who may or may not be the father of Hamlet and this also falls under the mood Hamlet’s soliloquy gives off. Hamlet is unsure of how he thinks about his own mother, and he is unsure how to deal with the death of his father as he talks about suicide. Hamlet’s first impression helps build the reader’s feeling of uncertainty in the first act of this play.
My First Impressions
Hamlet’s first soliloquy gives me a general idea that Hamlet is a boy who thinks little of himself but is capable of great things. His confident and thought out words that show great comparisons between his mother and a horse and his uncle’s and father’s similarities between himself and Hercules show to me that he is an intelligent, clever boy and that makes me feel he is able to accomplish many great things. Hamlet is able to deal with all of these emotions by thinking about them, he doesn’t ignore or try to forget the fact that his new step father is his uncle and that his mom is nowhere near the person he has thought her out to be his whole life. Hamlet’s first impression to me is a boy of many emotions but at the same time, a boy who knows how to deal with these emotions and is in complete control of his actions in regards to his feelings.
Claudius, a Bad Person-A Good Ruler
There are 2 words within Monarchy, the first word being mono meaning one. The other word, archein meaning “to rule”. Therefore monarchy meaning one ruler. In Hamlet written by William Shakespeare there are 2 major ruling characters in act 1, Fortinbras the young and untested nephew of the King of Norway, and Claudius the current King of Denmark. Both these characters follow the guidelines of successfully ruling under a monarchy. The guideline is set by the piece of literature, The Prince written by Niccolò Machiavelli.
Of the 2 ruling characters in Act 1, it is evident through his actions that Fortinbras is the worse of the 2 rulers. Not much is known about him except he hired thugs to fight for him; in return he offered them food. Machiavelli is strongly against hiring soldiers for “a wage”. He believes they are useless and show no loyalty, this describes Fortinbras character- inexperienced. However Claudius is protecting Denmark, Machiavelli states that every self-sufficient country must have a strong military. Claudius has been building cannons endlessly, importing an excessive amount of weapons, and building ships continually. Machiavelli states “A wise prince can withstand any siege”, with all this military preparation it is conclusive that Claudius has a strong understanding of military and defense for the state of Denmark. Machiavelli stresses that it is important to be feared and love, but if you can only have one it is better to be feared. So when Hamlet challenges Claudius in front of “everyone who is anyone” he has to quickly defend himself. Claudius is very manipulative and the people of Denmark believe in Claudius, in the time he has been ruling Denmark he has mimicked almost everything Machiavelli says in The Prince. However, the most significant part of The Prince is when he states how to take control of the throne. “All one must do is establish power in a newly acquired territory is to execute all living members of the ruling family” Claudius has not yet executed Hamlet. Claudius should eliminate Hamlet as soon as possible or Hamlet may regain the throne.
It is easy to criticize the people of Denmark for being gullible to believe what is going on with King Hamlet dieing and Claudius taking over, but to fully understand what the people of Denmark is going through, one has to relate it back to an incident in their own life. The King was close to all his people and when he was murdered, the people of Denmark were venerable to the plan of Claudius. Whether Claudius is an asset or liability to Denmark; he has been ruling Denmark with great satisfaction to the people. Maybe Fortinbras should borrow Claudius’ copy of The Prince.
Intertwined thoughts and feelings
Hamlet’s first soliloquy in Act 1, scene 2, lines 129-159 is a fanatical and surprising passage that is the distinction of his actions and feelings towards Claudius for the remainder of the play. Hamlet’s internal feelings that he would not express to others is perceived by only the reader. Therefore, Shakespeare secretly reveals the reasons behind Hamlet’s misery in an outburst of anger, resentment and grief in which he explains how he is discontent with his life. As stated in lines 129-131, “O that this too too sullied flesh would melt, thaw and resolve itself into a dew, or that the everlasting had not fix’d,” Hamlet proves to be suicidal and wishes that when he too dies he will escape the confinement of his flesh in hope for “spiritual release”.
He resents and is sickened by his mother, the queen because he realizes that she is extremely greedy and had only shown the king signs of affection to satisfy her own needs. Hamlet feels that she acted to fast by remarrying about a month after the funeral and says “O God, a beast that wants discourse of reason would have mourn’d longer,” (150-151). Hamlet obviously is against the marriage between his uncle (King Hamlet’s brother) and his mother Gertrude because he states, “She married-O most wicked speed! To post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets!” (156-157). Hamlet believes that even though Claudius is now the king of Denmark that he is, “No more like my father then I to Hercules,” (152-153). This comment proves the disgust Hamlet feels for Claudius and that he will never be as remarkable as King Hamlet was.
This soliloquy leaves the reader with unpleasant imagery throughout the rest of Act 1. Hamlet’s words and actions illustrate that Denmark is a very dark and depressing environment. It is evident that Hamlet’s life is an unhappy one due to the lack of trust, family and loyalty. Therefore this passage creates a gloomy mood and proves that Hamlet is
incredibly smart. The general tone of this soliloquy is very emotional and personal because it shows how Hamlet is feeling very openly. At this point, the reader should be capable of distinguishing the reasons for Hamlet’s actions later on in the play and his reasons for being so emotionally destructive.
Shakespeare was exceptionally clever when writing and made sure his readers were left anxious to know what was next and feeling some sort of resemblance to the character’s thoughts and feelings. Even though Hamlet was based on the lives of people centuries ago, most readers understand the character because often they can relate to the person’s circumstance. Furthermore, this soliloquy shows that Hamlet is very dejected but proves that he knows how to handle his emotions and keep what he is feeling to himself. I realize that it would be very difficult to cope with the public if I was in a situation similar to Hamlet’s and I appreciate how calm he is and how appealing his thoughts are.
(Topic #1)
The Prince, written by Niccolò Machiavelli in 1513 detailed the outline for a way a Prince should act in life. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Hamlet is the Prince of Denmark struggling to come to terms with his fathers death and his mother’s marriage to his uncle. Even though Machiavelli’s The Prince was written almost 100 years before Hamlet, it can be seen that Shakespeare did at some point glance through The Prince, as some of the traits that Hamlet portrays is of the same qualities outlined in Machiavelli’s treatise. The characteristics can be seen in Hamlet, as well as other main characters, such as Claudius and Fortinbras. The ways these are seen are their reputation in the court, defence and military, as well as avoiding flatters.
The first example of the play Hamlet having a Machiavellian prince theme is Claudius’ reputation in the Denmark court. It can be seen in Act 1, scene 2, which shows that the new King already has the respect of his subjects, such as when Laertes asks for permission for him to be on his way, “My dread lord/ You leave and favour to return to France,/ From whence though willingly I came to Denmark[…]” (1.2.50-52), with the reference to Claudius as being a “dread lord” (1.2.50) showing that Laertes respects, and could even border line fear him, both of which are Machiavellian themes.
Another example of a Machiavellian theme that is seen in the play Hamlet is with the character is Hamlet himself. He has the Machiavellian with his avoidance of flatters. What this means is to avoid any advice from people, other than his most trusted advisors. In Hamlet’s case, the only such advisor would be Horatio, and even then he does not make much of an appearance in act one. Hamlet, however, does have a flaw with this one theme, as he does listen to the ghost, and does decide to trust what it says, even though it does have a chance of misleading him, “What if it temp you toward the flood, my lord,/ Or to the dreadful summit of the cliff […]” (1.4.69-70), Horatio hints that the ghost may be a devilish spirit sent to make mischief. Hamlet can be considered in the perhaps category in terms of being a Machiavellian archetype.
The third example of a Machiavellian theme in the play Hamlet is of Fortinbras. His is unknown at the start of the play, only hinted as the rambunctious rebelling against his uncle, the King of Norway. Fortinbras displays the act of being as skilled at defence and military issues. “Th’imperial jointress to this warlike state, […]” (1.2.11) this quote points out that Claudius is aware of Fortinbras actions, and sees the actions leading to war. Another example can be found in the letter sent to Norway, as such with the example above. “Our state to be disjoint and out of fame,/ Colleagued with this dream of his advantage […]” (1.2.20-21), here with have Fortinbras, the tactician, who sees a country in a state of political flux, and could be easily conquered, which is not the case. Fortinbras shows off his dynamic military abilities by being a cunning leader, gathering an army, “[…] to suppress/ His further gait herein[…]” (1.2.30-31), as well as seeing the right time to strike at an enemy.
Machiavelli’s The Prince was hard to come by in the time of Shakespeare, but when reading out the play Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, it is hard to believe the Shakespeare did not look at Machiavelli’s treatise. The play shows reputation in the court, defence and military, as well as avoiding flatters, and many others. Fortinbras, Hamlet, Claudius, Laertes, and even Polonius can all have traits leading pack to The Prince. So it begs the question to the characters, as well as their inner struggle, either to be Machiavellian or not to be Machiavellian. We can see that in this case, the play, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is truly Machiavellian.
Analyzing Hamlet’s first soliloquy
The first soliloquy from Hamlet provides an in-depth look at his true feelings and how he is dealing with everything that has happened so far in the play. It also helps to explain some of his actions, especially those dealing with Claudius and Gertrude. Hamlet’s melancholy thoughts include fury, revulsion, grief, and sorrow towards not only his father’s death but towards his mother’s marriage with his uncle as well. All of these factors force Hamlet to begin to question the worth of his life. He believes that he is living a tainted life, “O, that this too, too sullied flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into dew” (I.ii.133-4) He hopes that if he were to die that he would be cleansed and made wholesome once again. Although he wishes he could die, Hamlet also knows that suicide would be a sin in the eyes of God, “Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d His canon ’gainst self slaughter!” (I.ii.135-6), which would prevent Hamlet from going to heaven and becoming pure as he wishes he could. When Hamlet talks about his mother, he describes her as “an unweeded garden That grows to seed.” (I.ii.139) Hamlet is portraying his mother as an honourable woman until she enters into Claudius’ “incestuous sheets” (I.ii.161), making Claudius the reason for Gertrude “growing to seed” and losing her purity.
The way Hamlet speaks about his father’s death and the hasty marriage of Gertrude and Claudius almost forces the reader to sympathize with him and hope that he can overcome the trials he will face. He also mocks Gertrude’s sorrow by saying she cried “unrighteous tears” (I.ii.159) and begins to question whether the love she had for his father wasn’t merely for her own personal gain. Hamlet feels his mother’s hasty decision was in dishonour to his father’s memory, “O God, a beast that wants discourse of reason Would have mourned longer!” (I.ii.154-5) Disagreeing with the marriage, he believes “She married. O, most wicked speed, to post With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!” (I.ii.161-2) In Hamlet’s view, Claudius hardly deserves to be mentioned in the same conversation as his deceased father. “So excellent a king, that was to this Hyperion to a satyr” (I.ii.143-4) is how Hamlet compares Old Hamlet to Claudius. Hyperion, being the Titan God of Light, represents respect, virtue, and true qualities of a king; all pertaining to Hamlet’s father. Satyrs are merely half-human creatures that represent dirtiness and excessive drinking, similar to Hamlet’s views on Claudius. Another contrast Hamlet makes, “but no more like my father than I to Hercules” (I.ii.157-8) indicates his low self-esteem and humble views of himself while at the same time further establishing his revulsion and displeasure with Claudius.
This soliloquy is a very powerful tool used by Shakespeare to show the audience Hamlet’s true feelings. A very serious and personal tone is used to justify his feelings and provide a deeper understanding for the audience. The comparisons used are very dark which helps set the mood that Hamlet is in.
It has been proven that strife over power is prevalent any time power is to be had. The power struggle in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” is between the offspring of King Hamlet, a king who stood for all that is fair and noble, and his brother, a cunning man learned and experienced in the game of politics, but whose intentions are far from pure. During the early 16th century, political theorist Niccolò Machiavelli wrote a political commentary in which he outlined the characteristics and actions that must be had and attained in order to be a successful ruler, entitled “The Prince”. These rules can be seen clearly as the plot evolves in “Hamlet”, as King Claudius, brother of the departed King Hamlet and official king of Denmark, and young Hamlet, rightful heir to the throne. Their actions can thusly determine who ultimately has power over the other, and over Denmark.
The first and most prominent way that that Hamlet and Claudius act in accordance with the principles set forth by Niccolò Machiavelli is through the triviality of the reputation of a ruler. Claudius thinks everything of his reputation, and tries to keep himself respected in his kingdom through copying everything that the successful king before him had done, and thus encounters problems such as incestuous activity with Gertrude and an unpatriotic Prime Minister who had served under the king deceased. Hamlet however, thinks only of his own motives which ultimately will benefit the whole of Denmark. Hamlet’s outbursts of insanity and treason are far from respectable activities in the monarchy, but his reputation is the furthest thing from his mind throughout the play. Through this principle of the lack of importance of reputation, and the only thing that is to be cared for is the state, Hamlet would theoretically make a more successful ruler.
Secondly, the rulers in “Hamlet” exemplify the characteristics of a Prince through the avoidance of contempt and hatred. Hamlet tends to hold on harder for self-respect rather than the respect of his underlings, as is shown through his disrespect and unruly behaviour in front of audiences and to the king and queen. Claudius, however, tries to please as many people as he can, to keep stability in kingdom while war approaches, and tries to keep secret his murder of King Hamlet and how strange it was to have his wedding to Queen Gertrude the day after the death of his brother. Therefore, the respect Claudius attains is not genuine, and once the truth comes out it will all be for not, and contempt and hatred will surely be the emotions felt by all. Thusly, Hamlet will once again be more loyal to the Machiavellian principles of how to rule a kingdom.
In Machiavellian theory, Hamlet would conclusively be a better king than Claudius. This has been derived in respect to their thoughts on reputation among their kingdom, and their lack of significance. It also has been taken through Hamlet’s freedom from contempt and hatred, where Claudius’ likeability among his subjects is only falsely held through his lies and deceit. Therein Hamlet holds all the characteristics of a right, just and successful ruler, and the fate of Denmark should ultimately fall into his hands.
Lines from Hamlet
The play Hamlet by William Shakespeare has many lines that have inspired many people and some lines are still being debated over their true meaning even until this day.
There are a few lines in the play Hamlet that made me stop and think, made me look at my own life in a different way and some have even made me laugh. One line that mad me think and laugh at was one of Horatios’ first lines in the play, “A piece of him” (Act 1, scene 1, line 23). Though the line is very small and can seem very insignificant, but it made me think. For one I was not sure what the humour behind the line was, once I found out the humour behind it I was able to learn a little bit about the character Horatio. It gave the impression that Horatio is a very smart, witty, and sarcastic type of person. The reason that this line stood out to me was because I can see myself giving that kind of remark and in a way I can relate to Horatio.
Another line that had my attention was Hamlet’s very first line of the play, “A little more than kin, and less the kind” (Act 1, scene 2, line 65). The line reveals what kind of person Hamlet really is and sets up the Hamlets mood for the whole play. The line itself is a very clever one with a very subtle double meaning when it is said which the characters in the play do not pick up on, but the audience does. This again is showing wit and cleverness on Hamlets part to be so subtle and yet so effective. This shows how brilliant Hamlet is at using words to get his message across instead of solving his problems with brawn and fighting.
Hamlet is a play that has many lines quoted over and over again and that’s because they are still true to this day and have a significant meaning even after hundreds of years of change they have message that always gets across
Was ever seen an Emperor in Rome thus overborne? (Topic 2)
For the countless number of academic minds analyzing William Shakespeare’s plays and written works, the soliloquy is an essential tool due to its ability to allow the audience to immerse themselves into a character’s mind. During a soliloquy, the character voices his or her own thoughts on the situation they are facing and concludes their thoughts with a possible solution to their dilemma, which allows the audience to relate with the character and to better understand the plot and the conflicts that are occurring. As a result, it is no surprise that the first soliloquy in Shakespeare’s Hamlet is of great importance to the academic reader as it reveals much about who the character Hamlet is, as well as the mood of Act 1.
Hamlet’s soliloquy opens on a dour note, “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 (1.2.129-132)”, with Hamlet contemplating suicide as a possible solution to his problems and dismisses that idea out of fear of disobeying God, which shows that unlike Horatio, Hamlet accepts the possibility of the supernatural and alludes to Hamlet accepting Horatio and Marcellus’ word that the ghost of King Hamlet exists. Hamlet continues the soliloquy by passionately complaining about his conflicts and how those problems continue to multiply, “O God! God! How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world! [...] ‘tis an unweeded garden that grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature possess it merely. (1.2.132-137)”, which gives off a depressing atmosphere with no sign of a glimmer of hope and seems to grow rapidly like a weed. Although one may be in confusion as to what is Hamlet’s primary conflict as he suffers from a number of problems such as losing his father, the crown he was promised to receive, and his girlfriend, until it is revealed that what troubles Hamlet the most is his mother marrying his uncle as he continues the duration of the soliloquy cursing his mother for that decision, “O God, a beast that wants discourse of reason would have mourn’d longer—married my uncle (1.2.150-151)”, displaying how deep Hamlet’s respect and admiration towards his parents was, that he would be most troubled by his mother marrying his uncle than all of Hamlet’s other problems because his mother’s action betrayed the memory of Hamlet’s father. Despite the initial fire that Hamlet exhibits in the beginning of the soliloquy, Hamlet is able to express his thoughts calmly and with reason as he does not deludes himself and identifies his own weaknesses, “My father’s brother – but no more like my father, than I to Hercules (1.2.151-152)”, and is even able to conclude the soliloquy with a rational solution, “But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue (1.2.159)” which is to not trouble his mother and others about his grief, hinting that if he were to confess his grievances that no good would come out of it.
By analyzing Hamlet’s first soliloquy, I have come to learn more than just how the word soliloquy is spelt. I am reminded by another Shakespearian character, Saturninus from Titus Andronicus who would rage and rant about his problems in an immature and irrational manner, which helps me to respect how Hamlet is able to calmly sift through his problems and come to a reasonable answer. As society has begun to label me more of an adult than of a child, I realize that it is important for me to also change my attitude towards life and answer to it in a more mature manner by evaluating my actions and their consequences rather than just reacting with how I feel and acting on impulse.
Machiavelli as seen on Hamlet
In William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, there are three characters who show some principles of Machiavelli’s The Prince are King Hamlet, and Claudius. They show these principles though how they handle military action and defense and by how the gain a good reputation in their countries.
King Hamlet shows Machiavellian principles in how he handled his military action and defense and his reputation that he gained from those actions. When he was challenged by Old Norway, King Hamlet decided on a one-on-one battle to settle the dispute, “Dared to combat; in which our valiant Hamlet/(For so this side of our known world esteemed him)/ Did slay this Fortinbras, who by sealed compact/ Well ratified by law and heraldry,/ Did forfeit, with his life, all those his land/ Which he stood seized of to the conqueror,” (1.1.83-88). In the play, King Hamlet went to the defense of his country to protect it from the invader, Old Fortinbras. Through a one-on-one duel King Hamlet killed Old Fortinbras and regained the land that had been taken from him. King Hamlet also shows mercy to the Norwegians by not conquering their land even though he had every right to do so. King Hamlet also gains a good reputation for making a deal with Old Fortinbras so their soldiers would not have to fight. King Hamlet shows good principles of military action and defense, a good reputation from his successful battles, and he shows mercy when people are undeserving of cruelty. King Hamlet is a king whos rules through fear and love.
Claudius shows Machiavellian principles by how he gained his power, and the cruelty with which he is using his power. Claudius gained his power by killing his brother, King Hamlet, and then took the throne saying it is for the good of Denmark. Claudius shows his cruelty by how he treats his subjects, “And now, Laertes, what’s the news with you?/You told us of some suit. What is ‘t, Laertes?/You cannot speak of reason to the Dane/And lose your voice./’ (1.2.43-45). Laertes, is a subject of Claudius, wants to return to Paris to continue his studies there. Claudius forces Laertes to ask for his permission to leave for Paris when it is Laertes’ father, Polonius who shoud be the only one he needs permission from. This shows Claudius cruelty in showing his power over his subjects. Claudius shows good principles of how to gain power, and how to maintain that power by being cruel. Claudius is a good example of a king who rules through fear.
Machiavellian principles state that, “The answer is of course, that it would be best to be both loved and feared. But since the two rarely come together, anyone compelled to choose will find greater security in being feared than in being loved.” (en.wikipedia.org), so King Hamlet would be a better ruler than Claudius because the people both fear and love King Hamlet because they know he will keep them safe but if they do not show him respect and loyalty he will turn on them. Claudius is a man who rules by fear and fear alone. He is not concerned with gaining the love of the people only making sure that nothing gets between him and the throne. King Hamlet and Claudius show two different sides to Machiavellian rulers, of which King Hamlet would be the superior ruler.
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