Ghost: “The serpent that did sting thy father’s life/ Now wears his crown.” (1.5.776-77) The fact that Claudius killed the King by pouring poison into his ear while he was asleep was revealed to Hamlet in the very first Act of the play. The only ones who initially know of this are Hamlet and the…
Hamlet is the most popular of Shakespeare’s plays for theater audiences and readers. It has been acted live in countries throughout the world and has been translated into every language. Polonius is one of the major characters in Hamlet, his role in the play is of great interest to scholars. Parts of Hamlet present Polonius…
Poison Poison plays a big role in Hamlet. It is a symbol of betrayal, corruption, deceit, revenge and death. In Act 1 Scene 5, Hamlet follows the ghost of his father, King Hamlet and learns the entire story of how Claudius kills him. King Hamlet says, “…Upon my secure hour thy uncle stoleWith juice of…
How sanity affects Hamlet, its characters and plot: Sanity Hamlet faking his insanity Horatio’s continuous support seems to keep Hamlet from falling off the brink Ophelia’s death brings an end to Hamlet’s facade, and he confronts Claudius and Laertes Laertes learned to think clearly during his fight with Hamlet Insanity Ophelia driven crazy by father’s…
Role: Father of Leartes and Ophelia Courtier to late King Hamlet and present King Claudius He plans for Ophelia and Hamlet to meet in the hall, so he can find out the reason behind Hamlet’s madness. Sends Reynaldo to spy on his son Leartes, in Paris. Plans with King Claudius to hide and spy on…
Significance/ Role Noblewomen of Denmark Daughter of Polonius Sister of Laertes Hamlet’s love Character Traits and General Facts Ophelia demonstrates purity, the innocence and virtue of women She is childlike and naïve in nature She is unaware of the harsh realities of life Although she truly loves Hamlet, she is very loyal and obedient to…
Gertrude Gertrude betrays Hamlet and the late King Hamlet by marrying Claudius. Hamlet, being still depressed about his father’s death was further upset and felt betrayed by his mother when she quickly married Claudius. “Mother, you have my father much offended …You are the queen, your husband’s wife …” (3.4.10-15) By marrying her former husband’s…