Act I Scene iii, Scene vi, Scene V

The plot so far… Polonius gives advice to his son Laertes as he goes back to France and to his daughter Ophelia. They both tell her to stay away from Hamlet. Hamlet sees his father’s ghost and follows it. The ghost explains that he was killed by Claudius who wished to steal his wife and thrown. Hamlet is convinced he must take revenge. He makes Horatio and Marcellus swear not to tell anyone what they have seen and heard.

Themes APPEARANCE VS. REALITY I, v, 138 “It is an honest ghost, that let me tell you.” He does not believe it is a devil sent to trick him. THE COMPLEXITY OF HUMAN NATURE I, v, 166 – 167 “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, then are dreamt of in your philosophy.” It is difficult for humans to fully comprehend the natural world. THE COMPLEXITY OF HUMAN NATURE I, v, 184 “…and what so poor a man as Hamlet is…” Hamlet says he will do his best to keep them as friends although he may not be capable of it.

Figurative language - Puns I, iv, 43 “Thou com’st in such a questionable shape.” He means able to take questions and strange at the same time.

Figurative language - Metaphors Act I, iii, “For Hamlet, and the trifling of his favour, hold it 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 minuit, no more.” Hamlet’s affections towards you are short lived like perfume because he is youthful and unconcerned. Act I, v, 71 – 73 “and a most instant tetter, barked about most Lazarlike with vile and loathesome crust all my smooth body.” The ghost is describing how the poison worked.

Figurative language - Personification The state of Denmark as a living thing. Act I, iii, 20 – 21 “For on his choice depends the safety and health of this whole state.”

Motifs – That thing that enhances the theme INCEST I, iii, 31 – 32 “Or lose your heart, or your chaste treasure open to his unmastered importunity.” Laertes is personally concerned with his sister’s sex life. EAR I, v, 36 – 37 “So the whole ear of Denmark is by a forged process of my death rankly abused.” The whole country has heard a false account of the kings death.