Character, Plot, and Theme Development
The play "Hamlet", by William Shakespeare, contains complex scenes that interlock; using a mastery of words and hidden meanings behind phrases. Since each scene is a piece that connects to another; it is vital that each scene has certain actions and reactions to bring out other meanings in the play. Thus making character, theme, and plot development critical to each scene. Such development can be tracked through individual scenes and is evident in Act 3, scene 4 as any other. In this scene character development expands immensely. Hamlet, in a fit of rage, demonstrates that he does possess the ability to act by killing Polonis. Polonis: "What, ho! Help, help; help!" Hamlet: "how now! Arat? Dead, for a ducat, dead!" Polonis: "O, I am slain"(Act 3, Scene4, line 23-25). This murder is what Hamlet expected to be the demise of Claudius, but is shocked to discover Polonis behind the curtain. Hamlet then turns his aggressions back toward Gertrude; consequently we learn why Hamlet is so upset with his mother as he says: "Such an act. That blurs the grace and blush of modesty; calls virtue hypotite; takes off the rose From the fair forehead of innocent love, And sets blister; makes marriage vows As false as dicers'o
Queen: "This is the very coinage of your brain With Hamlet appearing to be insane, a motherly instinct of concern and love washes over Gertrude. She promises to keep their conversation a secret by swearing: "Be thou assur'd, if no life to breathe what thou hast said to me" (Act3, scene 4, line198-200). This phrase exhibits feelings similar to the Ghost feelings toward Gertrude. In that despite the harsh conversation between Gertrude and Hamlet; Gertrude still loves Hamlet and is concerned for his safety. Beginning the scene Gertrude confronts Hamlet about the play: "Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended" (Act 3 scene 4 line 9). Gertrude is on the offensive at the start of the scene. The roles, however, are quickly reverse as Polonis is slain and Hamlet questions Gertrude about the hasty marriage. Gertrude is unable to justify her actions and begs Hamlet to stop: "O Hamlet, speak no more. Thou turn'st mine eyes in to my very soul; and there I see black and grain spots as will not leave their tinct" (Act 3 scene 4, line 89-92). As Hamlets onslaught continues, Gertrude finally shows guilt for her perverse actions and betrayal when she cries out: " O , speak no more; these words, like daggers, enter mine ears: No more Sweet Hamlet!"(Act 3 scene 4, line 95-97). Gertrude's guilt is short lived as the Ghost appears to Hamlet. Since she cannot see the ghost; Gertrude's assumes Hamlet to be mad with hallucinations. Hamlet seeks to honor his father's death in an attempt to kill his father's murderer. To Hamlets dismay he discovers that the man behind the curtain is not Claudius but in fact Polonius. This action, unfortunate as it may be, still promotes the theme of honor and stirs another action supporting the theme of honor as Laertes in turn seeks revenge. Truth is another theme that goes hand in hand with honor. Gertrude come to realize the truth of her actions. Hamlet speaks harshly to her about the hasty marriage; causing Gertrude to s
Some common words found in the essay are:
Hamlet Act, Arat Dead, Hamlet Ophelia's, Sweet HamletAct, Obviously Ghost, William Shakespeare, Claudius Polonius, Starting Hamlet, Shortly Ghost, Polonius Gertrude, scene 4, 3 scene, 3 scene 4, act 3 scene, act 3, scene 4 line, 4 line, thou hast, hamlet stop, hamlet act, hasty marriage, hamlet act 3, conceit weakest, weakest bodies, weakest bodies strongest,
Approximate Word count = 1332
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
