Hamlets Wit Essay examples - 939 Words

Hamlets Wit We remember Shakespeares characters largely because of their enormously complex personalities. Hamlet, with his inner conflicts, indecision, wit, and passive-aggressive behavior, is one of Shakespeares most memorable characters. Yet so much attention has been given to Hamlets inner conflict-whether or not he should kill his uncle-that a large piece of his personality is easy to overlook. Hamlets wit strikes out at the audience in several different scenes throughout the play and not only gives the reader greater insight into Hamlets deepest feelings, but greater insight into the play itself. In Hamlets first few lines of the play he expresses his deepest feelings through his wit. Hamlets sarcastic†¦show more content†¦Hamlets sarcastic responses to Polonius questions lead the audience to the realization that Hamlet is not truly mad. Polonius asks Hamlet: What do you read, my lord?(2.2.190). Hamlet responds to Polonius question with, Words, words, words(191). Polonius asks Hamlet the matter he is reading about and Hamlet responds question with, yourself, sir, shall grow old as I am, if like a crab you could / go backward(192-202). Wit is very orderly and a truly mad person could never state something as clever and sarcastic as what Hamlet has just said. Even Polonius realizes that madness and wit do not coincide: Though this be madness, yet there is / method int(203-4). Because of Hamlets sarcastic conversation with Polonius, we can better understand Hamlets future actions. Hamlet says and does some rather odd things later on in the play, but the audience knows that he is not really mad, but merely deceiving his enemies. Hamlets true condition and state of mind becomes clearer to the audience when he uses wit to express his deepest feelings. Hamlets sarcastic remarks to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern reveal how he truly feels about them. Rosencrantz, clearly acting in behalf of the king, attempts to persuade Hamlet into telling him the reason he is acting so strangely: Good my lord, what is your cause of distemper?(3.2.317). Hamlet responds to Rosencrantz by asking him to play a pipe: Will you play upon this / pipe?(330-1). WhenShow MoreRelatedThe Wise Fools of Shakespeare1868 Words   |  8 Pagesfools carved by Shakespeare in his plays showed no resemblance to the mentally and physically challenged people who were treated as pets and used for amusement during the medieval period. Rather Shakespeare’s fools appear to be in the best of their wits when they are in possession of the wisest minds. Fools whether in their rustic vigour displaying grotesque humour or in the forms of the sophistic ated court jesters with their polished puns occupied a substantial position in his plays. Not only theyRead MoreA Major Source Of Discussion Concerning Shakespeare s Hamlet1108 Words   |  5 Pagessharp wit, the opinions of other characters, and Hamlet’s own admissions. A reoccurring and significant aspect of Hamlet’s character is his wit. From his first line in the play, he is revealed to have a quick wit as well as an insinuating and sharp tone: â€Å"A little more than kin, and less than kind†¦ I am too much i’ the sun† (1.2.66-68). He continues to showcase his cleverness throughout the entire play. His responses are well-thought out, including metaphorical language and his usual wit. When respondingRead MoreAn author can reveal characteristics of characters in literature through several different methods.900 Words   |  4 Pagesplay. Firstly, Hamlet’s characteristics are revealed through the imagery of death in his speech. Secondly, Claudius’ characteristics are revealed through the imagery in the Ghost and Hamlet’s descriptions of him, as well as his own thoughts. It is through this visually descriptive and figurative language, that readers can identify characteristics of these central characters . The beginning of Shakespeare’s use of imagery to develop a central character is seen in Hamlet. Through Hamlet’s first soliloquyRead MoreEssay on Hamlets Antic Disposition1487 Words   |  6 PagesHamlets Antic Disposition      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In William Shakespeares famous tragedy Hamlet, the main character of the story is one majestically elaborated, aside from being quite complex. There are infinite volumes written about this character because Shakespeare leaves no firm proof of many of his character traits. Yet on Hamlets antic disposition, meaning his obviously absurd temperament or madness, Shakespeare leaves plenty of reason to believe that it is feigned, meaning that it is simply a ployRead MoreThe Role and Significance of Polonius in Hamlet by Shakespeare754 Words   |  3 Pagescharacter Polonius, who is often incorrectly portrayed as a oblivious and foolish yet caring father. Rather, Shakespeare implicitly and explicitly establishes Polonius as a character in full control of his wits. Polonius’ interaction with other characters throughout the play highlights his cunning, wit, and selfishness. Polonius’ interactions with Hamlet are often the source of misinterpretations that Polonius is a bumbling fool. In every conversation, Polonius appears oblivious to the witty and cruelRead More Hamlets Sense of Humor Essay1391 Words   |  6 PagesHamlets Sense of Humor       Well aware that several hours of unrelenting angst would be a bit much for his audience to take, William Shakespeare strategically placed several humorous scenes throughout his masterpiece, Hamlet.   In particular, the character of Polonius fills the role of the comic fool; he is in two essential comedic scenes, one with his own children and then one with Hamlet.   Shakespeares acute ability to weave humor into this very heavy play is noteworthy, as his useRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark953 Words   |  4 Pagesjob because it guarantees him a place in upper class society. After developing a plan to find the root of Hamlet’s madness with the king, Hamlet walks in, and Polonius attempts to converse with him. At first, Hamlet’s remarks seem insane, but his words are laden with insults to Polonius. The prince comments that he agrees with his book which describes â€Å"that old men have†¦ a plentiful lack of wit,† directing his jab at Polonius (II.II.193-195). His mocking shows that class is very important in theRead MoreCommon Themes In The Tragedy Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare1071 Words   |  5 Pageshis love, Ophelia, and her brother. The theme of revenge is strung out throughout the play.   Ã‚  Ã‚   It is show in the first scene, in the play, that revenge is the common theme. Before the plot begins, in scene one it is made known to the reader that Hamlet’s father was killed. His father, who in the beginning was trying to take over Denmark, kills King Fortinbras of Norway. In return Young Fortinbras, then plans an attack on Denmark, to seek revenge for his father’s death. Unfortunately before FortinbrasRead MoreThe Character Polonius in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay examples535 Words   |  3 Pagescharacterization and plot atmosphere. In the following speech, Polonius has decided to tell Gertrude and Claudius that he has discovered the reason for Hamlets odd behavior, which is in his opinion caused by Hamlets love for Ophelia, Polonius daughter. Besides the fact that this kind of love relationship would make Polonius extremely proud because of Hamlets princely position, Polonius is relieved over the fact that he has solved the mystery that is so important to the King and Queen that everyone isRead MoreHamlet As A Tragic Hero1305 Words   |  6 Pagessympathy from the audience. These specific sources cause the reader to see the development of the overall themes of deceit, justice, and revenge. Deceit is one of the main themes presented throughout the play starting from the beginning, when Hamlet’s father comes back in the form of a ghost to tell him how they were both betrayed by Claudius. Old Hamlet tells his son about how Claudius, his brother, killed him with poison while he was sleeping, to become king and marry his wife. This example