... humor, for they are aware of Hamlet's scheme. This scene also shows, again, the attitudes the characters have toward Hamlet. Perhaps the most effective proof of Hamlet's sanity lies in his soliloquies. The first soliloquy, Act 1. Scene 5, occurs directly after Hamlet's conversation with his father's ghost. The tone of this soliloquy is not that ... whether it is nobler to fight or suffer, if to die is to sleep and to dream. It is strange that in this scene, Hamlet switches immediately from deep pondering to his feigned persona precisely when Ophelia enters. The phrase,Soft you now. .? i...

• Word Count: 1958
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... four centuries, not only does the style of writing change, but the presentation of relationships becomes arguably more realistic. In terms of love, it is arguable that all three texts; "Hamlet," "Sons and Lovers," and "A Streetcar Named Desire," present it as a destructive and negative force. However, there are differences with the way it is presented. Shakespeare's 17th Century revenge tragedy ... two sisters; in Blanches interrogation of Stella concerning the gossip about her, " there is clear panic in Blanche's voice, acting as if she has something to hide. The defensive tone immedia...

• Word Count: 3412
• Approx Pages: 14
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... increase of appetite had grown by what it fed on; and yet within a month- Let me not think on't; fralty, thy name is woman- (Signet, 1.2, Lines 143-145, page 15)" Hamlet also expresses his displeasure of their relationship by referring to his mother's relationship with his uncle as "incestuous." At this junction in the play, one might suppose ... 1.2, or the "vengeful Hamlet" seen in 1.5. This time, Hamlet is weighing consequences, determining within him the meaning of life. The dialogue between Hamlet and Ophelia in 3.1 rapidly leads to her requesting he take back the gifts he has prev...

• Word Count: 774
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... 's life all advice comes from men, her brother's advice to her in the first Act seems, at first glance to be condescending and belittling, making Hamlet's apparent love for her seem false and childish. "A toy in my blood"- a passion without meaning or depth. This advice seems highly hypocritical, Ophelia ... other hand the advice that Ophelia receives from Polonious is much less sensitive and somewhat dismissive. "Affection! Pooh!" and "Think yourself a baby." Polonious" tone is patronizing, condescending and much less thoughtful than that of Laertes. Yet Ophelia vows to obey both of thei...

• Word Count: 1730
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... harshly turns Ophelia and her love down when he realizes he is being observed. This artificial madness can be deemed reasonable on accounts that it provides Hamlet with time, it gives him the time needed to decide what action to take, whether to believe the ghost or not, and it provides a ... means to get close to Claudius without drawing attention to himself. The madness Hamlet puts on is also reasonable because it shows his rationality and his morality. The madness related to the work as a whole is quite important as a ... alliance with the Claudius, and to use poison in his sword matc...

• Word Count: 633
• Approx Pages: 3

... who are considered "clowns." The purpose of these characters is to act as a comic relief. This is necessary after the tension of Ophelia's death and the tone of most of the play. Just a few lines before, Queen Gertrude gave a very depressing image of Ophelia, "When down her weedy trophies and herself / ... but the First Clown appreciated it just the same, "I like thy wit well, in good faith / To't again, come" (501.45-49). After, Hamlet and Horatio came into the scene, the "First Clown" decided to answer the riddle: "Cudgel thy brains no more about it, for / your dull ass will ... might ...

• Word Count: 1229
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School