Act 1 Scene 2 first part Flashcards
Why does Claudius begin by stating ‘Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother’s death’?
-Claudius attempts to present himself as a skilled orator
-Claudius is attempting to gain trust by playing up to the feelings of the kingdom
Why does Claudius repeatedly use plural. ‘our heart’s in grief’ ‘we with wisest sorrow think of him’ ‘with rememberance of ourselves’
-Claudius attempts to create a sense of unity as the Kingdom is in turmoil
-He is trying to make it seem like he is also grieving his brother’s death
Why does Shakespeare use iambic pentameter in Claudius’ speech?
Presents Claudius as calculated as his speech is rehearsed and not reflective of how he feels.
Claudius wants to be seen as a sophisticated King
In using metaphors such as ‘with an auspiscious and dropping eye’ how does Claudius wish to be perceived?
-He wishes to be percieved as sophisticated
-antithisis also presents Claudius’ speech as rehearsed and fake
How does Claudius’ approach to the threat of Young Fortinbras present him as a different King to Old Hamlet?
He ‘writ to Norway’ and tears the page showing he does not see Young Fortinbras as a threat
