Claudius; Character profile Flashcards
(13 cards)
How is Claudius presented in his first appearance in the play?
Claudius presents himself to the Danish court to be a intelligent, stable orator. Shown through;
- Iambic pentameter - His speech is long, calm and measured, juxtaposing the short choppy rhythms of the opening scene.
-Uniting - ‘ though yet of our dear brother Hamlet’ ‘Our hearts in grief’ - His speech is long, calm and measured, juxtaposing the short choppy rhythms of the opening scene.
-Duplicitous- ‘with one auspicious and a dropping eye’ - One eye smiling, one eye weeping. Attempting to appear genuine due to his win and loss.
However, Claudius’ grief can also be viewed to be pre-meditated and inauthentic due to the controlled nature of his speech. The Tennant version has Claudius tripping over his speech, presenting it to be unnatural for Claudius. (Using iambic pentameter which monarchs and kings use, not his true role)
How does Claudius approach Young Fortinbras as a threat?
He takes a diplomatic approach, contrasting OH who was a valiant warrior. He writes a letter to Norway.
In the Branagh’s 1996 version Claudius rips the letter, showcasing his power as he sees no threat.
‘Claudius shows every sign of being an excellent diplomat and king’ (Knight)
What fears of the period may have influenced Claudius?
Elizabeth I provided stability for 40 years after a significant change with multiple monarchs. Her reign was due to come to an end; she had no clear successors to the throne, leaving the kingdom in a state of fear.
How is Claudius presented as Machiavellian throughout the play?
Machiavelli = A stock character, which means to be cunning, manipulative and driven to use whatever means to gain power.
Claudius presents these characteristics as he desires to repent for his sins and even confesses to God. However, the aside in A3S1 instead of a soliloquy presents him to be cunning and duplicitous. ( Tennant version enforces this as he smirks at the audience.)
What quotes in Act 3, Scene 1 present Claudius’ confession to be authentic?
‘My offence is rank, it smells to heaven/ It hath the primal eldest curse upon’t’ - Confessing to the disturbance of the divine right of kings.
‘Eldest curse’ allusion to Cain and Able, the first murder in the bible.
Asks whether there is ‘rain enough in the sweet heavens/ To wash it white as snow’ - redemption and absolution, aware of his corruption
What quotes in Act 3, Scene 1 present Claudius’ confession to be inauthentic?
‘Double business bound’ exposes his duplicity as he is attempting to present himself as remorseful for his actions to God, yet desires to keep the crown.
‘My crown, mine own ambition, my queen’ - That he feels a sense of ownership over the crown and queen, despite having gained both immorally. This forms the basis of his conflict: he wants to repent but also doesn’t want to give up what he has gained, tricolon.
‘Heart with strings of steel’ attempting to feel God, unrepentant.
What do critics support and refute about Claudius?
Claudius is not a monster, he is morally weak’ (Mallibard)
‘Claudius’ soliloquy gives the impression of rhetorical pageantry rather than sincere contrition.’ (Arnold)
Rhetorical pageantry = an impressive display of language. Arnold uses this when he says that ‘Claudius’s soliloquy gives the impression of rhetorical pageantry rather than sincere contrition.’ (remorse)
How does Hamlet refer to Claudius in A3S4?
‘A king of shreds and patches’ - infers Claudius to be wearing stolen robes, unfit and destroyed, metaphorical for his unfit rule of Denmark, lacking a solid or meaningful royal identity.
In 4.7, how does Claudius manipulate Laertes by flattering the memory of Polonius?
He refers to him as his ‘noble father.’
What is the significance of Claudius telling Laertes that ‘He [a Norman soldier] gave you such a masterly report…for your rapier most especial’
He flatters him by suggesting Laertes is a renowned duelist so that he will fight Hamlet.
The writing of which political thinker may have influenced the presentation of Claudius?
Machiavelli, whose political text ‘The Prince’ suggested that sometimes rulers must act ignobly to achieve their goals.
How is the death of Claudius significant?
Claudius, the corrupter of the kingdom, once dead, removes the ‘poison in the veins of the community.’ (Knight)
As peace and reconciliation are once found after his death between Laertes + Hamlet, and respect between YF and Hamlet, we see the effects of BP.
The effect of Claudius’ death allows us to view Hamlet as a ‘tragic hero’ instead of just ‘tragic’
How does Claudius support the theme of surveillance?
He manipulates R + G to spy on Hamlet..
