Relationship/Identity Questions

Question 1

What does the representation of Hamlet and Gertrude’s relationship reveal about him?

Answer 1

Hamlet’s belief in Gertrude’s betrayal leads him to perceive all women as immoral.
Bestial imagery:
A beast that wants discourse of reason would have mourn’d longer
In the rank sweat of an enseamed bed, stewed in corruption, honeying and making love over the nasty sty

Caution of deception:
Makes marriage vows as false as dicers’ oaths
I could interpret between you and your love,
if I could see the puppets dallying.

Criticise women’s words:
I will speak daggers to her, but use none; my tongue and soul in this be hypocrites
Must, like a whore, unpack my heart with words

Question 2

What does the representation of Hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship reveal about him?

Answer 2

I could interpret between you and your love,
if I could see the puppets dallying.
I have heard of your paintings too, well
enough. God hath given you one face and you make yourselves another

Now see that noble and most sovereign

Get thee to a nunnery.
It would cost you a groaning to take off mine edge

Question 3

Analyse the significance of the relationship between Hamlet and his uncle in shaping his character.

Answer 3

Hamlet’s

From this time forth my thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth
Now could I drink hot blood and do such bitter business as the day would quake to look on

This physic but prolongs thy sickly days
Is it not to be damned to let this canker of our nature come in further evil

Question 4

Analyse the significance of the relationship between Hamlet and his father in shaping his character.

Answer 4

Hamlet’s rigid filial duty results in devastating personal consequences.
*Hamlet believes the Ghost is his father

Filial duty is detrimental to perception of the world:
That this too too sullied flesh would melt, thaw, and resolve itself into dew
Hyperion to a satyr

Detrimental to self-perception:
Pigeon liver’d and lack gall
Muddy mettled rascal

Morality:
Now could I drink hot blood and do such bitter business as the day would quake to look on
From this time forth, my thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth!

Question 5

How does Shakespeare use foils to communicate a perspective about Hamlet’s character?

Answer 5

Shakespeare uses foils to cast a positive light on Hamlet’s defining traits.