Hamlet: language

Hamlet: language

Word Play in Hamlet

• Shakespeare frequently employs pun or word play in Hamlet to add a layer of complexity and wit. Hamlet himself is a master of puns, using them to express his quick wit and deep melancholy.
• The play also uses double entendre, allowing characters to disguise their true intentions or to reflect on the ambiguous nature of reality.

Use of Rhetoric in Hamlet

• Rhetoric is a crucial method used by Shakespeare to reflect character development. Characters often use rhetorical questions, antithesis, and metaphors to express their inner thoughts and struggles.
• Hamlet’s soliloquies showcase a rich use of poetic devices like metaphor, simile, and personification, enhancing the philosophical and existential themes of the play.

Dialogue and Monologue in Hamlet

• Throughout Hamlet, conversation between characters is often filled with tension, reality testing, and power struggle. The differing use of language between characters is used as an indicator of social status and character.
• Characters in Hamlet often conduct monologues where they ponder and confess, further revealing character depth and propelling plot progression. Hamlet’s famously eloquent soliloquies are primary examples.

Use of Classical Allusions in Hamlet

• Shakespeare fills Hamlet with references to Greek and Roman literature, mythology, and philosophy. These add depth to the story, give it a broader scholarly appeal and drive home key themes.
• Remarkably, Hamlet himself seems to be well-versed in these classics, frequently drawing from them to express his perspectives, adding extra nuances to his character portrayal.

Metaphor and Symbolism in Hamlet

• Shakespeare uses metaphors extensively in Hamlet for dramatic effect, making abstract ideas more comprehendible and emotionally poignant.
• There are numerous symbols used throughout the play such as the ghost, Yorick’s skull, and the poison, each carrying thematic significance and driving forward the narrative.