Shelter

Shakespeare Questions

Tweedledum and Tweedledee- Gertrude should speak line 36 showing that she is unable to tell the difference between Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The two are interchangeable and always seen together, so there really is no reason for the audience to tell the difference. Having Gertrude speak line 36 in an indifferent manner reinforces the idea that she is self-absorbed. Besides marring Claudius right after King Hamlet’s death, in Act 1, Scene 2, lines 70-75, she tells Hamlet to get over the death of his father, even though it is oblivious that he is still grieving.

Fishmongers- When Hamlet calls Polonius a fishmonger, he is making reference to a fishmonger being a fisher for information. This definition of fishmonger is an accurate description of Polonius. Polonius has sent someone to spy on Laerties (his son) while he is in France to see what he is doing. Polonius has also interfered with the relationship between his daughter Ophelia and Hamlet by telling Ophelia not to see Hamlet anymore, and by reading love letters sent to Ophelia out loud in front of the royal court. Hamlet knows that Polonius is trying to break them up, because he makes a sarcastic reference to Polonius having a daughter in Act 2, Scene 2, lines 201-203. Polonius’ actions show he is always fishing for personal information about the affairs of his children.

Denmark’s a prison- Hamlet is serious when he says Denmark’s a prison. Hamlet wants to go back to school in Wittenberg, but his mother, Gertrude, has begged him to stay. Polonius, Gertrude, and Claudius are all keeping a close eye on Hamlet because they believe he is insane. Hamlet also has no escape from the emotional pain of his father’s death, his mother’s quick remarriage, and the avenge quest put upon him by his father’s ghost. Between being watched constantly, not being able to leave, and stuck in a horrible position emotionally, Hamlet is both metaphorically and physically a prisoner