Hamlet Style Analysis
Kristin Hodges - 1st - Neal
King Hamlets Point of View
Diction
"Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast,
With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts"-King Hamlet is sickened that his wife was brainwashed through the convincing words of Claudius and that he is gifted with the power of persuasion.
Imagery
"Sleeping within my orchard,
My custom always of the afternoon,
Upon my secure hour thy uncle stole
With juice of cursed hebenon in a vial,
And in the porches of my ears did pour
The leperous distilment, whose effect
Holds such an enmity with blood of man
That swift as quicksilver it courses through
The natural gates and alleys of the body
And with a sudden vigor doth posset
And curd, like eager droppings into milk...."-King Hamlets Description gives off the sense of matter and how disgusted he is with the whole situation of being killed. metaphors, similes and details help the audience understand how King Hamlet is feeling and also gives off emotions towards Prince Hamlet and how he now feels about Claudius.
Tone
"Thus was I, sleeping, by a brother’s hand
Of life, of crown, of queen at once dispatched,
Cut off even in the blossoms of my sin..."-King Hamlet is so disappointed and upset with his brother, the symbolism and metaphors help put that across and reach out to the audience for sympathy.
Irony
"O wicked wit and gifts, that have the power
So to seduce!—won to his shameful lust
The will of my most seeming-virtuous queen."
-King Hamlet states the Queen "WON to his SHAMEFUL LUST" the sarcasm and irony affect the audiences feelings towards Claudius and humors King Hamlet giving him a more favorable side to stand on.
Claudius Point Of View
Diction
"Pray can I not.
Though inclination be as sharp as will,
My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent,
And, like a man to double business bound,
I stand in pause where I shall first begin,
And both neglect."-Claudius extensive word choice gives the audience more details to how he's feeling about his situation and where he stands with his conscious.
Imagery
"Bow, stubborn knees, and, heart with strings of steel,
Be soft as sinews of the newborn babe.
All may be well."-Claudius describes how heavy his heart is turning knowing what he he did was wrong and that the details of the imagery help the audience understand that.
Tone
"O limèd soul that, struggling to be free,
Art more engaged! Help, angels. Make assay."-The tone throughout the text describes how stressed claudius turns out to be with the fault of his sins, he seems so disoriented and confused with his begging prayers and unsure remarks.
Irony
"In the corrupted currents of this world
Offense’s gilded hand may shove by justice,
And oft ’tis seen the wicked prize itself
Buys out the law"-Claudius wants forgiveness and the pressure of his crime to no longer be a burden but yet he's still thinking of ways o rule and control the kingdom by not giving up the crown or Gertrude.