Themes- obedience, seem vs.

be, being trapped

HAMLET ACT I
Act
1.) Whos there?
Speaker:Barnardo
Interlocutor:Francisco
Context/Irony etc.:
-

Sc
i

ll
1

p
7

B is on guard to watch the castle he says whos there to make sure its Francisco, and not the ghost of the
dead king. They identify themselves as loyal subjects to the crown so we know they arent royalty. They
say long live the king a lot which is ironic since we know he has to die in this Shakespearean tragedy.

i
2.) And I am sick at heart.
I
i
9
7
Speaker: Francisco
Interlocutor:Barnardo
Context/Irony etc.:
- He says this meaning he is depressed, about seeing the dead kings ghost. He says this to barnardo when
his shift is over, because he wants to go home. Depressed

3.) It harrows me with fear and wonder.

I
i
51
11
Speaker:Horatio
Interlocutor:Barnarydo, Marcellus
Context/Irony etc.:
- This is horatio right when he sees the ghost. Barnardo has a sort of, I told you so moment with him. This
basically means Horatio is terrified of the vision of the dead kings ghost.

4.) This bodes some strange eruption to the state.

I
I
80
13
Speaker: Horatio
Interlocutor: Marcellus and Barnardo
Context/Irony etc.:
- This is foreshadowing of bad to come in the story. Horatio digests this sight of the ghost, and knows that
this cannot be a good sign. Since he was dressed in armor he knows it means battle or something.

5.)

The graves stood tenantless, and the sheeted dead

I
I
127-8
15
Did squeak and gibber in the Roman streets
Speaker: Horatio
Interlocutor: Barnardo and Marcellus
Context/Irony etc.:
- Horatio is saying that this reminds him of the time before Julius Caesar was assassinated: it was said that
the ghosts and dead people of Rome got up from their graves and ran around the street speaking gibberish,

and it was a bad sign that no one picked up on, but Horatio notes that he knows something bad must come
of this. Foreshadowing.

6.)

We do it wrong, being so majestical,

I
I
158-9
17
To offer it the show of violence
Speaker: Marcellus
Interlocutor: Barnardo and Horatio
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is saying that it was wrong of them to threaten it with violence, since it looked so much like their king.
Ironic since the ghost/king is dead. This would be a capital offense, had he still been alive.

HAMLET ACT I
Act
Sc
ll
p
7.) But look, the mourn, in russet mantle clad
I
I
181-8
19
Speaker: Horatio
Interlocutor: Marcellus and Barnardo
Context/Irony etc.:
- This is personifying the morning, saying it is in russet mantle clad. This is right when the ghost has to
leave because morning is coming, and then scene ends.
8.)

Yet so far hath discretion fought with nature

I
ii
5-7
21
That we with wisest sorrow think on him
Together with remembrance of ourselves,
Speaker: Claudius
Interlocutor: Hamlet, all present in kings court
Context/Irony etc.:
- Claudius is basically saying to Hamlet that its okay to mourn the loss of his father but he is going to have
to move on eventually, and begin thinking of the well-being of his new king (his Uncle Claudius). This
may foreshadow the death of Claudius, who already seems to be bossing around Hamlet who doesnt want
to listen to him and is already mad at him for marrying his mom only a month after his fathers death

9.)

The head is not more native to the heart,

I
ii
48-9
23
The hand more instrumental to the mouth
Speaker: Claudius
Interlocutor: Laertes
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is telling Laertes that his father is so close to the throne (Claudiuss chief advisor), that he can ask for
anything he wishes. This is a metaphor and an analogy of the hand and mouth, to his father and the throne.

10.) A little more than kin, and less than kind!

Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: (supposed to be nobody)

ii

67

25

Context/Irony etc.:
- He is saying that he sees a lot of nepotism in Claudius letting Laertes go back to France. He already sees
through the corruption of Claudius. ???????????????????????

11.) I am too much in the sun.

I
ii
69
25
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Claudius
Context/Irony etc.:
- This is a pun, as Claudius asks him why there is still a cloud over his head (about his fathers death), and
Hamlet responds that the only thing over his head is the sun (trying to put off the question). It is a pun
between cloud and sun. or a metaphor.

12.) Thou knowst tis common, all that lives must die,
I
ii
74-5
25
Passing through nature to eternity.
Speaker: Gertrude
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony etc.:
- She is trying to make Hamlet get over his fathers death, with the consoling words of, death happens all
the time, and everything has to die at some point. This may be foreshadowing to her early death or
Claudiuss? Ironic since his father was murdered and didnt just die.
13.) Ay, madam, it is common.
I
ii
76
25
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Gertrude (his mom)
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is being sort of a smart-ass here, patronizing his mom saying ohhhh sure yeah mom it happens all the
time.

14.) I know not seems.

I
ii
79
25
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Gertrude
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is saying, no mom, it doesnt seem particular to me, his death is very particularly taking a toll on
me! He is in deep grief. He is so baffled by the word seems that he sort of goes-off on his mom.

15.) Tis unmanly grief.

I
ii
98
27
Speaker: Claudius
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is basically telling Hamlet to get over himself and be a man, and get past his fathers death. A real
man would have been back to life as usual by now according to Cladius.

16.) I shall in all my best obey you, Madam.

I
ii
124
29
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Gertrude
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is saying that he will listen to his MOM, at his best, but doesnt mention Claudius. Also this could
mean he wont listen to them because right now he isnt in his best.

17.) O that this too too sullied flesh would melt

I
ii
133
29
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: No one
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is saying that he wishes his flesh could melt away and then he could die. He wishes suicide wasnt
against Gods law because he wants to commit it.

18.) Tis an unweeded garden

I
ii
139-40 29
That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature
Possess it merely.
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: No one
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is using the metaphor of an unweeded garden, overgrown with wild plants to his life. He feels like it is
falling apart in this way. Foreshadowing of more bad to come?...

19.) So excellent a king, that was to this

I
ii
143-4
29
Hyperion a satyr;
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: No one
Context/Irony etc.:
- He compares his father to his uncle, like a God to a beast. They just arent even close to being on the same
level of excellence in ruling the kingdom. His uncle is a bad ruler.
20.) Fraity, thy name is woman!
I
ii
150
29
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: no one
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is cursing how a woman can be so weak as to jump to a new mate faster than she can grieve. This is
ironic because his mom and uncle were together long before the death of his father (her mate).

21.) O, most wicked speed, to post

I
ii
161-2
31
With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: No one
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is still talking about how quick his mom was to jump into an incestuous bed with his uncle Claudius, so
soon after Hamlet Sr.s death. He finds it odd. This foreshadows hamlet discovering Gertrudes adultery.

22.) Horatioor do I forget myself!

I
ii
167-8
31
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Horatio
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is basically saying, Oh nice to see you Horatio. Wait, your name is Horatio, right? This shows how
much of a peasant Horatio is compared to Hamlets royalty.

23.) Thrift, thrift, Horatio. The funeral baked meats

Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables.
I
ii
187-8
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Horatio
Context/Irony etc.:
- He means, that the funeral and wedding were so close together that they could have used the funerals
leftovers as the meal for the wedding. He is being sarcastic here.

24.) Ill speak to it, though hell itself should gape

I
ii
266-7
37
And bid me hold my peace.
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: horatio, Marcellus, and Barnardo
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is saying that if it is the ghost of his father that nothing will stop him from talking to it, not even hell
itself. This is also the personification of hell, as it tells him to be quiet.

25.) I doubt some foul play. Would the night were come!
I
ii
278-80 39
Till then sit still, my soul. Foul deeds will rise,
Though all the earth oerwhelm them, to mens eyes.
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: no one
Context/Irony etc.:
- He says that he feels like there is some foul play going on here (foreshadowing), and that he cant wait until
the night comes. Until then he needs to keep calm because no matter how hidden they are, all bad things
will rise to the surface eventually (foreshadowing).

26.) but you must fear,

I
iii
19-28
41
His greatness weighed, his will is not his own,
For he himself is subject to his birth,
He may not, as unvalued persons do,
Carve for himself
Speaker: Laertes
Interlocutor: Ophelia
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is warning her to stay away from Hamlet. He is a bad influence and cannot actually ever marry her, as
he must do what his family and country want him to do. He would only hurt her. His situation is not
normal. (She probably will not heed this good advice.)

27.) Do not as some ungracious pastors do

I
iii
51-55
43
Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven,
Whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine,
Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads
And recks not his own rede.
Speaker: Ophelia
Interlocutor: Laertes
Context/Irony etc.:
- She uses the metaphor of a priest that doesnt practice what he preaches to tell him not to be a hypocrite. If
she shouldnt dabble with royalty in a romantic sense, neither should he. (Does this mean he has before?)

28.) To thine own self be true

I
iii
84
45
Speaker: Polonius (Laertess father)
Interlocutor: Laertes
Context/Irony etc.:
- His father is giving Laertes words of wisdom before he returns to France, saying to stay true to himself.
Dont be someone that he isnt. If he stays true to himself, then other people will be truthful to him.
Basically, what goes around, comes around.

29.) Ay, springes to catch woodcocks!

I
iii
124
47
Speaker: Polonius
Interlocutor: Ophelia
Context/Irony etc.:
- Ophelia is trying to convince Polonius that Hamlet is actually a good guy, but Polonius says hell mess
with her and shell end up looking like an idiot. He uses the metaphor of his love to a birds trap, and how
shell be the bird.
30.) I shall obey, my lord.
I
iii
145
49
Speaker: Ophelia
Interlocutor: Polonius
Context/Irony etc.:
- After Polonius gives her all this advice, she finally resigns and says shell do what he says. I think this is
ironic or will be because I have a feeling she will not listen to her father and do what he says. Shell
probably fall in love with Hamlet, and be trapped like a bird in a cage.

31.) The dram of evil

Doth all the noble substances often doubt
To his own scandal.
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: no one

iv

39-41

51

Context/Irony etc.:
- He is basically saying that even if you are the best person in the world, one drop of evil could ruin your
whole reputation. It is a metaphor to a dram of alcohol in whatever its mixed into will make the whole cup
of water bitter. He is talking about how great his country is, except they drink too much.

32.) I do not set my life at a pins fee

iv

73

53

Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Horatio and Marcellus
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is saying that he doesnt really value his life that much, so he doesnt care what happens to him if he
follows his dads ghost, even if it kills him.

33.) Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

I
iv
100
55
Speaker: Marcellus
Interlocutor: Horatio
Context/Irony etc.:
- Marcellus is predicting that something bad is about to happen to Denmark. This is obviously major
foreshadowing.
- Theme: Decaying flesh or fruit

I find thee apt

I
v
38
59
Speaker: Ghost
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is saying to Hamlet, Im glad youre so eager to take revenge for me and my name. Could this mean
apt to fit the throne?...??????????

34.) O my prophetic sou1! My uncle!

I
v
48
59
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Ghost
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is shouting as he is claims he knew that his uncle was responsible for his fathers demise. I knew it
was my uncle! This is foreshadowing to Hamlet avenging his father by killing his uncle?

35.) O Hamlet, what a falling off was there!

Speaker: Ghost
Interlocutor:Hamlet
Context/Irony etc.:

54

59

He is saying to Hamlet that it is a shame that she has lowered her standards from a worthy king such as
himself, to a filthy brute like Claudius. This is another metaphor for Hamlets father to his uncle, from a
God to a beast.

36.) O horrible! O horrible! Most horrible!

I
v
87
61
Speaker: Ghost
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is talking about how horrible it is, and how he was killed. He never had his last rites. He is convincing
Hamlet not to let it be this horrible, and to take back the crown that is rightfully his, and to kill the
incestual uncle of his.
37.) Leave her to heaven

93-5

61

And to those thorns that in her bosom lodge

to prick and sting her.
Speaker: Ghost
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony etc.:
- He is telling Hamlet that he needs to leave his sinful mother be, and just take revenge on his Uncle
Claudius. He is telling Hamlet to leave his mother (Gertrude) to Gods own judgment. He uses a metaphor
of her sins to thorns that will come back to bite her in the ass.

Act
Sc
ll
p
38.) Meet it is I set it down
I
v
114-5
63
That one may smile and smile and be a villain
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: no one
Context/Irony etc.:
- He thinks to himself, I need to write that (people can smile all day but still be evil villains) down before
he forgets.
- He seems like he has good intentions, but Hamlet knows hes a villain.

39.) These are but wild and whirling words, my lord.

I
v
153
65
Speaker: Horatio
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony etc.:
- This is right after the Ghost and Hamlet part ways for the first time, and Hamlet finds Horatio (its
morning). He is saying to Hamlet that he should slow down before he does something dumb, and that he is
talking crazy talk. He doesnt want him to do something irrational.

40.) Well said, old mole!

183

67

Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Ghost
Context/Irony etc.:
- Hamlet is making Horatio and Marcellus swear on his sword that they wont tell anyone what they have
seen or heard. Then as he is making them swear, the ghost (from underground in purgatory we assume) is
agreeing with Hamlet and urging them to swear. This is almost comical in the story as he uses the
metaphor of a mole to describe the ghost, digging in the dirt.

41.) To put an antic disposition on

I
v
192
67
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Horatio and Marcellus
Context/Irony etc.:
- This is after Horatio and Marcellus have been sworn to secrecy. Hamlet is saying dont be surprised if I go
a little crazy, because it will be necessary in order to carry out what he must do next. This is a metaphor of
this antic disposition as a sort of cloak that he can throw on and off.

42.) Swear.
I
v
203
69
Speaker: Ghost
Interlocutor: Hamlet and Horatio
Context/Irony etc.:
- This is odd as this is the ghost, once again speaking to the guys from underground in what we assume is purgatory
as aforementioned. Then Hamlet, ironically, says the ghost can go to rest, since he is being eternally punished for the
time being (paradox there haha).
43.) The time is out of joint. O cursed spite
I
v
210-1
69
That ever I was born to set it right!
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Horatio and Marcellus
Context/Irony etc.
- He is saying that these times are so out of whack, and of course he is the one who has to set it right. This is
right at the last few lines of the scene. This is almost reminiscing to a time when things were much better, a
time when his father held the throne. Now everything is screwed up.

HAMLET Act II

1.)

Your bait of falsehood takes this carp of truth;

II
i
70-3
77
And thus do we of wisdom and of reach,
With windlasses and with assays of bias,
By indirections find directions out.
Speaker: Polonius
Interlocutor: Reynaldo
Context/Irony, etc.:
- This is a metaphor for fishing. Polonius compares Reynaldos little lies to bait that will bring out the fish,
or the truth. They are talking about Reynaldo going to France to see what Laertes is up to there. Reynaldo
is going to get the scoop and report back to Polonius.
2.)

He raised a sigh so piteous and profound

II
i
106-8
79
As it seem to shatter all his bulk
And end his being.
Speaker: Ophelia
Interlocutor: Polonius
Context/Irony, etc.:
- Personifying the sigh, saying that it was so big it killed him. They are talking about when Hamlet came to
Ophelias room and creeped her out, then sighed like it was his last breath.
- Says goodbye to the Ophelia he knew and (possibly) loved, and it now beginning to treat her like scum.

3.) That hath made him mad.

II
I
123
81
Speaker: Polonius
Interlocutor: Ophelia
Context/Irony, etc.:
- They are talking about Ophelia basically rejecting Hamlets love has made him mad. But is that
supposed to represent something else? Like his fathers murder?

4.) But we both obey

II
ii
31
83
Speaker: Guildenstern
Interlocutor: Claudius
Context/Irony, etc.:
- Saying that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern will both do what Claudius says, and obey him by following
around and hanging out with Hamlet to see whats wrong. This is ironic because they end up giving in, and
telling Hamlet why they were summoned.

5.) O, speak of that! That I do long to hear.

Speaker: Claudius
Interlocutor: Polonius

II

ii

531

85

Context/Irony, etc.:
- He is saying to polonius, oh you know why Hamlets crazy?! Tell me!

6.) brevity is the soul of wit

II
ii
97
89
Speaker: Polonius
Interlocutor: Claudius
Context/Irony, etc
- He is basically saying that the essence of wisdom, is not talking to much, but just getting right to the point.
This is ironic because he says that hes going to get to the point like 5 times before he actually does.

7.) More matter with less art.

II
ii
102
89
Speaker: Gertrude
Interlocutor: Polonius
Context/Irony, etc.:
- She is telling Polonius to stick to the point and tell them why he thinks Hamlet is crazy. This is ironic
because he has already said that he is going to get right to the point and that brevity is the soul of wit.

8.) At such a time Ill loose my daughter to him.

II
ii
176-71 93
Speaker: Polonius
Interlocutor: Claudius and Gertrude
Context/Irony, etc.:
- This is his plan to see if Hamlet is actually in love with Ophelia. He says hell loose her to him, as if she is
a dog. This could possibly be a pun/ironic in the case that he loses his daughter to Hamlet and they fall in
love or she dies.

9.) Let her not walk i the sun.

II
ii
201
95
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Polonius
Context/Irony, etc.:
- Hamlet is kind of talking crazy and acting like he doesnt recognize Polonius, and ironically warning him
never to let her on the streets because a man is likely to snatch her up and get her pregnant which is good
and bad. This is ironic because it is what Hamlet wants to do to Ophelia.

10.) Though this be madness, yet there is method int

Speaker: Polonius
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony, etc.:

II

ii

223

95

Polonius is talking to Hamlet who seems to be speaking gibberish. Polonius is suspicious though, that
Hamlet is legitimately crazy. He knows there is a reason for his craziness.

11.) As the indifferent children of the earth.

II
ii
245
97
Speaker: Rosencrantz
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony, etc.:
- He is asking how his two friends are doing, and they basically say not bad or good. So this is almost a
litotes (by a stretch). ??????
12.) there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.
II
ii
268-9
99
To me it is a prison.
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
Context/Irony, etc.:
- Hamlet is kind of patronizing R and G because he is like of course it isnt like a prison to you, since
nothing is good or bad. He is mocking them. But to him, Denmark is one big prison.

13.) O God, I could be bounded in a nutshell

II
ii
273-5
99
And count myself a king of infinite space,
Were it not that I have bad dreams.
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: G and R
Context/Irony, etc.:
- He is saying that he doesnt care how big the place he rules is, he thinks it would feel like a whole
universe. The real problem with him is that he has terrible nightmares. Metaphor of a small space he would
rule to the size of a nutshell. ???

14.) I have of latebut wherefore I know not

II
ii
313-4
101
Lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercise
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: R and G
Context/Irony, etc.:
- He is saying that the whole world feels empty and sterile. He has lost all of his energy and doesnt feel like
living.

15.) I am but mad north north-west. When the wind is

southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw.
Speaker: Hamlet

II

11

402-3

107

Interlocutor: R and G
Context/Irony, etc.:
- He is explaining his half-craziness to R and G, saying that he can be crazy at one moment, but then be
perfectly fine sometimes. Will R and G expose this later in the story? Well see. He uses metaphors of only
some directions he is crazy, but he knows his stuff when he needs to.

16.) Buzz, buzz!

II
ii
417
107
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Polonius
Context/Irony, etc.:
- He knew exactly what Polonius was going to say, as if he is fed up with him. He then patronizes him by
making sleeping and yawning noises when he tells him that the actors have arrived.

17.) :O Jephthah, judge of Israel, what a treasure hadst thou!

II
ii
427
107
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Polonius
Context/Irony, etc.:
- He is mocking Polonius, saying that Jephthah, like Polonius, had a beautiful treasure that he didnt care for
enough, and lost her. (Does this foreshadow that Hamlet is going to murder Ophelia?) This Allusion
compares Jephthah and his daughter to Polonius and Ophelia.
18.) twas caviary to the general
II
ii
461
109
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Actor and Polonius
Context/Irony, etc.:
- He is using the metaphor of his unknown but brilliant play not being appreciated by anyone but him, as to
peasants not appreciating how nice caviar is because to the common eye its just nasty fish eggs.

19.) O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!

II
ii
577
117-9
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: no one
Context/Irony, etc.:
- He is sad that he cannot sympathize with unknown situations like this brilliant actor, and cry where tears
are and arent meant to be shed.
Hamlet Act III

1.)

I shall obey you

Speaker: Gertrude
Interlocutor: Claudius
Context/Irony, etc

Act
III

Sc.
i

ll.
41

pp.
125

She is (maybe ironically) saying shell obey Claudius and leave the room. This is when Claudius and
Polonius are trying to see if Ophelias rejection of Hamlets love is the reason for his insanity or if it is
something else.

2.)

with devotions visage

III
i
53-5
127
And pious action we do sugar oer
The devil himself.
Speaker: Polonius
Interlocutor: Ophelia
Context/Irony, etc.
- Polonius is talking about how we are all sanctimonious and act like we are all perfect little angels but in
reality we sugar-coat everything bad that weve done, and make ourselves seem like someone we arent.
This harps back to the theme of seeming vs. being.

3.) O heavy burden!

III
I
62
127
Speaker: Claudius
Interlocutor: Polonius
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is basically saying, Oh I feel so guilty now that you mention it. He may be saying this because maybe
he did kill Hamlets father and he is finally feeling guilty because Polonius is describing his situation
exactly.

4.) To be or not to be, that is the question. . .(to l. 96)

III
i
64
127
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: No one
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is basically questioning all of life at this point. Ties to the theme of being vs. Seeming. He sounds
suicidal here, by saying it might all just be easier for him if he kills himself right now and goes to sleep
instead of living through the burdens of life, but he cant because he knows his burdens in life, but is
unfamiliar to the ones in the afterlife.
5.)

Nymph, in thy orisons

III
I
97-8
129
be all my sins remembred.
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Ophelia
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is basically saying, you pretty girl please remember me when youre praying because im about to do
some terrible things. This is major foreshadowing to Hamlet doing something terrible.

6.) Get thee to a nunnery! . . . to l. 140)

Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Ophelia
Context/Irony, etc.

III

131

131

He is saying go to the convent and become a nun, so you dont have to birth any more sinners into this
world which is already full of them. Then he proceeds to say that if anyone that isnt already married, gets
married that he will curse them forever. There is one person that is married that isnt safe though.

7.) O, what a noble mind is here oerthrown! . . .(to l. 171)

III
I
164
133
Speaker: Ophelia
Interlocutor: Hamlet, Polonius and Claudius
Context/Irony, etc.
- This is a metaphor for the mind to the throne, being overthrown. She is sad because she said that he used to
have such a noble mind, but now he is frickin crazy.

8.) Madness in great ones must not unwatched go

III
I
203
135
Speaker: Claudius
Interlocutor: Polonius
Context/Irony, etc.
- he is basically saying that when someone important or in a position of power starts to go crazy, they need
to be watched carefully because they tend to do really bad, harmful, or stupid things.

9.) Suit the action to the word, the word to the action;
III
ii
18
137
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Actor
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is basically saying, fit the action to the word, and the word to the action. This basically means dont
be all over-the-top and ruin the play by exaggeration.

10.)No, let the candied tongue lick absurd pomp

III
I
64-5
139
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Horatio
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is saying, no Im not flattering you. Save the flattery for someone who is going to pay you well and
then youll kiss his hands. ??????????

11.)Give me that man

That is not passions slave, and I will wear him
In my hearts core
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Horatio
Context/Irony, etc.

III

ii

76-8

141

He is basically saying, Show me the person that is the master of his own emotions, and I will hold them
near and dear to my heart. He is saying he wants someone to be friends with him who wont be overtaken
by emotion at anything he does. Foreshadowing?

12.) Thats a fair thought to lie between a maids legs.

III
ii
125
143
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Ophelia
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is being sexually promiscuous here, saying he would like to have sex. ????? weird dude.

13.) Tis brief, my lord.

III
ii
174
147
Speaker: Ophelia
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony, etc.
- She is saying that the play was a bit short, to Hamlet after the play is over and he is like, Yes as short as a
womans love.. This is a good pun or joke.

14.) Thats wormwood!

III
ii
204
149
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Ophelia or himself
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is kind of cringing, like the actor is exaggerating too much and needs to be more real. Its during the
play when the actress is embellishing the queens role a bit too much.

15.)

What to ourselves in passion we purpose,

III
ii
217-8
149
The passion ending, doth the purpose lose.
Speaker: Actor
Interlocutor: audience
Context/Irony, etc.
- Hes basically saying that the promises we make in emotional moments fade and weaken with the passing
emotional moment. This may be foreshadowing to remorse Hamlet has after doing something bad.

16.) The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

III
ii
254
151
Speaker: Gertrude
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony, etc.
- she is basically saying she thinks the actress is overdoing the role of the queen. This is ironic because she is
playing Gertrude herself.
17.) The Moustrap
III
ii
261
151
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Claudius
Context/Irony, etc.
- This is what Hamlet says is the name of this fake play that he had the actors put on. It is a metaphor for
what Hamlet is doing to Claudius, by putting him in a Mousetrap.

18.) Give me some light! Away!

III
ii
295
153
Speaker: Claudius
Interlocutor: All
Context/Irony, etc.
- This is when the play is mimicking what he apparently did to his brother, and he gets very flustered. This
could mean that he actually did kill Hamlets father.

19.) We shall obey, were she ten times our mother.

III
ii
361
157
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Rosencrantz
Context/Irony, etc.
- Rosen. Is saying that he would obey his mother 10x over. This is about the theme of obedience that occurs
throughout the play.

20.) It is as easy as lying.

III
ii
387
159
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Guildenstern
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is saying that playing a recorder is just as easy as it is to lie, just put your fingers in the right place and
blow, just like they did to him. This is an analogy for the recorder to lying.

21.)

Tis now the very witching time of night. . .(to ll.432)

III

ii

421

161

Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: No one
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is saying that this is the part of the night when hell opens up and the witches come out. He could do
terrible things that he would never do in daylight. Foreshadowing to him doing something terrible?

22.) O, my offense is rank, it smells to heaven. . . (to ll. 76)

III
iii
40
165
Speaker: Claudius
Interlocutor: no one
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is in his room moping and saying he feels terrible remorse for murdering his brother, taking the crown,
and taking his wife. This is the same theme as things rotting and decaying matter.
23.) Now might I do it, (pat,), now he is a-praying:
III
iii
88
167
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: No one
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is saying he could easily go kill his father right now if he wanted to, but he is praying now so all it
would do is send him straight up to heaven, so he is going to wait to kill him while he is in the middle of
sinning.

24.)

My words fly up, my thoughts remain below;

III
iii
103-4
169
Words without thoughts never to heaven go.
Speaker: Claudius
Interlocutor: No one
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is saying that he is praying, but basically it doesnt mean anything and he doesnt mean anything that
he says, so the prayers and words will never make it to heaven. Analogy of words to bird flying.

25.) O, what a rash and bloody deed is this!

III
iv
33
171
Speaker: Gertrude
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony, etc.
- This is right after Hamlet kills Polonius, she is appalled by his actions. This is ironic because the acts she
has committed are rash and bloody as well.
26.) Such an act that blurs the grace and blush of modesty:
III
iv
49
173
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Gertrude
Context/Irony, etc.
- He says that what his mother has done destroys modesty (killing his father with Claudius and then
marrying her husbands brother (Claudius)).

27.) Thou turnst my eyes into my very soul,

III
iv
100-2
175
And there I see such black and grained spots
As will not leave their tinct.
Speaker: Gertrude
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony, etc.
- She is saying, Stop Hamlet, youre making look into my dirty soul where I will see marks of black sin that
are so bad they can never be washed away. This is the theme of being rotten from the inside-out.

28.) Alas, hes mad!

III
iv
121
177
Speaker: Gertrude
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony, etc.
- She thinks Hamlet has gone crazy because he is talking to the Heavens, to the Ghost of his father. ??????
29.) This is the very coinage of your brain.
III
iv
158
179
Speaker: Gertrude
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony, etc.
- She says that this is only a figment of his imagination. This harps back to the theme of seeming vs. Being.

30.)

And do not spread the compost on the weeds

III
iv
172-3
181
To make them ranker.
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: gertrude
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is telling her not to make it any worse by using the analogy of spreading compost on weeds, which will
only make them grow bigger. Dont make it any worse than it already is.
- Theme of rotten and decaying matter.

31.) Let the bloat King tempt you again to bed (to 201)
III
iv
204
183
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Gertrude
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is saying not to let Claudius tempt her into bed again so she can be his mouse, like a mouse in a trap.
That is the theme of being trapped. He then says that she should avoid it and break her neck in the process
so she cant sin anymore.

32.)

For tis the sport to have the engineer

III
iv
229-30 183
Hoist by his own petar
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Gertrude
Context/Irony, etc.
- He is saying that its fun to watch the engineer get blown up by his own bombs. This is a metaphor to
Claudiuss plan blowing up in his own face (and Gertrudes).
Hamlet Act IV

1.)

Mad as the sea and wind when both contend

Which is the mightier

IV

7-8

191

Speaker: Gertrude
Interlocutor: Claudius
Context/Irony, etc
- She is telling Claudius that Hamlet has killed Polonius and is describing his madness with a metaphorhe
is as crazy as the waves and wind of a storm.

2.)

Take you me for a sponge, my lord?

IV

12

193

Speaker: Guildenstern/Rosencrantz
Interlocutor: Hamlet
Context/Irony, etc:
- When G/R go looking for Hamlet and the corpse of Polonius, they find him and Hamlet says he would never
tell them any of his secrets because they are sponges (metaphor) that the king absorbs and squeezes them dry of
the information so they can go absorb more for him.
3.)

Diseases desperate grown

By desperate appliance are relieved
Or not at all.

IV

iii

10-2

195

Speaker: Claudius
Interlocutor: His attendants
Context/Irony, etc
- He is comparing Hamlets disease to a terminal illness (metaphor), and is saying that a terminal disease
either needs to have an extreme treatment or just to be completely left alone.

4.)

Not where he eats but where he is eaten. A

certain convocation of worms are een at him.

IV

iii

22-3

197

Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Claudius
Context/Irony, etc
- When Claudius asks where the body of Polonius is, Hamlet replies at dinner being eaten by worms.

5.)

How all occasions do inform against me

And spur my dull revenge!

IV

iv

34-5

203

Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: Himself
Context/Irony, etc
- He is basically saying, Everything I see that happens just reminds me how bleak life is, and I dont know
why I dont just get my revenge right now.
6.) Even for an eggshell
IV
iv
56
203
Speaker: Hamlet
Interlocutor: himself
Context/Irony, etc
- He is saying he doesnt know why those Norwegian troops are all putting their necks on the line for a land
no bigger than an eggshell, that they couldnt even bury all of their bodies on. The reason Fortinbras is
fighting is as thin as an eggshell (metaphor).

7.)

He is dead and gone, lady

He is dead and gone;
At his head a grass-green turf,
At his heals a stone.

IV

34-8

207

Speaker: Ophelia
Interlocutor: Gertrude and Claudius
Context/Irony, etc
- She is singy her crazy songs about her father, Poloniuss dead body. She is saying that it is buried in the
grassy ground with a tombstone.

8.)

For good Polonius death, and we have done but greenly

In hugger-mugger to inter him."

IV

89-90

211

Speaker: Claudius
Interlocutor: Gertrude
Context/Irony, etc
- He has just spoken to Horatio and Ophelia. Ophelia is crazy ever since her dad died. Claudius knows he
looks culpable for Poloniuss death since he buried him so quickly without funeral rites. People are
spreading crazy rumors about his death as well.

9.)

Laertes shall be king! Laertes king!

IV

118

211

Speaker: Messenger
Interlocutor: Claudius and Gertrude
Context/Irony, etc
- The messenger said that Laertes has risen an army, who is going to overthrow Claudius and make Laertes
king, since Laertes believes that Claudius killed his father (polonius).

10.) Ill not be juggled with:

To hell, allegiance! vows, to the blackest devil!
Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit!
I dare damnation.

IV

148-50

215

Speaker: Laertes
Interlocutor: Claudius
Context/Irony, etc
- He is basically saying, screw you old man. I dont have any allegiance to you. Allegiance and conscience
both can go to hell. I dont care if im damned. This is when he is talking to Claudius, and interrogating
where his fathers body is and says that Claudius better not mess with him or hell pay.

11.) O heat, dry up my brains!

IV

177

215

Speaker: Laertes
Interlocutor: No one in particular
Context/Irony, etc
- This is Laertess emotional response to his sister going crazy, and that he is going to avenge her madness.
This is while he is talking to Claudius about getting revenge and Ophelia walks in saying crazy people
stuff.

12.) My lord, I will be ruled

IV

vii

77

227

Speaker: Laertes
Interlocutor: Claudius
Context/Irony, etc
- He is telling Claudius that hell let him make the decision, but Laertes wants to kill him.
- This goes to the theme of OBEDIENCE throughout the play

13.) One woe doth tread upon anothers heel,

So fast they follow. Your sisters drowned, Laertes.

IV

vii

188

Speaker: gertrude
Interlocutor: Laertes
Context/Irony, etc
- She says, dude the bad news just keeps on rolling for you.. Your sister just drowned.
- Sucks to suck

233

14.)I have a speech of fire, that fain would blaze

But that this folly doubts it.

IV

vii

215-6

235

Speaker: Laertes
Interlocutor: gertrude
Context/Irony, etc
- He is saying, I have some fiery words I could say right now, but my foolish tears are drowning them out.
- Fire= symbol for rage

Hamlet Act V

1.)Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him Horatio.

190

249

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

2.) Why may not imagination trace the noble dust of

Alexander till he find it stopping a bunghole?

210-1

251

285-7

255

ii

11-2

259

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

3.) I loved Ophelia, Forty thousand brothers

Could not (with all their quantity of love)
Make up my sum.
Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

4.) Theres a divinity that shapes our ends,

Rough hew them how we will-.
Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

5.) Tis dangerous when the baser nature comes

Between the pass and fell incensed points
Of the mighty opposites.

ii

67-9

263

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

6.) He that hath killed my king and whored my mother,

Popped in between the election and my hopes

ii

73-4

263

ii

87-8

263

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

7.) For by the image of my cause I see

The portraiture of his.
Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

8.) Let a beast be lord of beasts, and his crib shall stand
at the kings mess.

ii

98-9

265

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

9.) If your mind dislike anything, obey it.

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

ii

231

271

10.) Not a whit, we defy augury; theres a special providence

in the fall of a sparrow. The readiness is all.

ii

233-4

271

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

11.) Let my disclaiming from a purposed evil

Free me so far in your most generous thoughts
That I have shot my arrow oer the house
And hurt my brother.

ii

255-8

273

ii

262

273

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

12.) I stand aloof, and will no reconcilement

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

13.) Why, as a woodcock to my own springe

ii

336

279

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

14.) O, I could tell you But let it be.

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

ii

369-70

281

15.) Never believe it.

I am more an antique Roman that a Dane.

ii

374

283

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

16.) Absent thee from felicity awhile

ii

381

283

ii

393

283

11

395

283

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

17.) He has my dying voice.

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

18.) The rest is silence.

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

19.) Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince,

And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!

ii

397-8

283

ii

411

285

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

20.) That Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead

Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

21.) For he was likely, had he been put on,

To have proved most royally
Speaker:
Interlocutor:
Context/Irony, etc

ii

443-4

287