Hamlet

Theme: POLITICS AND CORRUPTION *QUOTES > EXPLAINATION * "This bodes some strange eruption to our state"     (Horatio, Act 1, scene i) > At the sighting of the Ghost    Horatio fears that the appearance of the dead king's ghost is a dark omen of future trouble for the Kingdom of Denmark. (corruption) * "valian Hamlet.....Did slay this Fortinbras"   (Horatio, Act 1, scene i) > At some unspecified time in the past, King Fortinbras fought King Hamlet in single combat. At stake were not only their lives, but their honour, as well as a significant amount of disputed territory. King Hamlet was victorious and Norwat lost its King, its honor and its territory. * "Now sir young Fortinbras Of unimproved mettle hot and full Hath in the skirts of Norway here and there Sharked up a list of lawless resolutes… (Horatio, Act 1, scene i) > With the King Hamlet dead, Prince Fortinbras is determined to undo the losses incurred when his father was vanquished, by attacking denmark in order to win back the lost territory. * "Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother's death the memory be green…." (Claudius, Act 1, scene ii) > Claudius is astute and duplicitous. Characteristics which make him an excellent politician. He expresses false grief in order to fin favor of his courtiers. * "….of this war-like state" (Claudius, Act 1, scene ii) > Claudius: insightful politician. Carefully circumvents Fortinbras by sending a letter to the King of Norway, Fortinbras' uncle. * "Farewell and let your haste commend your duty" (Claudius, Act 1, scene ii) > Claudius sends to envoys, Cornelius and Voltemand, to inform the norwegian King of his nephew's dangerous activities in the hope that this will hamper the threat from Fortinbras. Claudius --> shrewd man. Newly appointed king --> needs to establish himself as worthy of the position. War would not go in favor of his plans. * "His will is not his own………. for on his choice depends the safety and health of this whole state.." (Laertes to Ophelia, Act 1, scene iii) > Hamlet's choice of wife is not his own. The decision will be political, not romantic. * "…visit him, to make inquiry of his behavior" (Polonius to Reynaldo, Act 2, scene i) > Polonius --> deceitful, devious. Instructs Reynaldo to spy on Laertes. Wants him to check up on his son to make sure he is not participating in any dishonorable activities. This shows Polonius to be morally corrupt. * "My news shall be the fruit to that greatest feast/ I hold my duty as I hold my soul, Both to my God and to my gracious King" (Polonius, Act 2, scene ii) > Polonius presents the new from Norway. Old Norway has listened favorably to Claudius. Fortinbras will never take up arms against Denmark. This appears to be a very significant diplomatic victory for Claudius. Meanwhile Polonius, has his own political reasons. He wishes to ingratiate himself in the King's good graces by being such a loyal advisor. I think it is perfectly justifiable to say that Claudius is mostly to blame for Ophelia's death. The innocent people of the Kingdom are suffering because of the corruption of the king. Claudius is self-obsessed and selfish. NOTE. >>> *Laertes has been corrupted my Claudius….. sharp rapier with poison.. *Rosencrantz and Guildentern were corrupted by Claudius… betrayed Hamlet… *Polonius completely corrupt under Claudius' influence…. uses his daughter as bait with no regard to morality *Gertrude ''most seeming virtuous queen'' … no longer virtuous… corrupted by Claudius...