An Analysis of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet

Essay's Score: C

Grammar mistakes

D (63%)

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B (83%)

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B (84%)

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F (57%)

Table of Content

The change in atmosphere in scene one is primarily attributed to Polonius. This is depicted at the beginning of the act when Polonius is recruiting a spy to monitor his son’s behavior. Initially, the scene is amusing and dubious as Polonius feigns trust in his son, but in reality, he is apprehensive enough to hire someone to watch over him. The shift in mood transpires when Ophelia enters the room and recounts the recent incident involving Hamlet (II, i,ll 85-112).

Polonius’s concern and mood towards his son Laertes have changed, shifting towards his daughter Ophelia. He now believes that he is responsible for Hamlet’s insanity. Ophelia informs Polonius that Hamlet approached her while she was sewing, appearing disturbed with his shirt undone, stockings dragged on the ground, and without a hat. Demonstrating signs of madness, as if he had just returned from hell, Hamlet firmly grasped Ophelia’s wrist and stared at her, with his knees trembling. Both Polonius and Ophelia connect Hamlet’s behavior to Ophelia rejecting him.

The purpose of the meeting between the royal couple and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern is to enlist their help in spying on Hamlet. Concerned about his peculiar behavior following his father’s death, they believe that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, whom Hamlet has known for a long time, will be able to discover the cause of his troubles. This meeting is also significant as it reveals that Polonius is not the sole parent involved in clandestine activities to monitor their children. It demonstrates that Claudius, like Polonius, lacks trust in his role as a parent.

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