Hamlet Act 1 Scene 3

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  • Created by: __Jess
  • Created on: 26-05-22 19:00
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  • Act 1 Scene 3 Quotes
    • Women
      • "Tis in my memory locked, and you yourself shall keep the key of it."
        • Shows the power that men had over women, and how they even dictated what they thought.
      • "You do not understand yourself so clearly."
        • Implies that Polonius knows more about Ophelia than she does about herself.
          • Ironic as Polonius is constantly spying and scheming, yet talks about understanding clarity.
      • "Springes to catch woodcocks."
        • Compares women to a stupid bird, and men as setting traps for them.
      • "Set your entreatments at a higher rate."
        • Throughout Polonius's speech, he makes numerous references to commerce and how Ophelia is something to be bought.
    • Religion
      • "Do not show me the steep and thorny way to heaven."
        • Implies that Ophelia rejects the idea of being so reserved she misses out on fun and enjoyment.
        • Also suggests that whilst it was considered against God for women to act in certain ways, Ophelia does not believe this and thinks she shall go to heaven nonetheless.
        • "Himself the primrose path of daliance treads."
          • Shows the disparity between men and women, and their religious expectations.
      • "Breathing like sanctified and pious bawds."
        • The play is full of people preaching religious messages, yet not practising religious virtues. Claudius being the main example, and Hamlet draws many parallels to him.
    • Appearance v reality
      • "Do not believe his vows, for they are brokers."
        • Polonius suggests that Hamlet's word is empty. This proves correct when he feigns his madness later - this is one of the only truths Polonius speaks.
        • Double entendre. Brokers means both middle-men, and pimps.
      • "And these few precepts in thy memory."
        • Polonius is submissive to the monarchy, yet attempts to appear knowledgeable to his children.

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