Hamlet: Through the Looking Glass

     Hamlet is one of the most complicated characters that Shakespeare ever created. His character has lots of layers and he is filled with emotions including grief and confusion. Though what makes Hamlet so complex, is his intelligence. He uses his mind to take on the persona of a trickster but it often causes him to over think situations which leads to a lack of action. Hamlet's most controversial soliloquy in the play is the "To be, or not to be" speech (III.1.56-89). Many have argued over his awareness of being watched.

     It is apparent throughout this famous speech that Hamlet is aware that he is being spied on. Previous events could have helped him clue in. For example, he had been spied on before by his former friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. After a forced confession in Act 2, he discovered that The King had hired them for the job. Hamlet would not just let this betrayal slip his mind. Also, it seemed suspicious that it was The King called upon Hamlet, yet when he met somebody in the foyer, it was Ophelia. This was even more shocking because Ophelia had been ignoring and avoiding him recently and then she had just conveniently shown up alone where Hamlet was. Since Hamlet is portrayed by Shakespeare to be so intelligent, it is normal to assume that he should have picked up on some of these suspicious coincidences.

     Throughout the play, Hamlet puts on acts of different personalities to everyone. The only time he is truthfully acting as himself is when he is with Horatio, his best friend. It would therefore be odd that Hamlet would speak all of his true feelings out loud in the middle of the castle, where virtually anybody could hear him. Knowing the complexity of his previous schemes, this would be a simple-minded way to ruin all of his plans. This is especially true considering he is aware of The King's interest in him from the previous incident with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

     In the soliloquy, Hamlet talks in depth about suicide. This can be perceived by the audience many ways. When Hamlet speaks of this, he seems to be speaking directly to Claudius. He says that suicide would "take arms against a sea of troubles/ And by opposing end them" (III.i.59-60). This line could be Hamlet trying to persuade Claudius to kill himself. He is explaining how ending his life could also put an end to any suffering that Claudius may face in the near future, a possible threat from Hamlet. Another threat is revealed when Hamlet speaks of "the whips and scorns of time" (III.i.70). He could also be referring to the possible guilt that The King will eventually face. The idea of Hamlet trying to convince Claudius to kill himself is completely plausible because it would be the perfect revenge for his father. Since suicide is the ultimate sin, Claudius would be guaranteed a ticket for hell. That is why Hamlet tried to make suicide sound like a reasonable choice in his speech.

     Hamlet contradicts himself many times in his soliloquy. It makes it very difficult to uncover Hamlet's true thoughts, which may be his ultimate plan. Since Hamlet knows that he is being surveyed, he talks of suicide and uses confusion to further convince the spies of his madness. This could further Claudius' fear of Hamlet because he is aware of what he knows now, and he could still think that he is crazy. Hamlet is clever to use this contradicting manor in his speech.

     Another reason that supports his awareness of the others in the room is his delivery of the speech. If Hamlet truly thought he was alone he would have been freaking out and very anxious. Since he knows people are watching, he acts very calm when speaking, hoping to frighten Claudius with his confidence. This is proven because in the speech, he does not yell or scream, as there is no punctuation in the lines. Also, in the movie, the character of Hamlet is played by Kenneth Branagh, and he acts very calm and collected. This proves that he is not nervous, and may be putting on another act for his audience of Claudius and Polonius.

     When Hamlet sees Ophelia, he says, "Soft you now,/ The fair Ophelia!" (III.i.88-89). He immediately stops what he is saying and quickly greets her. A reasoning behind this abrupt change may be because he knows The King is watching, and so he does not want him to see him let Ophelia in on any of his thoughts. He wants to keep her protected. This may also be why he is so harsh on her in their following conversation. Hamlet knows that The King is watching, so ending any relationship with Ophelia and showing how little he cares for her in front of Claudius and her father will keep her safe from The King in the future. Also, Hamlet hints that he knows exactly where Claudius is when he asks Ophelia, "Where is your father?" (III.i.130-131). This line is most likely present to let the audience know that Hamlet is aware of Claudius' whereabouts.

     All of these pieces present in Hamlet's speech prove that he is intelligent enough to know that Claudius and Polonius are present in the room. Shakespeare created this soliloquy so it could be directed directly at Claudius, and possibly foreshadow his futuristic death.


RE: Becky
I agree with your position on Hamlet's awareness. I also believe that he knows The King is watching him. I did not catch the correlation you made between the ghost's lines in act 1 and the line from Hamlet's soliloquy, but I agree that they relate. I also think that we can prove that his speech is directed at Claudius because in the movie, Hamlet's character points a dagger right at Claudius through a one way mirror, which could signal that he knows he is behind there, and is giving him a warning.

I also agree with your paragraph about Hamlet trying to protect Ophelia. I touched on that in one of my paragraphs, but I did not mention the nunnery as you did. I think it was risky for Hamlet to say the things about going to a nunnery and not believing him, because Claudius could have caught on to these tricks. In my opinion, that could have been a lethal mistake made by Hamlet, because if his true feelings were discovered, it could have put Ophelia in danger.

   

Why, what a surprise this was not, Claudius

The audience becomes aware of Hamlet’s trickery and his quick witted mind from early on in the play, as is shown in his conversation with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in I.ii where he figures out that the two were sent to be spies on him and Hamlet also knew right away that they were sent by his Uncle. Hamlet’s skills also show in I.v, right after conversing with the ghost, when he speaks to Horatio and Marcellus and tell them not to let on that they might know something about Hamlet if he ends up acting odd, a plan already formulating in his fast paced mind. If the fast thinking mind that Hamlet has is taken into consideration, it makes more sense to believe that Hamlet is at least suspicious that he is never truly alone anymore. Since he was also called forth by Claudius, it would seem highly unlikely that he would even think that he is alone or for him to expect that there would be no one in the place that he was called to.

Another indication that presents the idea that Hamlet suspects that he is not alone while he performs his soliloquy is the way he presents and speaks his words. As seen in I.ii during Hamlet’s first soliloquy, Hamlet seems to speak with more emotion, and the many comparisons that he uses, he says as though they were a thought that just entered into his head and so he goes with it. During his “to be or not to be” soliloquy, it seems appears to be more thought out, and there seems to be less wandering with his thoughts as it flows more compared to his other soliloquies which often had sudden stops to quickly speak of something else and then lead back to where he leaves off. Throughout his soliloquy, Hamlet also speaks in a much more calm manner, as though he is in complete control of his emotions, but by his past soliloquies and his later confrontation with his mother, Hamlet is still emotionally unstable and when he speaks about a matter, he speaks with more passion and force, but as he contemplates life and death, he is uncharacteristically calm and passive, as though he is ready to simply accept and watch whatever fate will fall upon him and others. If he was actually ready to accept any sort of fate for him and anyone, then would he have tried so hard in his conversation with Ophelia to send her away and tell her “get thee to a nunnery”(III.i.121)? Would he also have tried to make his mother see her wrongdoings and try to be so forceful in trying to make her repent for her sins?

If Hamlet really thought that he was alone, chances are that he would not have even voiced such thoughts out loud in the open space where just anyone could be wandering around and could happen upon his supposed to be private and personal thoughts. Even though the same thing could be said about any character ever giving a soliloquy, in Hamlet’s case, he only ever presented a soliloquy once everyone had left him alone, and with naught but himself and his own thoughts, and Hamlet would rejoice and be relieved to finally achieve being alone when he is left alone (II.ii.543).

Hamlet having suspicions about not being alone, causes me to believe that this soliloquy is to showcase more confusion as to whether or not he is going crazy and to cause more confusion to Claudius, so that it becomes impossible to know what in the world Hamlet is really thinking. Maybe Hamlet’s goal is even to drive Claudius into a corner to be unable to decipher the trickster mind that is Hamlet, and cause him to go slightly nuts.

RE: Rachel Labonte

As always your points are wonderful and I agree fully with your view. The remark on Hamlet’s punctuation is something certainly worth noting, and I commend you on even thinking about such a small detail. The point you made about Hamlet actually directing his speech to Claudius is also very genius! It is an interesting and unique idea that I have never encountered, or even came close to thinking about. As Jessie pointed out, it certainly comes close to the idea of the movie Inception, and the idea of planting a thought in someone’s mind, and slowly trying to take control in that method.

I am also reminded of the novel Fahrenheit 451, where the constant buzzing of messages become implanted into the brain with constant reminders and thoughts.

To Be Aware Or Not To Be

Throughout the play thus far, Hamlet has been identified as a brilliant trickster who toys with others’ emotions and perspectives. This observation can be further supported by Hamlet’s words in the last couple lines of the first Act. He says, “How strange or odd some’er I bear myself- As I perchance hereafter shall think meet To put an antic disposition on-” (I.v.178-80). From this point onwards, it is very clear that Hamlet has every intention of manipulating others and outwitting them with his intelligence. This is why I believe Hamlet knew that both Claudius and Polonius were listening to him while he spoke to ‘himself’.

From the beginning, Hamlet has been scheming against the King and is undoubtedly vastly more imaginative than Claudius. Hamlet had planned to act crazy in front of the others and there is no possible way he could have failed to assume the others would plot back against him. He surely would have known this was a set-up, especially if it were executed by the not-so-rational Polonius. Furthermore, it is curious that Hamlet would absent-mindedly enter the scene in Act 2 just as Polonius had finished explaining his plan to set up and spy on the Prince. It is questionable that Hamlet could be ahead in the game. Perhaps he was just eavesdropping on Polonius’ and Claudius’ conversation himself. This theory’s proof is heightened when Hamlet just so happens to bring up Ophelia to Polonius in the beginning of their conversation. Hamlet asks, “For if the sun breed maggots in a dead dog, being a good kissing carrion- Have you a daughter?” (II.ii.181-82). It would be far too coincidental of Hamlet to bring up Ophelia out of the blue considering there is no evidence thus far in the play to support that Hamlet has feelings for Ophelia or even thinks about her regularly. Lastly, during Hamlet’s conversation with Ophelia, he is crazed and lacks the impression of sincerity. At first he says, “I did love you once” (III.i.115) but then directly afterwards, continues to say, “You should not have believed me; for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it. I loved you not” (III.i.117-19). Therefore, which of the two statements is true? Hamlet proceeds to ask Ophelia where her father is and when she replies that he is at home, Hamlet calls Polonius a fool and becomes extremely angry and genuinely crazed. It is evident at this moment, that he is either extremely suspicious or he is aware that Ophelia is lying to him. You cannot fool a trickster.

So, if Hamlet knew that he was being spied on, then what did his speech truly mean? In the dialogue, Hamlet did not once refer to himself. He was discussing the option of suicide but did not state that he wanted to die or the reasons for which he would want to commit. It was not a personal reflection, but more of a vague generalization which is why I believe he was acting for the King and Polonius. Hamlet suggests, “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all, And thus the native hue of resolution Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought” (III.i.83-5). This entire speech and quotation especially seem to be directed at the King. Hamlet is set on the fact that Claudius killed Hamlet Sr. which is why during his time of opportunity, the Prince engages in blunt, yet ambiguous comments towards the King. Again, he is trying to get inside the mind of the king and perhaps give off the idea that he may already know but then again, it could all just be a coincidence. Hamlet is always thinking and can never make a decision but listening to how his mind works is confusing enough to throw anyone off their game. If Claudius thinks that Hamlet knows about his doings, then Claudius will assuredly be put into a state of panic and disorientation. The rest of Hamlet’s conversation with Ophelia could have been an act directed towards Polonius to indirectly, but directly, tell him he is a pretentious idiot.

@ Abby Flett I agree with almost everything you've brought up and argued, especially your points explaining why Hamlet evidently knows he is being watched. We almost have all the same points which is totally coincidental, I swear (but not really because they're good points). But I definitely don't think Hamlet loves Ophelia anymore and I question if he ever did... He did write her a love letter but it could have been lust in the beginning (I don't know how long they've known each other). But I think now that he has realized that Polonius set him up, he has to know that Ophelia was ignoring him and telling her father about his actions etc. He was telling her to go to a nunnery (calling her a hoe) and trying to confuse her by saying one thing and then directly afterwards, saying something to conflict with what he just said! I think he is angry that Ophelia would betray him and lie to him and thinks of her as her thinks of Polonius at this point... Again, agreeing with what Jesse said previously! But awesome points :)

You've Got Your Eyes On Me

Charlene Rhemtulla  Wednesday, March 26, 2014

#hamletknowswhatyouaredoinginthecourtyard #cladiusistheworstspyever #mygrandmacouldspybetter

Throughout the play Hamlet, the main character (whose name should be very obvious due to the fact that it’s the title of the play), Hamlet, develops characteristics that lead us to believe that he is quite the expert at tricking people to achieve what he wants. At most times in the play one can understand what he is doing and why he is doing that, but there are points in the play where it is easy to get confused. One of these moments is when Hamlet is performing his famous “To Be Or Not to Be” soliloquy (III.ii.56-90). In my opinion, I think that Hamlet most definitely knew that he was being watched and that everything he said was meant to be heard by Claudius and Polonius to further help his plan.    

As an audience it is hard to decide whether or not Hamlet organized the speech because he knows he is being watched by Polonius and the King or if he is just saying the speech as the emotions come to his mind. If you take a look at the speech, it seems like it is  said to aid him with his plan, meaning that he knows he is being watched. “To be or not to be, that is the question.” says Hamlet. In this line we see that Hamlet is contemplating whether or not it is worth the time and effort to live. If Claudius were listening he would automatically feel that Hamlet is becoming sadder and closer to the choice of suicide, which is exactly what Hamlet wants him to believe. This speech is literally Hamlet showing emotions that would make him seem crazy and suicidal, which is exactly what he is trying to get Claudius to believe. However; assuming that Hamlet wishes to kill only himself is not the only way to look at what he is saying. One can also interpret that Hamlet is saying that he wishes to murder someone. Hamlet says,
“For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
Th' oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law’s delay,
The insolence of office, and the spurns
That patient merit of th' unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? (III.i.70-76)

What he is saying here is that why put up with all of the bad things around us, such as rude and ignorant people who think they are better than you or hurt you, when you could just end everything with anything that is good enough to stab with? Going further you can either assume that he is talking about killing himself or killing everyone that causes the problem. If you were to interpret it like the latter, account for the fact that we know that Claudius has hurt Hamlet, and consider the fact that Hamlet might actually know that he is being watched by Claudius it would be Hamlet’s way of saying “haha got you” right in Claudius’ face in the sense that he is literally foreshadowing that he is going to kill Claudius (sucks to suck for him I guess).  

Throughout the play Hamlet does many things that make him a trickster that is a few steps ahead of everyone, so it would be no surprise that he is smart enough to knows that he is being watched. For example, during his first soliloquy Hamlet says, 
"With most miraculous organ. I'll have these players
Play something like the murder of my father
Before my uncle. I'll observe his looks;
I'll tent him to the quick. If'a do blench
I know my course." (II.ii.581-585)
This means that Hamlet is devising a plan to find out to make sure Claudius killed his father by putting on a play that reenacts the death of his father and seeing how Claudius reacts to it. The fact that he wants to make sure that Claudius is the actual murdered of his father shows us that he thinks about every step he does to make sure it will only help, not hurt, his plan. Hamlet thinking about every action carefully indicates that everything he says and does will relate back to the bigger plan. had he not known that Claudius and Polonius were watching he might not have acted they way he did because it would not matter to hims as much because it would not change anything about his plan for revenge.

Post-soliloquy, Ophelia arrives to see Hamlet just as planned by Claudius and Polonius. By observing how Hamlet speaks to Ophelia in this scene and the relationship between the two of them it gives us a better idea as to whether or not Hamlet knows he is being watched. Hamlet says to Ophelia, “You should not have believed me; for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it. I loved you not.” (III.i.117-119). In this quotation Hamlet is saying that he does not love her at all and that he never actually did in the first place. If one were to quickly look at what he is saying they would say that he does not want anything to do with her anymore. But if you look deeper, the fact that he is claiming this is very weird because we see moments before and after this conversation that he actually does like her. For example, during the play Mousetrap, he flirts with her openly saying things like “Lady shall I lie in your lap?” (III.ii.107). It seems like he is saying that he does not love Ophelia in this scene to protect from Claudius because if Claudius knows that Hamlet is in love with Ophelia he could do something to hurt her. It just does not make sense for a person to seem so in love with someone, and then suddenly just stop so quickly.

After looking at all the evidence from the play and the "To Be Or Not to Be" soliloquy (III.ii.56-90), such as the emotions found in the soliloquy, how he interacts with Ophelia, and his trickster personality I think it is safe to say that Hamlet did indeed know that he was being watched. 

RE: Mitchell Mason

Whoa! When you made that connection between the lines “To die, to sleep, / No more-and by a sleep to say we end / The heartache and the thousand natural shocks/That flesh is heir to—’tis a consummation/Devoutly to be wished!”(III.i.61-65) and Claudius killing Hamlet Senior that blew my mind. Although it is a good observation I think you’ve read into the text too much (SO DEEP YOU’RE ALMOST IN CHINA). I do agree with the fact that Hamlet knew he was being watched while, but I feel like this this observation is too good to be true and a bit too specific. I believe that this quotation does lean more to fact that Hamlet is trying to convince Claudius that he is acting crazy.

RE: Connor Kucharic

I really liked how you mentioned that Hamlet would be getting vibes that someone is watching him. It's almost like the feeling you get when watching scary movies, such as the Scream series, because you just get that sense that you know someone is there and you are usually bang on with that thought! I also really liked the point you made about how weird it was for Ophelia to just randomly have the love letters from Hamlet on hand. It is possible that she is just that obsessed with him (I mean it is Shakespeare, a lot of crazy things happen), but I think makes a lot more the way you explained it.

*Duly note that anything that has been italicized is there for amusement of course and not actually part of my points… maybe

Hamlet Mat Not Be Jesus But He Still Sees (Pretty Much) Everything

From the first line Hamlet utters in Shakespeare’s eponymous play is an indication to the trickster that Hamlet will progressively become over the course of the play. The first time Hamlet is introduced, is by Claudius, when he introduces Hamlet as his son. Hamlet replies with “A little more than kin, and less than kind.” (Act I Scene ii 65). This line is a sassy response to Claudius referring to Hamlet as his son, and immediately gives us the impression that Hamlet is a little bit of a trickster, and has an attitude. It also immediately shows the tension between the two characters, and gives a good indication of who conflict might arise between, and the wit of each character. We learn here that Hamlet really has a good understanding of most situations, because he can recognize what is happening between Claudius and Gertie. Basically what I'm trying to say is he's not dumb, Hamlet has a very good understanding of what goes on.

Hamlet is a smart guy, and has previously been able to sense someone else watching him. Hamlet knew in Act II, that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were spying on him. He is very sharp and able to identify when he has been put in a trap. Hamlet says to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, “Were you not sent for?”(Act II Scene ii 270). Hamlet is able to identify that he is being spied on, and is able to eventually manipulate Rosencrantz and Guildenstern into telling them why they were sent (they were sent to see if he really is mad). Hamlet tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern "I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw." (Act II Scene ii 378-379). Hamlet is telling Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, that he knows when he is being watched, and he can tell if someone's a phony or not. Where we really see this progress further is in Act III, during Hamlet’s oh so famous ‘To Be or Not To Be’ speech. Prior to his soliloquy, Hamlet is asked by the same people who have previously led him into a trap, to make his way to the courtyard and spend some time there. Having been previously deceived by these two before, Hamlet knows he should be smart about any business with them, and should be expected to anticipate they will be disloyal.

Other obvious signs that Hamlet knows he is being watched are evident when Hamlet says “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,” (Act III Scene i 83). This statement could very well be a stab at his mother, or at Claudius, and their incestuous relationship. Hamlet seems to be explaining how he himself has become a coward, as he has also previously referred to himself as one during his soliloquy in Act II Scene ii. The accusation of cowering behind our conscience is one that Hamlet has been victim of, but this could also be Hamlet taking a stab at the relationship between Claudius and Gertrude. Hamlet does not just say this would make a coward of himself, but of “us all”, further proving his line might have further connection to another character and not just himself. It could very well mean that Claudius and Polonius are the real cowards, afraid of confrontation, or that Claudius and Gertie are the cowards, being afraid of admitting the murder.

Additionally, Hamlet also mentions the unknown things that lie in the afterlife. He says "But that the dread of something after death, The undiscover'd country..." (Act III Scene i 78-79). The thing about this line is that Hamlet partially knows what happens in the afterlife. He has an idea, and it isn't completely undiscovered to him. Having been visited on several occasions by the ghost of his own father, he knows what could happen to him when he dies. This isn't totally unknown, yet Hamlet mentions nothing about his fears of the afterlife, or his fears of ending up where his father is. The lack of expression on the subject that is the only thought occupying his mind (don't forget that Hamlet promised to erase his mind of all thought besides his father's wish) is very odd for someone who knew they were alone. But that's exactly it, Hamlet holds back from expressing his desires not to end up like his father because he does not want Claudius to overhear that Hamlet has had interactions with his (dead) father. Hamlet must've known that Claudius was watching him, because while spending time talking about the afterlife, he paid careful attention to not mention his father, and the suffering that he is in.

Finally, we can also use the knowledge from Oedipus Rex that someone who is blind can see, or sense things that others cannot. Now yes, Hamlet is not blind, but he had previously blinded his mind from any thoughts besides that of his fathers intentions. Allow me to explain. When Hamlet says "from the table of my memory I'll wipe away all trivial fond records,..." (Act I Scene V 98-99), he makes a promise to Claudius that from this moment forward, nothing besides the thought of revenge will be in his mind. Hamlet essentially promises that he will, dare I say, blind, himself from all other events around him, and focus on the plan for revenge on Claudius. This commitment may give Hamlet the ability to see things around him that he might not have otherwise noticed. I'm not talking spiritual powers here or any of that stuff, but what I'm saying is that Hamlet's mind would only be focused on revenge on Claudius, and would constantly be analyzing every action he makes, instead of having his mind on chicken nuggets or something. In this situation, I am certain that following the rules given in Oedipus Rex, or the film "The Village", the character who is blind, whether by choice or by physical disability, has the ability to sense things that someone who is easily distracted might not. 
This being said, I think that it is completely obviously that Hamlet knows that he is being watched. Between his ability to understand complicated situations, his previous experience with Rozencrantz and Guildenstern's attempt at spying, his mid soliloquy stabs at the parties witnessing his speech, the lies he tells about the 'undiscovered afterlife', as well as the blindness Hamlet has given himself, it is crystal clear that Hamlet knows he is being watched.

RE: Jessie

I totally understand where you're coming from, and I like that I can see the other side of the argument. You made some very convincing arguments, and though I am on the other side here, I do slightly agree. The only thing I would argue with you about is what you said that if Hamlet was acting, it would've taken away from the scene. I disagree with you because although he has previously stated he was unable to portray his emotions, he has become really fond of the players, and seems passionate about how they portray things. Hamlet even lectures the players before they perform, making sure they're not too subtle, or not too obvious. Hamlet is a man who knows what he wants, and I'm sure he would be able to deliver. Also remember that Hamlet has had a lot of time to think about how he feels in this situation. In Act I when he promises the ghost to have his mind only on this, it has probably become progressively overwhelming, and emotions he was not able to earlier express have probably surfaced, and might even be clawing away inside of him. I feel like Hamlet would be able to channel these emotions into something he would be proud of, as he has set the same expectations for his players.

Heidi Stricko

A TRICKSTER IS NOT SO EASILY TRICKED

Chase Robitaille-Dombrowski


In Act III Scene i, Hamlet gives what is considered to be one of his most recognizable speeches and one of the most famous soliloquies out there. During this part in the play, the audience can perceive what is currently transpiring in one of two ways. Hamlet is either fully aware that he is being set up by Claudius and being watched, and therefore he is just putting on an act, or that he is completely caught up in emotion and is none the wiser to Claudius’ plan. I believe that Hamlet is aware that he is being watched during this famous “To  be or not to be” soliloquy because he is smart, and he was able to determine that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were sent on behalf of Claudius to monitor him. It is almost too obvious this time because Hamlet already knows that Claudius is suspicious of him, and Claudius is nowhere to be found after he had just sent for him “we have closely sent for Hamlet hither” (III.i.29). I  can’t see how Hamlet could not know that something isn't right and that he is being watched.

Evidence in the soliloquy that helps prove that Hamlet is aware that he is being watched is the considerable lack of emotion it contains when compared to his previous soliloquies. Hamlet is yelling at himself in his second soliloquy “Must like a whore unpack my heart with words and fall a-cursing like a very drab, a scullion! Fie upon’t! Foh!” (II.ii.572-574) and scorns his mother in his first soliloquy “She married-O most wicked speed! To post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets!” (I.ii.156-157). In both Hamlet’s first and second soliloquies, he is able to  display much emotion and frustration when he is alone, however this emotion and frustration is not found in his third soliloquy, further leading me to believe that Hamlet is aware that he is not alone.

More evidence that supports the notion that Hamlet does infact know he is secretly being watched can be seen during Hamlet’s tirade against Ophelia. He asks her “Where’s your father?” (III.i.130). To some, this may appear as if Hamlet doesn't know that Claudius and or Polonius are eavesdropping on him, but there is an instance earlier in the play where Hamlet uses Socratic irony. In Act II Scene ii, Hamlet is met by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. During their conversation, Hamlet asks them “what make you at Elsinore?” (II.ii.266), however he already knows full well why they were there and their true intentions, as evidenced when he actually explains why for them. I see this situation as very similar to what is currently going on, and that he already knows Polonius is there listening to them (along with Claudius), he just wants to test Ophelia to see what she would say. It could also be a way to make sure that Claudius and Polonius keep believing that they have Hamlet fooled.

       Now, under the assumption that Hamlet is aware of Claudius and Polonius, we can interpret the meaning of Hamlet’s words accordingly. The actual soliloquy is filed with things that could be traced to Claudius and his actions. Hamlet talks about death and sleep “To die-to sleep, no more;” (III.i.60-61). Here, Hamlet could be talking about how his father was killed in his sleep, trying to conjure up guilt in Claudius before the big “Mousetrap” play. Hamlet also unleashes a flurry of insults on Ophelia, but there is evidence in his words that suggest Hamlet doesn't really mean what he is saying. He hints at this by saying “You should not have believed me;” (III.i.117) and “believe none of us” (III.i.129). If Hamlet doesn't mean all these horrid things that he is saying, then why is he saying them? Well, I think that he may still have feelings for her despite the fact that she was ignoring him upon her father’s wishes and is now helping Claudius to spy on him (much like how Hamlet’s father still loves Gertrude, despite all of her betrayals), and he could be trying to show Claudius and Polonius that he is not involved with Ophelia, so that if he gets caught or fails at trying to kill Claudius and shit hits the fan, there will be no suspicion as to whether or not she was involved in any way, thus keeping her out of harms way.

       Upon examining Hamlet as a character, previous events in the play, and the dialogue in the scene at hand, I believe Hamlet is fully aware that he is being played and that he is being watched.



RE: Mitch

I fully agree with you that Hamlet is aware of Claudius' presence. I found it very interesting how you suggested that Hamlet is subtly telling Claudius to commit suicide. At first I thought that Hamlet was just trying to make Claudius feel guilt by mentioning things related to the death of Hamlet Sr., but upon further examination I agree that he could also be trying to get Claudius to consider suicide. It would certainly make Hamlet's job easier if Claudius dies while committing the ultimate sin, and Hamlet doesn't have to lift a finger.

RE: Suryna

You said that if the speech was just an act, it would lose most of its meaning, however I believe that even if it was just an act, it holds significant meaning to the play and to shaping Hamlet as an intelligent trickster. Think about it, what does it say about Hamlet's character if he is able to come up with such a speech out of the blue designed to trick Claudius? I also believe that Hamlet had enough time to vent and think about things during his second soliloquy which I believe occurred not too long before this one.

To see, or not to see?

To see, or not to see?

Hamlet is clever in so many ways, such that it is hard to get anything past him.  Hamlet fools his friends, family and foes to help him in the success of his plan for revenge on his father.  His cleverness also makes it difficult for his audience to understand him and what his intentions are.  He keeps on changing his mind and attitude towards Ophelia and eventually we get to the famous “To be, or not to be?” speech where Hamlet cannot make up his mind on whether it is best to live or be dead.  During this speech, Polonius and Claudius are listening to Hamlet’s every word and later, his conversation with Ophelia.  Since Hamlet’s actions are hard to follow and he is always changing his mind, as an audience it is difficult to decide if Hamlet knows he is being watched or not, for the duration of this speech.  Older opinions would say that Hamlet thinks he is alone when performing this speech however, there is also evidence to prove that he knew Polonius and Claudius were watching him.  

I however, agree with both ideas in a way.  I believe that Hamlet thought he was alone during the speech however, he came to realize he was being watched as soon as he asked Ophelia, “Where’s your father?” (III.i.130-131).  First of all, we already know that Hamlet is a clever man so he is always thinking ahead and in this case, he is suspecting that he might have someone watching him either directly, or a spy for the king.  We also know from previous encounters that Hamlet doesn’t care about or respect Polonius when he mocks him saying “You are a fishmonger” (II.ii.174) and by referring to Polonius as a “...tedious old fool…” (II.ii.219).  If Hamlet has this lack of respect for Polonius, then why on earth would he care about the whereabouts of him?  Hamlet obviously had suspicions about Polonius sneaking around.  Now that Hamlet has asked what I think was a rhetorical question, he knows from this point on that he is being watched.  

On the other side of the argument, I also would agree that Hamlet did not know he was being watched for the duration of his soliloquy in this scene.  Hamlet performs this soliloquy before the players have acted out his “mousetrap play”, which means that Hamlet does not know at this point in the play whether the ghost of Hamlet Sr. was real or not.  Since Hamlet loved his father so much and is also a very clever man, he would not do anything that would jeopardize his revenge plan in the slightest bit.  During this soliloquy, Hamlet says “...to take arms against a sea of troubles. And by opposing end them. To die…When he himself might his quietus make with a bare bodkin?” (III.i.59-76).  If Hamlet wanted his plan to work, he would not say anything that could be interpreted in the slightest about him killing another man.  Hamlet questions himself combatting all the troubles in his life and ending them all by settling his “final battle”.  Hamlet took all this time to make sure his plan would work correctly and that he would pay back Claudius with such a terrible punishment that Hamlet would not just give up any hints about it knowingly.

Hamlet only came to realize he was being watched after the soliloquy passed and this is also evident after Hamlet asked Ophelia the whereabouts of Polonius.  Immediately after Ophelia tells Hamlet that Polonius is at home he responds with “Let the doors be shut upon him, that he may play the fool nowhere but in’s own house” (III.i.133-134).  This is different because Hamlet has never called Polonius a fool in front of Ophelia, which makes it feel like Hamlet knows Polonius is there and is mocking him even now.  Hamlet also keeps on nagging Ophelia, “Get thee to a nunnery” (III.i.121) about five times which makes it seem as if he is talking directly to Polonius by giving him advice.  We have already seen Hamlet trying to encourage Polonius to protect Ophelia before when he says “Let [Ophelia] not walk i’th’ sun” (II.ii.184).  Although a debate on Hamlet’s feelings for Ophelia could last paragraphs more, we can see that Hamlet is encouraging Polonius to protect Ophelia.

Whether Hamlet knew that he was being watched or not, could change the entire meaning of the soliloquy so it is most important to dig deep into this part of the play to find out the truth.  Hamlet spoke his soliloquy unknowingly of any spies, but later came to brilliant conclusions that he must have been being watched either by spies, or the king and Polonius themselves.  Does Hamlet see right through Ophelia’s lies about Polonius’ whereabouts, or is he oblivious to it all?

RE: Keeana

I agree with your opinions for the most part.  I really like how you incorporated Hamlets emotions into all of the soliloquies and related them to this one in particular and why it is different from the first two.  There are so many emotions to consider and so many ways they can affect the meanings and outcomes from this speech.  I also used the “bare bodkin” quotation in my post so I can easily agree with your point about Hamlet sending a message to Claudius there even though I did not entirely agree with the fact that Hamlet could see Claudius during the soliloquy.  Even though I used that quotation for a completely different purpose, I like your idea and it is almost making me want to change opinions again!