Hamlet

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1. 
   podunc Teacher
   College - Freshman

   In Act IV, Scene II of Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two childhood friends of Hamlet, are working with King Claudius against the Prince. They come to Hamlet asking for Polonius's body:

   Rosencrantz:

   Tell us where [Polonius's body] 'tis, that we may take it thence
   And bear it to the chapel.

   Hamlet

   Do not believe it.

   Rosencrantz

   Believe what?

   Hamlet

   That I can keep your counsel and not mine own.
   Besides, to be demanded of a sponge! what
   replication should be made by the son of a king?

   Rosencrantz

   Take you me for a sponge, my lord?

   Hamlet

   Ay, sir, that soaks up the king's countenance, his rewards, his authorities. But such officers do the king best service in the end: he keeps them, like an ape, in the corner of his jaw; first mouthed, to be last swallowed: when he needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you, and, sponge, you
   shall be dry again.

   By referring to Rosencrantz as a sponge, Hamlet makes it clear that he is suspicious of his friend. He believes that Rosencrantz is an opportunist, and is eager to ally himself with King Claudius. Like a sponge, he wants to soak up all the benefits of being in subservience to someone with great power. Hamlet suggests, however, that once Claudius is through with him Rosencrantz will simply be "wrung out to dry."

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/hamlet/

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   Posted by podunc on Sunday April 27, 2008 at 7:11 PM