Editor's Choice
What is Hamlet conveying in his conversation with Gertrude in this verse?
Look here, upon this picture, and on this, The counterfeit presentment of two brothers. See, what a grace was seated on this brow; Hyperion's curls; the front of Jove himself; An eye like Mars, to threaten and command; A station like the herald Mercury New-lighted on a heaven-kissing hill; A combination and a form indeed, Where every god did seem to set his seal, To give the world assurance of a man: This was your husband. Look you now, what follows: Here is your husband; like a mildew'd ear, Blasting his wholesome brother. Have you eyes? Could you on this fair mountain leave to feed, And batten on this moor? Ha! have you eyes? You cannot call it love; for at your age The hey-day in the blood is tame, it's humble, And waits upon the judgment: and what judgment Would step from this to this? (3.4.55)
Quick answer:
Hamlet is expressing his disgust at Gertrude's marriage to Claudius. He contrasts the noble image of his late father with the corrupt Claudius, whom he describes as a "mildewed ear." Hamlet argues that Gertrude, at her age, should have used reason over passion in her choice, questioning her judgment. His intense comparison and accusations deeply affect Gertrude, making her realize her mistake.
Hamlet is furious with his mother for marrying the man who killed his father, Gertrude's late husband, King Hamlet. Gertrude is unaware of Claudius's role in King Hamlet's death, but even so, Hamlet resents her for remarrying so soon, while he was still in deep mourning for his father.
In the above excerpt, all of Hamlet's bitterness, bile, and rage towards his mother come to a boil as he subjects Gertrude to a vicious, unhinged rant. During this outburst, Hamlet draws an unfavorable comparison between his late father and Claudius. He compares King Hamlet to a Greek god, with his curly hair and noble forehead. Then there's Claudius: he's like a mildewed ear of corn infecting the one next to it. The difference between King Hamlet and Claudius is night and day, and Hamlet simply cannot believe that Gertrude can't see this. Hamlet reckons that some evil demon must have blinded her when she chose to marry Claudius. How else can one account for what, to Hamlet, is such an inexplicable choice?
What devil was ’t
That thus hath cozened you at hoodman-blind? (act III, scene iv)
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