Hamlet Questions on Allusion
Hamlet
Pyrrhus And Priam
Hamlet recalls the story of Priam and Pyrrhus and asks the player to present a speech about it because Hamlet believes that it closely resembles his visualization of future events in his own...
Hamlet
What is the literal meaning of "It out-herods Herod," from Hamlet?
The literal meaning of "It out-herods Herod" in Hamlet is to outdo Herod in wickedness or violence. Hamlet uses this hyperbole to criticize actors who exaggerate their lines and gestures, comparing...
Hamlet
How does Hamlet and its allusions relate to modern society?
Hamlet relates to modern society through its timeless themes of love, revenge, betrayal, and mortality, which continue to resonate today. The play's exploration of mental health, family complexities,...
Hamlet
Why does Horatio mention Julius Caesar in Hamlet?
Horatio mentions Julius Caesar in Hamlet to draw a parallel between the supernatural events preceding Caesar's assassination and the ghostly apparition they witness. He recalls how ghosts and other...
Hamlet
Who is Priam in Hamlet?
Priam is not a character in Hamlet. He is a figure from Greek mythology, the King of Troy, mentioned in Act 2, Scene 2. Hamlet asks a player to recite a speech about Priam's death during the fall of...
Hamlet
What is the significance of Hamlet's response to Polonius' comment, "I have a daughter I love passing well"?
Hamlet's response to Polonius' comment, "I have a daughter I love passing well" shows that he doesn't trust Polonious because he is using Ophelia to spy on Hamlet.
Hamlet
How does Hamlet's "look here upon this picture" speech use figurative language to express his anger and compare his...
The language of this passage is loaded with poetic and symbolic devices. Hamlet's rage at his mother comes out in a series of extended metaphors, most notably the comparison of her to a sow wallowing...
Hamlet
Creating Suspense in Act 1 of Hamlet
In Act 1 of Hamlet, Shakespeare employs several techniques to create suspense. The play opens with guards nervously on edge, heightening tension. The appearance of King Hamlet's ghost raises...
Hamlet
Why do the players reenact Aeneas's tale to Dido in Act 2 of Hamlet, and what is its storyline?
In Act 2, Hamlet has the players reenact Aeneas's tale to Dido, which describes the murder of King Priam by Pyrrhus, drawing parallels to King Hamlet's murder. This storyline, derived from Virgil's...