Read the excerpt below and answer the question. HAMLET: Denmark's a prison. ROSENCRANTZ: Then is the world one. HAMLET: A goodly

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Read the excerpt below and answer the question. HAMLET: Denmark's a prison. ROSENCRANTZ: Then is the world one. HAMLET: A goodly

one; in which there are many confines, wards and dungeons, Denmark being one o' the worst. ROSENCRANTZ: We think not so, my lord. HAMLET: Why, then, 'tis none to you; for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so: to me it is a prison. ROSENCRANTZ:Why then, your ambition makes it one; 'tis too narrow for your mind. HAMLET: O God, I could be bounded in a nut shell and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams. (Act II, scene ii) Write an essay that compares Hamlet’s interactions with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to his conversations with Polonius in act 2. Note Hamlet's state of mind in the interactions with each, as well as the tone of his conversations. Your answer should be at least 250 words.

English

1 answer:

Kaylis [27] · Answer 1 · 2022-05-27T12:35:35+03:00

In his interaction with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet is ironical, but it's not personal. Whereas he doesn't agree with their worldview, he still isn't resentful towards them. He just makes fun of their narrowmindedness, implying that they are the ones who are trapped in a nutshell and can't transcend their limitations. He knows that Claudius had sent for them, but doesn't take them too seriously. He obviously thinks that their behavior is just another instance of human frailty.

On the other hand, he already openly resents Polonius, and is being sardonic in all of their interactions. He enjoys confusing him with complicated logical and language twists, mocking his stupidity, hypocrisy, and sycophancy. While not understanding most of Hamlet's poignant remarks, Polonius still realizes that "there is method" in his madness. "<span>A happiness that often madness hits on, which reason and sanity could not so prosperously be delivered of," observes Polonius, dismissing all the allusions and invectives. </span>Hamlet ridiculed Polonius for his overbearing fatherly protectivity towards Ophelia and the fact that old age hasn't brought him any wisdom.