Question

Hamlet act 5 scene 1 what implications are the clowns' making in their opening conversation

Answer 1

The play demonstrates these characters as "comedians" which meant that their motivation in the play: to give some lighthearted element. While the subject of their dialog is overwhelming and dim, their treatment of it is entertaining, dull cleverness. For instance, one of the undertakers tries to sound extremely keen and authority. He clarifies that "a demonstration hath three branches - it is to act, to do, and to perform; argal, she suffocated herself wittingly." This is interesting in light of the fact that the three branches he says are in reality all equivalent words for each other and after that as opposed to utilizing the best possible word, "consequently" signifying "it tails" he utilizes the mis-word "argal." After that, he facetiously showcases the scene of her suffocating, which would presumably have components of physical drama when found in a live execution.