Questions and Answers
The opening vowel sound 'O' in Ophelia's monologue relays what?
What does the repetition of 'O, woe is me' portray?
Her distraught nature and grief over Hamlet.
What virtues does Ophelia enumerate about Hamlet?
Courtier's, soldier's, scholar's eye, tongue, sword.
The extra unstressed syllable in 'and I, of ladies most deject and wretched' draws attention to Ophelia's __________.
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What does Ophelia compare the musicality of Hamlet's proclamations of love to?
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How is Hamlet's appearance described in Ophelia's monologue?
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Ophelia's speech allows her emotions to overrun her clarity of speech.
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What does the rhyming couplet 'woe is me' and 'see what I see' foreshadow?
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What does Claudius assert about Hamlet's madness?
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How does Claudius describe Hamlet's emotional state?
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What location does Claudius plan to send Hamlet to?
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What is the 'danger' that Claudius expresses concern about?
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Claudius is portrayed as a procrastinator like Hamlet.
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Study Notes
Ophelia's Monologue Analysis
- The opening sound "O" signifies Ophelia's deep emotional bond with Hamlet, reflecting the peak of his mental turmoil and resultant melancholia.
- Repetition of "O" in "O, woe is me" emphasizes Ophelia's sorrow, reinforcing her grief for her lost love.
- Ophelia recalls Hamlet's noble qualities—"courtier's, soldier's, scholar's eye, tongue, sword"—lamenting the damage inflicted upon his character.
- The extra unstressed syllable in "and I, of ladies most deject and wretched" draws focus to Ophelia’s struggle to comprehend Hamlet’s transformation.
- Her reflection on Hamlet's once melodic affections contrasts with the current harshness, expressing regret over his decline.
- Hamlet's once "unmatched" appearance is described as "blasted with ecstasy," signifying a loss of youth and vitality.
- The consistent iambic pentameter throughout her speech demonstrates Ophelia's clarity of thought despite her emotional turmoil, showcasing her strength and genuine love.
- The final rhyming couplet "woe is me" and "see what I see" hints at her impending madness within the narrative.
Claudius's Response to Hamlet's Madness
- Claudius dismisses the notion of Hamlet's madness arising from love, stating "Love! His affection does not that way tend," countering Ophelia and Polonius.
- He articulates his suspicion about Hamlet’s mental state, indicating that it stems from "melancholy" that could unleash troubling consequences.
- Claudius proposes Hamlet's exile to "seas and countries different" like England, suggesting a potential solution to Hamlet's mental distress.
- His description of Hamlet's erratic behavior as a "danger" necessitates swift action, using terms like "quick" and "speed" to convey urgency.
- The contrast between Claudius's decisive action and Hamlet's procrastination highlights the differences in their characterizations, raising dramatic tension in the scene.
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Description
Explore the emotional nuances in Ophelia's monologue through flashcards. Each card focuses on specific elements of her speech, revealing her grief and connection to Hamlet. Understand the significance of sound and repetition in conveying her troubled state of mind.
