The monologue by Hamlet is given as an apology and explanation to Laertes regarding Polonius’ murder before their duel for Laertes’ vengeance. In lines 5.2.172 - 178 and in 5.2.187-190, Hamlet asks Laertes to forgive him for killing Polonius (though Hamlet does not openly admit it). His speech is eloquent and courteous (“Give me your pardon, sir,” 5.2.172) and he refers to himself in first person. He tells Laertes (and the rest of the party) in lines 5.2.179-186 that it was “his madness” (5.2.183) that murdered Polonius rather than Hamlet himself. However, his diction switches to third-person, mimicking that of a jester’s or a madman’s and amplifying the justification of his crime. By speaking as an outsider, Hamlet separates himself from his
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Johnson’s disappointment in Hamlet’s responsibility-shirking can be traced back to lines 5.2.179-185. Hamlet’s sincerity in his apology is lacking as he pokes fun at his own words, actions, and even himself just as a fool would. Other than speaking in third person, the tone is repetitive and the form of banter is similar to that of Polonius’ foolish, and longwinded speech (2.2.130-150). Hamlet’s imitation makes his reasoning seem sarcastic and even mocking. While the sudden change in tone and form feeds into Hamlet’s argument of being crazy (and thus cannot be blamed for killing Polonius), we have been told often by Hamlet that he is simply “put[ting] an antic disposition on” …show more content…
Perhaps “madness” is not the right word, but there seems to be an implication that Hamlet was influenced by something. This applies to when he murdered Polonius and to his other decisions such as his revengeful resolve to kill Claudius. In 5.2.175, Hamlet says that he is “punished with sore distraction”. This characteristic was referenced earlier by Laertes in 1.3 when he describes Hamlet’s attention as “trifling” (1.3.6) and that Hamlet’s “will is not his own” (1.3.17). While Laertes attributes the latter to Hamlet’s birthright, the description highlights the possibility of Hamlet’s easily swayed mind. Hamlet himself also says later in 1.4 that he follows the Ghost because his “fate cries out” (1.4.56). Thus making him susceptible to “madness” or at least to the persuasion of others — such as the
Johnson’s disappointment in Hamlet’s responsibility-shirking can be traced back to lines 5.2.179-185. Hamlet’s sincerity in his apology is lacking as he pokes fun at his own words, actions, and even himself just as a fool would. Other than speaking in third person, the tone is repetitive and the form of banter is similar to that of Polonius’ foolish, and longwinded speech (2.2.130-150). Hamlet’s imitation makes his reasoning seem sarcastic and even mocking. While the sudden change in tone and form feeds into Hamlet’s argument of being crazy (and thus cannot be blamed for killing Polonius), we have been told often by Hamlet that he is simply “put[ting] an antic disposition on” …show more content…
Perhaps “madness” is not the right word, but there seems to be an implication that Hamlet was influenced by something. This applies to when he murdered Polonius and to his other decisions such as his revengeful resolve to kill Claudius. In 5.2.175, Hamlet says that he is “punished with sore distraction”. This characteristic was referenced earlier by Laertes in 1.3 when he describes Hamlet’s attention as “trifling” (1.3.6) and that Hamlet’s “will is not his own” (1.3.17). While Laertes attributes the latter to Hamlet’s birthright, the description highlights the possibility of Hamlet’s easily swayed mind. Hamlet himself also says later in 1.4 that he follows the Ghost because his “fate cries out” (1.4.56). Thus making him susceptible to “madness” or at least to the persuasion of others — such as the