The Use of Honorifics: Thou vs. You
The Elizabethan conventions are a group of signs in the theater indicating belonging to a specific period. The first thing to point out is the language used by the characters of Hamlet. Laer addresses the King, “That I shall live and tell him to his teeth, / Thus diddest thou” (Shakespeare 4.7.57). Laer uses ‘thou’ as an honorific that indicates polite speaking respectfully to a person of senior rank.
Laer addresses Ophelia: “Hadst thou thy wits, and didst persuade revenge,” since she is also above him in status (Shakespeare 4.5.166). At the same time, the King and Ophelia address Laer with ‘you,’ the less polite honorific of thou. Nevertheless, this does not bring any particular mood to the scene, although it does create additional tension due to the seriousness of the theme.
Stichomythia: Its Usage and Reflections
The scene comprises discussions of Laer’s plan and quick line changes, making it lively. This way of writing is called stichomythia, which can be observed in the dialogue about Hamlet’s letters. Laer and King’s words do not exceed 10-15. The verse-mythic can be seen when Laer interrupts the King: “What out of this, my lord?” (Shakespeare 4.7.108).
Imagery in the Passage
It reflects Laer’s impatience, wanting to act rather than discuss the death of Polonius. The imagery of the poem is full of mythological references. Laer says, “No trophy, sword, nor hatchment o’er his bones,” as a reference to myths (Shakespeare 4.5.210). There are biblical references in imagery in Ophelia’s monologue. A red line runs through the theme of death – the death of Laer’s father.
Spying and Eavesdropping Among the Characters
Another important Elizabethan convention not present in the scene is eavesdropping. The absence of such a moment makes the scene even more intense, as the characters reveal their face and do not seek to hide their genuine opinions. No monologue or soliloquy is present on the part of the King or Laer, but Ophelia prays for “all Christian souls” and tells “God b’wi’you” without addressing anyone in particular (Shakespeare 4.5.196). This was necessary to indicate her future tragic role (drowning) in Act IV since the death is the main flow.
Understanding the Passage Through Footnotes
The footnotes used in the text make it easier to understand the English language and allow us to establish the nature of the characters’ speech. Especially important is how the footnotes reveal the value of obsolete expressions or Old English. Footnotes help trace why a particular utterance is used and whether it relates to essential characters. The footnotes allow each phrase or verse to be evaluated individually and in connection with subsequent passages.
The Importance of the Elizabethan Conventions
The Elizabethan conventions used help explore how the scene’s acting, style, character of speech, and mood are interconnected. The elements add color to the setting and help make it more prosperous in style. Shakespeare uses them to control the characters’ illustration, their tone in the scene, and their connection to the characters. The play would not be so richly colorful without such references and aspects.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. “Hamlet.” The Norton Introduction to Literature, edited by Kelly. J. Mays, 13th ed., W. W. Norton, 2019, pp. 1332-1496.