IOCsGet thee to a nunnery

CA:

The passage displays the lack of honesty in Hamlet’s relationship with Ophelia and his gradual detachment from her

Context

Hamlet’s to be or not to be speech Questioning what to do He begins with an honest and truthful tone When he realises that Polonius and Claudius are watching and begins indirectly

addressing them

The actual audience

He speaks to Claudius and Polonius referring to the way that he will kill him

Repetition

“Get thee to a nunnery”o Tone shifts and shifts meaning

o In the beginning it is a place of chastity, where Hamlet actually cares for her

o “Farewell” is added after he determines that Ophelia is playing him

o Gets shorter and shorter to show the gradual detachment from Ophelia

Relationship is over

Religious Imagery

He refers to the sinful nature of humanity The tone of his speech is sorrowful

o “Between heaven and hell” : Reflects upon purgatory

“God’s creatures”: Men and their animalistic nature

Men vs. Women

Initially he criticises men, but then turns to women He begins very vague about women “Yourselves” Metaphors: Double meanings

o Chaste as ice, pure as snow

Will melt away eventually i.e. will not last

Speaking to Polonius and Claudius

Double meanings are made for them, and talks