HamNun+Sarah+Jang

Sarah Jang Ms.Porter Block D 4/12/2010


 * Hamlet & the Interpretation of Nunnery Scene**

In the beginning of Act 3 Scene 1, Hamlet and Ophelia are engaged in a long conversation while being secretly watched by Claudius and Polonius. The irony of this scene, however, is that readers can make different interpretations on Hamlet’s motives based on Hamlet’s consciousness of Claudius’ existence during the conversation. Regarding Hamlet's cognizance on Claudius, I personally think that Hamlet indeed knew from the very beginning that Claudius and Polonius was secretly watching over his conversation with Ophelia.

“To be, or not to be? That is the question” (57). From the very first line of Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, Shakespeare hints the readers that Hamlet’s famous speech might not be directed to Ophelia at all. Unlike in Act 2 Scene 1 where Hamlet solely bases his behaviors on his feelings for Ophelia, Hamlet’s soliloquy in Act 3 digresses from the alleged main point of his speech: love. According to Ophelia, Hamlet in Act 2 “took me by the wrist and held me hard. Then goes he to the length of all his arm, And, with his other hand thus o'er his brow, He falls to such perusal of my face As he would draw it” (87-90). Hamlet’s actions in Act 3 however, is nothing similar to his previous behaviors in Act 2. He no longer seeks to hold Ophelia, albeit his feelings for Ophelia might still to be the same as conveyed in lines “Soft you now, The fair Ophelia!—Nymph, in thy orisons Be all my sins remembered” (90-91). Although there is no change in Hamlet’s internal struggle -- love for Ophelia and urge to revenge for King Hamlet-- there is an obvious change in Hamlet’s behaviors towards Ophelia. This can only be explained by the notion that Hamlet indeed knew all along that Claudius was secretly watching him.

Also notable in Hamlet’s behavior is his callous attitude towards Ophelia. In line 105, Hamlet asks Ophelia, “are you honest?” The word “honest” might have been used in the same way as the words “fair” or “good” are used, but the fact that Shakespeare specifically chose the word “honest” cannot be ignored. From the beginning of their conversation Hamlet accuses Ophelia of her “honesty” and soon conveys his anger--a random display of emotion that can easily be explained if we hypothesize that Hamlet feels betrayed by Ophelia's lie. Hamlet's inquiry on the whereabouts of Polonius in line 131, "Where’s your father?" also shows that Hamlet is well aware of Claudius and Polonius.