Having already encountered the three essentially different nunnery scenes in the previous class, I could not help myself but to define the three different scenarios:
1. Hamlet being oblivious of Claudius and Polonius watching him,
2. Hamlet being completely aware of their presence, and
3. Lastly, Hamlet being oblivious at first, but becoming aware in the process of the scene.
This is truly ambiguous on many levels.
What is it exactly that Shakespeare is trying to portray in this scene?
If I were to assume the role of a director, the last scenario makes the most sense.
I believe the nunnery scene in which Shakespeare was trying to portray goes along these lines: Ophelia comes in to talk with Hamlet. Hamlet is ready to truthfully approach Ophelia. Polonius and Claudius secretly observe the two. Then, Hamlet accidentally sees Claudius and Polonius. Claudius and Polonius do not realize that their position has been compromised. Hamlet, from then on, changes his tactics accordingly—he does not want to inform Claudius that he is feigning insanity.
I arrived to such a conclusion because, first of all, Hamlet has a clear change in tone in the middle of his speech. At first, Hamlet is polite and somewhat loving to Ophelia. At a certain point, however, something’s different; something’s wrong. Hamlet has a sudden change in tone and becomes condescending and hateful towards the same woman. If Hamlet was unaware of the duo behind the curtains or was aware from the very beginning, why would this be necessary? It is only because Hamlet was unaware in the beginning and becomes aware throughout the scene that he changes his tone from A to B. From this observation, it is most logical that the scene is interpreted as the last scenario.
Furthermore, at the turning point in his speech, Hamlet suddenly says “where’s your father?” (line 1821). After this Hamlet suddenly denounces their relationship and bombards incomprehensible nonsense to Ophelia. So far in the play, the Hamlet we have encountered has been quite the intelligent soul. One could follow his coherent trail of thought. Due to his already proven intellectual capacity, one can deduce that Hamlet’s sudden change in tone was a result of an inflammatory offense against him--the acts of Polonius and Claudius.
Also, another reason that scenario three fits the bill is due to the reaction of Hamlet throughout the scene reflects his feelings towards Ophelia. The third scenario fits the bill due to the outcome of events. Given that Hamlet was unaware of Claudius and Polonius’ presence throughout the whole scene, it would mean that Hamlet is willing to sacrifice their relationship without regret. This is most unlikely. However, the last scenario mentions that he initially trusted in Ophelia and was treating her with respect, but found out her betrayal in the middle. This seems more like it.
1. Hamlet being oblivious of Claudius and Polonius watching him,
2. Hamlet being completely aware of their presence, and
3. Lastly, Hamlet being oblivious at first, but becoming aware in the process of the scene.
This is truly ambiguous on many levels.
What is it exactly that Shakespeare is trying to portray in this scene?
If I were to assume the role of a director, the last scenario makes the most sense.
I believe the nunnery scene in which Shakespeare was trying to portray goes along these lines: Ophelia comes in to talk with Hamlet. Hamlet is ready to truthfully approach Ophelia. Polonius and Claudius secretly observe the two. Then, Hamlet accidentally sees Claudius and Polonius. Claudius and Polonius do not realize that their position has been compromised. Hamlet, from then on, changes his tactics accordingly—he does not want to inform Claudius that he is feigning insanity.
I arrived to such a conclusion because, first of all, Hamlet has a clear change in tone in the middle of his speech. At first, Hamlet is polite and somewhat loving to Ophelia. At a certain point, however, something’s different; something’s wrong. Hamlet has a sudden change in tone and becomes condescending and hateful towards the same woman. If Hamlet was unaware of the duo behind the curtains or was aware from the very beginning, why would this be necessary? It is only because Hamlet was unaware in the beginning and becomes aware throughout the scene that he changes his tone from A to B. From this observation, it is most logical that the scene is interpreted as the last scenario.
Furthermore, at the turning point in his speech, Hamlet suddenly says “where’s your father?” (line 1821). After this Hamlet suddenly denounces their relationship and bombards incomprehensible nonsense to Ophelia. So far in the play, the Hamlet we have encountered has been quite the intelligent soul. One could follow his coherent trail of thought. Due to his already proven intellectual capacity, one can deduce that Hamlet’s sudden change in tone was a result of an inflammatory offense against him--the acts of Polonius and Claudius.
Also, another reason that scenario three fits the bill is due to the reaction of Hamlet throughout the scene reflects his feelings towards Ophelia. The third scenario fits the bill due to the outcome of events. Given that Hamlet was unaware of Claudius and Polonius’ presence throughout the whole scene, it would mean that Hamlet is willing to sacrifice their relationship without regret. This is most unlikely. However, the last scenario mentions that he initially trusted in Ophelia and was treating her with respect, but found out her betrayal in the middle. This seems more like it.