Honor

Quotes: (later)

Act 1. Scene 3. Conversation between Laertes and Ophelia They discuss hypothetical consequences corresponding to the decisions Ophelia could make regarding Hamlet and how their relationship will develop. Her brother provides very considerate advice looking at her reputation, the family’s reputation, brings out the reality of the situation, and also pays attention to her feelings. He reminds her that though Hamlet could genuinely love her, because of his royal position he is regulated to marry in consideration to how his choices will affect his country. He must honor his country. In terms of Ophelia’s honor, Laertes reminds her of the importance to remain pure and a virgin in order to sustain her own honor as a women, daughter, and sister. Being a women, although Ophelia is respected her role is limited, thus refraining from giving up this one sign of innocence goes a long way in maintaining her honorable status. Furthermore that she needs to remain chased for the sake of the family and must consider how her actions will reflect on the reputation of the three of them. During their discussion, although Laertes points out many helpful suggestions to Ophelia she also notes to tell him to also follow his own advice and not be hypocritical. After all Laertes is traveling to France and he too needs to keep his reputation and honor. Act 1. Scene 5. In the ghost’s long soliloquy to Prince Hamlet, he describes the way he way murdered, where, when, and who. And in informing Hamlet of Claudius’s role in his death, the ghost compares him to a serpent. This metaphor further illustrates the lack or honor in the way his murder was executed. Serpents have had a long history of symbolizing cheaters, tricks, and deception in literature and even in the bible. There is a strong allusion to the image of Adam and Eve in the Orchid. In many ways the ghost’s tone when describing Cluadius is very bitter. The ghost looks down upon the new king of Denmark and his lack of honor, which is demonstrated through not only his unfair (not confronted or declared in battle) murder but also in the way he coursed the queen through lust. Overall, at least through the ghost’s perspective, Claudius is characterized as a brother and king who has a major shortfall in terms of acting honorably.