Act III seemed full of plot holes. The play within the play is so obvious in tone that clearly Claudius must know that someone, most likely Hamlet who has been acting strangely and organizing the players, is obviously aware of his murderous act? It is so transparent you would think everyone in the court would recognize the ruse. Claudius would definitely be on guard. Additionally, if Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Hamlet’s long time friends, surely they would know that he now distrusts them completely and their actions hold no weight. You might also think the Queen would have attendants in her chambers, or at least nearby enough to hear her protestations and the murder of Polonius. But no, Hamlet kills Polonius and only as a slight interruption to his discussion with his mother. Their discussion carries on almost ignorant of the bloody murder that has just occurred. Perhaps it is all just obvious to the reader, and not the players?
Horatio is the voice of reason. In Act I, as the learned man, he validates the visions of Marcellus and Bernardo. While in Act III, he is the objective observer that corroborates Claudius’ reaction to the play, confirming his guilt in Hamlet’s eyes. Hamlet is aware that passion clouds his mind, obscuring reason. Ironically, the court views Hamlet as mad, and yet, he is clearly is aware of his faults and emotions. So much so, that he has his closest friend bear witness to his plan and confirm his suspicions. Unlike the other key characters, Horatio seems above the pety plots of the court. Unlike Polonius, Ophelia, Gertrude, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Horatio stands alone as Hamlet’s true friend – a trusted partner.
I find it strange that Claudius, while praying for forgiveness, admits his guilt to the audience. Without this, the reader might be left to wonder if, perhaps, Hamlet was truly mad. After all, despite his efforts to learn the truth, we are left with the word of a spirit and an emotional reaction to a play as the evidence which drives Hamlet to murder. Do you think the play would be better off without Claudius’ confession?
I think that Claudius' confession is a key element to the play. It lets the audience know that Claudius is really guilty and that it is not just Hamlet going crazy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kristy that Claudius' confession is a major point in the play. It lets the audience sympathize with Hamlet for the revenge of this father's death.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kristy and David that its a pivotal point. Hamlet needs to hear it first hand in order to justify his actions of killing a king, and so in kind so do we.
ReplyDeleteAre plot holes kind of like pot holes? I like your description and agree with you that these are "holes". I thought Hamlet's reaction to the fact that he killed Polonius was especially disconcerting. It just seems to go against the character that has been established for Hamlet up to this point.
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