The theme of entrapment can be seen throughout Shakespeare's Hamlet. This
theme is used to show how human beings exist in a world where to live is to act,
and to act is ultimately to be caught in a sequence of events beyond individual
control. This existential dilemma of the play can be seen operating through the
language used by the characters in the physical and psychological entrapments
The language of the play shows how the characters set physical
entrapments for each other that eventually cause them to lose control of the
lives. Polonius' plan to trap Ophelia can be seen through his use of diction.
Through this attempt, Shakespeare shows how humans tend to trap others in a
web so that they cannot be free to do as they please. Polonius' use of words
such as "tether" and "catch" are employed to show that he is trying to keep his
daughter away from Hamlet and for himself. To keep her trapped would be to
keep a daughter by not giving her control of her life. However, Polonius later
counters his trap set for Ophelia by trying to trap Hamlet. After being informed
of Hamlet's "tenders of affections" towards Ophelia, Polonius takes action to
ensnare Hamlet for his own gain. Polonius attempts to prove to the king that
Hamlet's madness is due to his love for Ophelia. The trap he sets for Hamlet
goes wrong when Hamlet, after recently having seen the ghost of his father,
shows no affection for Ophelia. Instead, Hamlet pushes her out of his life by
telling her to "get [herself] to a nunnery." Polonius' effort to raise his status by
trapping Hamlet into marrying his daughter backfires and at length causes him
Another physical trap that is used to show how humans tend to fix each
other in events above control is Hamlet's play titled "The Mousetrap." This title
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