Hamlet - Entrapment

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

. . .
Eventually, the trap set by fate leads to Hamlet’s downfall. His

weakened will to avenge his father, and later on his death, are caused by the

self-entrapment he unconsciously set for himself. Humans live in a world where to exist is to be the target of doom. At first, Hamlet is moved to revenge his

father but as time passes, he begins to argue for inaction rather than action. Instead, Hamlet pushes her out of his life by

telling her to “get [herself] to a nunnery.

Through the court of Denmark, Shakespeare lets the audience know his

views on life. The title “The Mousetrap” signifies a mouse being trapped by a bait.

In the case in Hamlet, the mouse is Claudius and the bait is the performance. By wanting to

“catch” the king’s conscience, Shakespeare shows how entrapments lead to

events that are above a person’s control.

Shakespeare uses the fates of the characters to show how traps that

cause a person to lose control are set by destiny. However, their duty to the king wars with their

devotion concerning their friendship with Hamlet. The trap he sets for Hamlet

goes wrong when Hamlet, after recently having seen the ghost of his father,

shows no affection for Ophelia. ” Although the king and queen seem

to be giving them a choice, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are stuck in a situation

that is beyond their control. Hamlet’s dilemma of remaining alive versus the

escape of his fate by suicide shows that he is trapped within his own mind.

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Approximate Word count = 865
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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