The Effective Leader
To avoid mobilizing Denmark for battle, how does Claudius attempt to resolve the conflict with young Fortinbras?
He uses diplomatic channels by appealing to Norway's authority
What contradictory phrase does Claudius use to justify his rapid marriage to the court while weighing "delight and dole"?
"With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage"
When trying to pray alone, what specific biblical story does Claudius allude to when he mentions the "primal eldest curse"?
Cain and Abel
In his calculated speech after King Hamlet's death, what specific legal term does Claudius use to describe Gertrude to show she is still a partner in power?
He refers to her as the "imperial jointress"
Claudius admits his public face is a mask by comparing his lies to a harlot's cheek covered in what?
Heavy makeup/plastering art
Claudius states his "offence is rank it smells to heaven". What does the word "rank" suggest his guilt feels like?
Likea physical rot that he cant escape
When Claudius states "Our whole kingdom / To be contracted in one brow of woe," what literary device is he using to merge the entire country into one body?
Synecdoche
When plotting Hamlet's accidental death, Claudius says he will "work" him to an exploit. What does this show about his Machiavellian style?
He uses strategy to get others to do his dirty work rather than using brute force
During his struggle to change, what metaphor does Claudius use to describe his soul being trapped?
A bird caught in sticky glue/limed soul
How does Claudius's political strategy of negotiation heavily contrast with the legacy left by his brother, King Hamlet?
King Hamlet built his legacy through military conquest and unnecessary violence
By using the antithesis of words like "mirth" and "funeral", Claudius isn't just talking but he is actively doing what to keep people on his side?
He is actively rewriting the rules of what is right and wrong
In what is considered his most honest moment, Claudius asks a rhetorical question about being pardoned while retaining his offense. What does this reveal about his self-awareness?
He knows he cant have it both ways by keeping the crown and also receiving forgiveness as wel
By keeping Gertrude in power rather than overthrowing the old regime, what specific message does Claudius ensure international enemies receive?
Denmark is a strong unbroken power
Even though Claudius knows he is a villain, why is he considered so heavily calculated in his public appearances?
Because he ensures he looks like a hero to the greater public while keeping his own reputation clean
Claudius isn't a "flat" villain. so why does his character evoke pity from the audience during his prayers?
Because he wants to be good but also enjoys the rewards of being bad which makes him a prisoner of his own choices