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Example Of Diction In Hamlet

Decent Essays

Within Shakespeare's writing there is an importance of the diction he uses, in order to enhance central themes of the play. In addition, his diction creates allusions, connotations, denotations, and ambiguities in order to allow the play to capture characters feelings and relations to the overall themes. One line in act one was, “I am a little more than kin and less than kind” (25). The word “kin” means son, but Hamlet says the phrase, “a little more than kin”, in order to express how he is related more to his uncle than just as a son, but also as his cousin. Which allows him to go on to explain how this circumstance is, “less than kind”. The actual definition of kind is polite but when Hamlet says, “less than kind” he is inferring how appalling that his mother would shortly after his father died, marry his father’s brother. A brother-in-law, in Shakespeare’s day was considered your actual brother, therefore, the queen marrying Hamlet’s uncle was known as incest, which is a common theme. Consequently, this line contains emotional resonance, or connotation. As, mentioned the queen’s action was frowned upon to marry in your family, therefore, the audience may be feeling disgusted and pitying Hamlet for the injustices that his mother has done for the family. Another way shakespeare uses his diction in order to develop characters and central themes, is whenever the King talks. For example, when the king talks to Hamlet about how crude and un-king-like Hamlet is acting, the king makes sure to point out for these reasons Hamlet is not fit for being king. One line that the king said was, “Tis unmanly grief” (27), which allows for the audience to once again feel a negative connotation. The emotional appeal of the word, “unmanly” is how one may be extremely sensitive as would a female would be and would never be able to get the job done. In addition, the actual definition or the denotation of the word is for one to not act man-like and is weak or cowardly. Therefore, the king, Claudius, is calling his son a coward who is weak and too sensitive for the job. Which allows for the audience to feel as if the king is the best person for the job and that he must be trustworthy and no one could rise against him. Yet, the

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