An exploration of the way Shakespeare presents Claudius to the audience Essay

The title of William Shakespeares sm alone t birth, would at first suggested its eponymous hero, settlement, is the major character. However, in a comprehend the whole turn evolves around the character and actions of Claudius. Shakespeare has presented Claudius in a wording as a blessed fiendish villain, whose avarice and selfishness croak the way to his tragic killing of the King. This sums up Claudius excellently, as he has ii sides to him, one the public side, smiling and the other the private side damned villain.Claudius starts his opening speech as king by opusifestation, though yet of crossroads our dear brothers death (Act I Scene II, argument1) which creates the burden that his brothers death upsets him, further subsequently it is revealed that he was the cause of it. This links in with the foundation of calculateing and universe, where it appears that he is grieving except is actually non. Shakespeare has use seeming and existence repeatedly to show the audience that, deception is one of the major move of the play My words fly up, my estimates remain below words without thoughts never to heaven go. (Act III Scene V, stores 97-8), This is Claudius confession where he tricks the audience and small town into believing he wants lenience, simply then find out it is not veritable. This is further highlighted when Claudius is speaking to Hamlet here in the cheer and allayer of our eye(Act I Scene II, course116). Again it appears as though Claudius is world caring and wants to look after him, in a way resembling a tyro would, but he has tell this very modishly and in reality implies that he wants to keep an eye on him. By using thePritesh Kotecha Greenford ut well-nigh School words comfort and cheer, Claudius is seen to be ardent and genuine, and the way Shakespeare has presented him to be this good politician is essential to his character, as he uses his wit to get himself out of awkward facts. Claudius in or so(preno minal) parts of the play uses the word our to manipulate people. In this case, it seems as though he means for him and Gertrude to keep and eye on Hamlet, but in reality he could perhaps be implying, if Hamlet was to do something wrong(p) the whole state could be a witness.Claudius very cleverly uses the terminus our again at the end of the play our son shall win(Act V Scene II, rip 190), which gives the impression that Hamlet and Claudius have settled their problems. He has very cleverly switched his attitude from your son to our son as the play progresses, purely because of his public appearance. Also he could have perhaps said this so that when Hamlet dies he would not be a suspect, as he seems so genuine and loving towards Hamlet. When Claudius says your son, he normally says it when he has done something wrong, and implies it is your son your problem.The image of heaven and divinity is often related to Claudius, not referring to him as a God, but Hamlet uses his father to ma ke bold Claudius lustful character when he says so excellent a king, that was to this Hyperion to a satyr. (Act I Scene II epithelial duct 139 and 140) Here Hamlet very precisely sums up Claudius in semblance to his father because a Hyperion was a glorious sun-god of classical mythology a satyr was a creature half man half goat. Pritesh Kotecha Greenford game School.The fact that Hamlet refers Claudius to a goat is effective because the goat is seen to be a very lusty animal, and this information along with a plenty of other quotes incestuous and adulterous beast, (Act I Scene V key 42) a serpent roiled me (Act I Scene V, declivity 36) gives the audience an animalistic perception of him. The fact that Shakespeare has said serpent stung is humorous as a serpent cannot sting and this makes the quote brave out out, as it is eye-catching and alliteration is used here, and the image of a ophidian or reptile immediately summons to mind.Also, the sibilance here is a s, which is a connotation of evil. Claudius is again compared with God, when Polonius is talking to Claudius, he says I hold my occupation as I hold my soul, both to my God and my gracious king. (Act II Scene II, Line 44 and 45), because he uses Gods conjure up in the same convict as the kings is ironic because in the past the king was seen to be appointed by God, hence anything a king was to say had to be obeyed. This is ironic because, in this situation Claudius did not inherit the throne the indispensable way, and had to commit a piteous murder of his own brother to get it.This once to a greater extent shows his greed and selfishness, as he killed his brother to inherit his possessions My crown, mine own ambition, and my promote (Act III Scene III, Line 55). He has worded this sentence, mentioning his crown first, implying it means the most to him, and then at the end his queen, which shows he doesnt care as much about her however it does show that he has some feelings for her flat though he is portrayed as this selfish character. Repetition is used here, and this sentence stands out and shows Claudius greed as all he is saying is my, my, my.Pritesh Kotecha Greenford High School Shakespeare uses repetition a great deal in Claudius speech, and in this case he uses it to outline Claudius intelligence, like any politician, he uses rhetoric as a way to manipulate people your father lost a father, that father lost (Act I Scene II, Line 89 and 90), here he is exhausting to persuade Hamlet that its all part of the circle of life. This is important as it outlines his guilt that Hamlet is grieving for his father so much, and in a way is trying to make him stop mourning to make himself feel better.He even up digs so low as he says to Hamlet, you grieving so much is a sin tis a time out to heaven, a fault against the dead, a fault to nature (Act I Scene II, Line hundred and one 2). Moreover, he again gives himself away unconsciously as he tries so hard to make Hamle t stop grieving. Shakespeare has presented Claudius as a skilled politician in this sentence because again he structures it in collar parts, and again repetition is used, to make bold the main point he is trying to get across your grieving is wrong. Claudius also uses Hamlets vulnerability as a chance to show his indicator.He refers to Hamlet as being weak and fragile A heart unfortified, a mind impatient, An understanding simple and unschoold (Act I Scene II, Line 96 and 97). The fact that he has used the words unfortified and impatient, makes this sentence more interesting because he shows his power and intelligence by corrupting Hamlet. He says he lacks patience and is very weak, and is not educated. Claudius is portrayed by Shakespeare, to exploit all situations with his language. In this case, he uses very negative words and the effect is it shows him in power over Hamlet.Pritesh Kotecha Greenford High School His power is also shown in his opening speech as king. Here Shakes peare has showed him as very powerful and in control by dealing with all his issues one-by-one. This is a very structured speech and it creates a ardent impression on the audience as they see him as a man of control. What wouldst thou beg, Laertes that shall not be my offer not thy asking? (Act I Scene II, Line 45 and 46) Here he is just covering off his power saying what can you ask for that I allow for not already offer. Shakespeare has added this part in to make him seem passionate and a loyal king.Again, appearance and reality comes into play, as it seems as thought he is doing it to help Laertes, but could perhaps be doing it to show his power. The theme of seeming and being again reoccurs as Claudius is confessing, where he is seen to be legitimate, but again says things he doesnt mean My words fly up my thoughts remain below, words without thoughts never to heaven go. (Act III Scene V, Line 97 and 98) Claudius deceit is portrayed here, as he is asking for forgiveness but he does not mean it, he cannot even be truthful whilst in prayer.This could have been an act of fright from Claudius as he is this instant aware that Hamlet k todays the truth. This scene is very significant because it shows Claudius for his true colours, a coward. His character is now becoming more apparent to the audience, who now have something to build upon. Rhyming couplets is used here, and Shakespeare uses this a lot at the end of long speeches or scenes and is used as a sort of cue point, to let the other characters aware of when to come in. This line can be shown in many divers(prenominal) ways. In the Kenneth Branagh version, Claudius is in a catholic confession box, with some lowPritesh Kotecha Greenford High School melancholy music in the background, and the camera is slowly zooming in on his face. Which creates a more dramatic effect and a more personal tone, and when this line is due, he does not say it but thinks it. In the Franco Zefereli version he is in front of a cross. Franco Zaferelli similarly uses a cross symbolising the same religious meaning as the confessional. Claudius budge in character is again shown through his confession speech. A different side to him is shown, perhaps because he is now aware that Hamlet knows the truth, and now asks for forgiveness.Is there not rain enough in the sweet vault of heaven to wash it white as snow? (Act III Scene V, Line 46) The language in this sentence is very powerful as Claudius uses natural elements, rain and snow, to outline his sin. Claudius graphic description of his sin is strong evidence, and his desire to temptation leaves him tormented by his guilty conscience. Also, because Claudius uses the colour white, it makes him seem more pure and guilty, as white is a connotation of purity, and a blank slate. In the Branagh version, he whispers this line and the audience see him as being honest and this effect is it makes him seem more apologetic.Although Claudius is portrayed as this corrupt ed villain, his character is wide open to interpretation. In a sensory faculty that although he killed his brother to marry Gertrude, he still has strong feelings for her She is so conjunctive to my life and soul That, as the star moves not but in his sphere, I could not buy her(Act V Scene VII, Line 14-16). Here Claudius uses the earth and the planets to state his love for Gertrude, and implies that without her he would not be able to do anything. Although Shakespeare has Pritesh Kotecha Greenford High School.presented him to have strong feelings towards Gertrude, his greed and selfishness revoke his love for her Gertrude do not drink aside It is the poisond cup. It is alike late. (Act V Scene II, Lines 294 296) Just because he wants to get his own way, he jeopardizes her life and throughout the play, his actions lead to the death of seven innocent people, because he cannot resist his temptation and has to cover up his crime. In conclusion, Claudius is portrayed as a good king w ith bad qualities. Although he does have some good aspects as king, him being intellectual and powerful, his bad qualities over contract his good.In a sense that, he is greedy and selfish, putting his own desire first, and going to any limits to reach his goal. Shakespeare has presented him excellently, with witchcraft of his wit(Act I Scene V, Line 43) allowing him to conceal his true colours, except for when he repented and confessed to God. throughout the play, Shakespeare uses one good quote to define his character as smiling damned villain(Act I Scene V, Line 106), as it shows that he has two sides to him in every way, public and private, caring and selfish, and cleaver but not very wise.