Horatio

Horatio

1. Shown to be logical, level headed and wise- His scepticism helps persuade us. Shakespeare deliberately does not give Horatio much of a role in the play's events as it helps to maintain his chorus-like function-Chorus used in greek plays to narrate play and comment on dramatic events.

   • 'Twill not appear
     • His scepticism represents the audiences pespective. he remains impartial- grounding the lay itno reality
   • 'You tremble and look pale'
     • Despite his rationalism even he has gone pale at the sight of the ghost. Because of this his testimony is more convincing then what the superstitious watchmen say.
   • 'This bodes some strange eruption to our state'
     • He is voicing the concerns of the danish people at a time of political change- Relates to King James' acession.
   • 'and do in part believe it'
     • He doesn't give up all his scepticimsm when the ghost leaves- maintaining his rational views- only partyl believes in it so theme of uncertainty evolves
   • He presents a limited but succinct and honest view of the whole action.

2. He is modest and truly loves Hamlet- only person in the pay who does not have his own agenda- he is there to show a genuine goodness which contrasts with the cunning deceptive nature of the other characters.

   • 'O my dear lord'
     • Modest in taking complements- Characteristically he says nothing- his unwavering loyalty is shown in his impulsive attempt at suicide when Hamlet Dies.
   • 'whose blood and judgement are so well co-meddled'
     • Passion and reason are so well joined- idea there needs to be a balance of emotion and logic- one which Hamlets tearing emotions have disreputed. Hamlet admires Horatio's self control.
     • Elizabethans strongly believed in Balance- which allows you to overcome anything- otherwise you were a 'pipe for Fortunes finger../ To sound what stop she please'. Fortune is personified as feminine- and having a pipe shows level of control women have over men- blame women for misfortune
   • He is respected by Hamlet because he is not only faithful, but uncomprimisigly truthful- the opposite of a flatterer who misuses and manipulates with language- rather he is clear and direct in the few words he says.

3. Hamlet's closest friend consistently loyal throughout the play . all of Hamlet's other relationships are damaged. In Greek Horaitio means guardian.he is someone whose integretiy the audience can rely upon.

   • 'one man picked out of ten thousand'
     • This is because he is the only man out of all of them who is not affected by corruption in the court.
   • 'more antique roman than a dane'
     • Even when he offers to commit suicide it is done motivated by a sense of honour and duty- as the romans ere thought to do- rather than overpowering grief.