Words/language in 'Hamlet'

Words/language in 'Hamlet'

1. AO2 ( effects, language, quotations)

   • Polonius loses his way a lot with words and what he says
     • 'what was I about to say?'
   • Claudius' soliloquy; diplomatic (contrast to King Hamlet)
     • 'our whole kingdom / To be contracted in a brow of woe'
   • Hamlet's 'to be or not to be' soliloquy gives the audience an insight into his mental state
     • Hamlet is a very philosophical character
   • Hamlet's wordplay & puns
     • 'A little more than kin and less than kind'

2. AO1 (understanding and terminology)

   • Convoluted/elaborate language
   • Soliloquy
   • Characterisation