Act 3, Sc. 4: How does Hamlet's play on words establish the reason he has come to see his mother?

Question

[Enter Hamlet]

Hamlet. Now, mother, what's the matter?

Queen. Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended.

Hamlet. Mother, you have my father much offended.

Asked by Briana S #599863 on 1/31/2017 2:23 AM

Last updated by Aslan on 1/31/2017 6:49 AM

Answered by Aslan on 1/31/2017 6:49 AM

The play on the word "father" juxtaposes the idea of Hamlet not accepting his "new" father with Gertrude's disloyalty to Hamlet Sr.