Sc. 2, Lines 42–50

Question

Hamlet

Sc. 2, Lines 42–50

"And now, Laertes, what’s the news with you? You told us of some suit. What is ’t, Laertes? You cannot speak of reason to the Dane And lose your voice. What wouldst thou beg, Laertes, That shall not be my offer, not thy asking? The head is not more native to the heart, The hand more instrumental to the mouth, Than is the throne of Denmark to thy father. What wouldst thou have, Laertes?"

Sc. 2, Lines 42–50: How would you describe Claudius’s attitude toward Laertes? What details support your description? What might you infer from Claudius’s action of turning to Laertes first?

Asked by Megan M #497170 on 1/28/2016 2:59 PM

Last updated by Aslan on 1/28/2016 3:08 PM

Answers 1

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Answered by Aslan on 1/28/2016 3:08 PM

Claudius likes his new sense of control. He is now King and he gets to throw his weight around. Claudius does thin in his usual disingenuous fatherly way. He tries to address Laertes like a close relation. He intends to grant Laertes's wish to depart from Denmark but also uses his blessing to illustrate the idea that he is a goodly and fair king. Claudius sidesteps Polonius to show that he ranks higher than Polonius even in matters related to his son.

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