Hamlet Spying Analysis

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William Shakespeare uses eavesdropping and spying to advance the plot and enlighten the theme of revenge in his renowned play, Hamlet. Eavesdropping and spying can be seen in many instances throughout the drama, but examining two particular cases shows how the trickery progresses the plot and promotes revenge. The first espionage example is Hamlet being spied on by Polonius as Polonius was attempting to discover the source for Hamlet’s madness. Hamlet’s anger resulting from these secretive acts advances the plot and the theme of revenge. The second situation in the play was Polonius listening in on Hamlet’s conversation with Gertrude in her chamber. He was killed as a result of his behavior, but his actions had everlasting effects, propelling …show more content…

Busybody Polonius was curious about the source of Hamlet’s madness and if his condition was a result of Hamlet’s love for Ophelia. Polonius tells his daughter “Ophelia, walk you here… we will bestow ourselves” explaining how he and King Claudius will listen to her conversation. Polonius and Claudius hide and Hamlet comes in to talk with Ophelia. Hamlet, although acting crazy, completely understands what is going on and calls Ophelia and the listeners out on their trickery. He says to her “Go thy ways to a / nunnery. Where’s your father?” a comment that both shames her and lets everyone listening know, that he knows he is being …show more content…

Polonius decides once again that he needs to listen in on Hamlet, leading him to hide behind the curtain. Gertrude is going to tell Hamlet that his actions have gotten out of hand and Polonius plans to listen in silence. Before hiding Polonius tells Gertrude “Much heat and him. I’ll silence me even here.” Hamlet then enters the room and he and Gertrude have an emotional interaction. When Gertrude calls out for help, Polonius yells and Hamlet is alerted to his location. Thinking it was the King, Hamlet says “How now, a rat? Dead for a ducat, dead” before stabbing the noise. Hamlet then realizes that it was not the King that he

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