Food in Hamlet by William Shakespeare

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Food in Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Unlike some of Shakespeare's other plays Hamlet doesn't seem to

contain as many references to food. When researching food in reference

to The Merry Wives of Windsor, it was easy to see much of the

symbolism behind the many references. One of the most interesting

references to food in Hamlet we discussed in class. I found it really

interesting how Shakespeare used posset as a way to describe poison

clotting in the ear. Unfortunately though, references like this are

few and far between in Hamlet. One scene that I found fascinating was

in act four, scene five. This is the scene where, apparently mad,

Ophelia begins to distribute various flowers. These flowers, some of

which double up as herbs and spices, carry specific meaning and

symbolism. In the text it is unclear to whom Ophelia is distributing

the flowers and herbs to. However, if you take a closer look at their

meanings along with what is going on in the plot of the play, it is

possible to make an educated guess as to who the flowers and herbs are

intended.

The first herb that Ophelia distributes is rosemary, which she cites

as being for remembrance. It is unclear in the stage direction whether

she hands these over to the King, the Queen, or her brother Laertes.

Ophelia at this point seems to be in a mad state due to her father's

death. Ever since Hamlet killed Polonius, Ophelia has been singing and

dancing around in a crazed state muttering incomplete thoughts.

Ophelia is saddened by the death of her father and distraught that

Hamlet was the murderer. I believe that Ophelia handed the Rosemary

over to Laertes as a reminder that he must a...

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...rn period I would have had

to try to use one of the medications in The English Housewife. And

while I'm sure their food was good, even by our standards, I do not

think I would trust their medical treatments, even for something

simple like a stomachache.

As a whole, I have had an enlightening experience with early modern

cookery, to say the least. I now have a whole now outlook and respect

for cooks in the early modern kitchen and for the cooks of today. I

also should say that I now realize how important modern medicine, a

hot shower and comfortable bed can be when you are sick.

Works Cited Page

Markham, Gervase. The English Housewife. Ed. Michael R. Best. Canada:

McGill- Queen's UP, 1994.

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Ed. Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine.

New York: Washington-Square Press, 1992.

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