ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -However, hearing is also a common motif throughout the play, specifically overhearing and eavesdropping. Multiple characters spy on one another: Polonius spies on both Laertes and Hamlet, Hamlet spies on the king, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are commanded to spy on Hamlet.

Detailed explanation-2: -The sinister uses of words are represented by images of ears and hearing, from Claudius’s murder of the king by pouring poison into his ear to Hamlet’s claim to Horatio that “I have words to speak in thine ear will make thee dumb” (IV. vi. 21).

Detailed explanation-3: -Here are brief accounts of a selection of the major Hamlet themes of revenge, corruption; religion, politics, appearance and reality, and women.

Detailed explanation-4: -Confusion. In act II, Hamlet is viewed as confused on the fact that he can’t do anything about his father’s murder. This motif helps the audience understand why Hamlet plots a revenge scheme and the hatred Hamlet has for King Claudius.

Detailed explanation-5: -Closely linked to the theme of madness versus feigned madness is the theme of appearance versus reality. This idea is introduced in Act One. Queen Gertrude asks Hamlet why he is still so heavily mourning the death of his father, claiming that he seems to be grieving more than is necessary.