- Define Allusion.
- Allusion in the play
- In Hamlet, Aeneas’s tale Aeneas’ tale alludes to Hamlet’s life. What other function does the play within a play play? (no pun intended) Post your responses on the blog. When you post, make sure you read what is there in the comment stream. Try to write something new or give a new perspective to the ideas under discussion.
- Excellent examples of other literary techniques such as Anaphora and Apostrophe. A must see.
- No Fear Shakespeare website: http://nfs.sparknotes.com/hamlet/page_2.html
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Hamlet and Allusion
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An allusion (literary device) is usually an indirect reference to a person, place or event. (Could be real or fictional).
ReplyDeleteIn Hamlet, Aeneas’ tale not only alludes to Hamlet’s life, but it also directly relates to the other characters in the play and the events. In the tale, the actors portray the death of Priam caused by Pyrrhus. This directly relates to King Hamlet’s death caused by Claudius. Also, when Hamlet says “mobled queen” which means quiet or mute indirectly relates to Getrude being silent after King Hamlet’s death. Aeneas’ tale is a retell of what happened to the characters in the play. Just like Pyrrhus wants vengeance for his father’s death, Hamlet wants the same. Also, the fact that Pyrrhus hesitates for a moment before killing Priam, symbolizes Hamlet’s hesitation in killing Claudius. However, Pyrrhus takes his revenge and mercilessly kills Priam is probably a foreshadow to what Hamlet will do later on in the play.
Therefore, the play within a play useful not only in alluding to Hamlet’s life, but also symbolizing or relating to other events as well as foreshadowing future events in the play.