Humanities 309:

Final Project

Kate Golden

Dr. J. Green

April 28, 2002

Humanities 309

Part I:

Food in Hamlet

        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 avenge his father’s death.  Ophelia believes that Rosemary will help preserve the memory of their dead father as well as be a constant reminder to Laertes that Hamlet is to blame.

        The next herb that Ophelia distributes is fennel.  While she doesn’t say what this is for, in the version of Hamlet edited by Mowat and Westine, a side note adds that, “fennel symbolized flattery and deceit” (216).  I believe she distributed the fennel to Claudius.  Ophelia has now been deceived by Hamlet, abandoned by her father’s death, and left with controlling Laertes.  Needless to say, Ophelia is probably really wary of males at this point in her life.  The flattery that the fennel stands for would make it an appropriate gift to a King and it can mask the fact that it also represents deceit.  I think Ophelia knew that Claudius was up to no good, especially with his speedy marriage and ill treatment of Hamlet.  The deceit could also stand for Claudius using Ophelia to deceive Hamlet in order to discern his true mental state.  After examining all this information it seems only fitting that Ophelia would distribute the fennel to the King.  

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        Ophelia continues distributing her herbs, however this time she saves some for herself, “There’s rue for you, and here is some for me; we/ may call it herb of grace o’ Sundays” (217).  While it is unclear exactly what this herb is, Ophelia is sure the meaning is not lost.  By representing rue I feel that not only did Ophelia keep this herb for herself, I believe she also gave some to Gertrude.  By giving an herb that represents rue to Gertrude, Ophelia is reminding her to regret the loss of her late husband.  It also gives Gertrude and Ophelia ...

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