How Does Shakespeare's Language Portray Claudius As An Intellectual Villain?

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      How Does Shakespeare's Language Portray Claudius As An Intellectual Villain?

Charming, Charismatic and Sympathetic.  The new King of Denmark seems to possess all the equalities the citizens of Denmark were craving for in their new leader.  After years of being subjected to the government of an old-fashioned King they were ready for a change, which they get in the form of Claudius.  However, it is possible that beneath the veneer and gloss of the splendid King something is rotten in the state of Denmark.  As the plot of  “Hamlet” unfolds, we get to see behind the façade of the cheerful King and Queen of Denmark and discover the deceit and dishonesty that lurks in Claudius.

Claudius is first presented to us in Act I Scene II.  This is the first time that Claudius addresses his court, and so to his audience these first impressions are vital.  He presents them with a well-rehearsed speech, using all his skill as a diplomat and politician to win over his new subjects.  He dedicates the first part of his speech to remembering old King Hamlet-to his audience this would seem respectful, but I think he does this simply to cover up for his deed-by saying “how green the memory of him is” he will not be suspected to have had any part in old Hamlet’s death.  This is also clever on Claudius’ part as he is aware of the unease of his position.

Claudius goes on to use the term “that it us befitted”, this is clever on the Kings part as he cleverly merges the royal use with the ordinary plural.  This is extremely subtle but it shows him identifying himself with his audience and the ordinary people of Denmark.

Claudius also makes sure that his audience knows that it was his advisors who suggested he marry Gertrude-“Your better wisdoms, which have freely gone with this affair along for all, our thanks”.  To his audience this may have been seen as a gracious act, but for Claudius it ensures a group of people whom to blame if their marriage fails, it also gives a group of advisors who the Denmark population can blame if the marriage fails.  People who don’t agree with the marriage have someone other than Claudius to blame.  These are just some of the examples showing Claudius’ qualities as a politician, choosing his words extremely carefully, and wining them over.  We know he needs to redeem himself in this way as the Church of England and Catholic faith forbade such incestuous marriages.

When Claudius uses the term ‘jointress’ he implies that Gertrude has some part in the kingdom.  This means that him marrying Gertrude has safeguarded his claim to the throne.  This will ensure no one else will contest his claim to the throne and he craftily lets his audience know this.

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Claudius gains more support by throwing meaningless but bold statements into his speech- the destruction of the agreement with Fortimbras is mainly symbolic, but to the audience it is a brave act telling them he will fight for Denmark.  He knows how unpopular the war with Denmark and by quickly letting them know he is against it, he will win the people over.

Claudius knows that to be successful he needs to win over Polonius, not only as an advisor but as someone he can use and trust.  He does this by announcing that Polonius’ son Laertes may have his ...

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