significance of the Hamlet quote, "I see a cherub that sees them. But come for England. Farewell, dear mother.

Question

significance of the Hamlet quote, "I see a cherub that sees them. But come for England. Farewell, dear mother.

Answer 1

http://nfs.sparknotes.com/ ~~> http://nfs.sparknotes.com/hamlet/

Find the act and scene where this occurs and read both the left and right columns.

Let us know what you decide.

Answer 2

The quote you provided is from Act III, Scene IV of William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. This quote is spoken by Hamlet during a conversation with his mother, Queen Gertrude. To understand its significance, we need to look at the context and analyze the possible meaning behind Hamlet's words.

In this scene, Hamlet is having a heated discussion with his mother about his father's murder and the hasty marriage between his mother and his uncle, who now sits on the throne. Hamlet's frustration and anger are palpable as he confronts his mother about her actions.

The quote you provided, "I see a cherub that sees them," can be interpreted as Hamlet's awareness of an unseen observer watching over his mother and uncle's actions. In the context of the play, this observer could represent divine justice or higher powers keeping a watchful eye and possibly passing judgment on the immoral deeds taking place. By mentioning the cherub, a celestial being often associated with innocence and purity, Hamlet suggests that despite his mother and uncle's actions being hidden from earthly eyes, there is a higher power that is aware.

Following this line, Hamlet then says, "But come for England," indicating a change of subject. He is referring to his forthcoming journey to England, which is part of a plan devised by his uncle and other court members to remove him from the kingdom and potentially have him killed. The phrase "Farewell, dear mother" reveals Hamlet's emotional disconnection from his mother due to her betrayal and involvement in his father's murder.

Overall, the significance of this quote lies in Hamlet's acknowledgment of a celestial observer and his emotional detachment from his mother, foreshadowing further revelations and actions that unravel in the later acts of the play.