What are 3 main motifs in Act III of Hamlet?
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/hamlet/
@Ms. Sue
Thank yo, but I was looking more for an explanation on the 3 main motifs because I am having a hard time understanding where to find them! :(
Read the modern English version. Then read read the notes at the end.
To identify the three main motifs in Act III of Hamlet, we need to understand what a motif is. A motif is a recurring element, idea, or symbol that helps develop themes in a literary work.
To find the motifs in Act III of Hamlet, we can analyze the text and look for patterns or repeated elements. Here are three main motifs in Act III of Hamlet:
1. Appearance vs. Reality: This motif explores the contrast between how things appear on the surface and their true nature. In Act III, this is evident in the play within the play scene, where Hamlet uses theater to reveal the truth about his father's murder. The concept of deception and hidden motives is further explored through Hamlet's interactions with other characters, such as his feigned madness and the manipulations of Claudius.
2. Corruption and Decay: This motif reflects the theme of moral corruption and decay that pervades the play. In Act III, we see this through the metaphorical decay of Elsinore Castle, representing the moral corruption within the court. Hamlet's famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy also reflects the decay of human existence and the contemplation of suicide as a release from the corruption of the world.
3. Revenge and Justice: Revenge is a central theme in Hamlet, and Act III delves deeper into this motif. Hamlet's delay in seeking revenge on Claudius and his preoccupation with justice are evident in this act. The play within the play scene serves as a way for Hamlet to seek justice for his father's murder, as well as to spur Claudius into revealing his guilt.
By analyzing the text and identifying these recurring motifs, we can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying themes and ideas in Act III of Hamlet.