
Critical Readings CR Episode 194: Hamlet, Act II
Sep 25, 2023
The panel dives into parsing Shakespearean language, making complex syntax accessible. They analyze Polonius' scheming and his hilariously pompous style. Discussions revolve around Hamlet's feigned madness and his clever wordplay. They explore how Polonius uses Ophelia to spy on Hamlet and the arrival of the players as a means to test Claudius's guilt. The conversation touches on the intricacies of performance, authority, and the moral implications of theater, showcasing Shakespeare's genius in evoking multiple interpretations.
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Episode notes
Parse Shakespeare, Don't Translate
- Learn to parse Shakespeare's grammar rather than rely on translations to enjoy plays as audiences did.
- Practice rearranging clauses and identifying interrupts to make Shakespeare's prose flow naturally.
Polonius's Speech Reveals Character
- Polonius's ornate language signals a character trait: bombastic, over-prepared, and oblivious to interruptions.
- His verbosity distinguishes his voice and reveals his desire to appear wise.
Probe Indirectly To Elicit Truths
- Use rhetorical strategies like 'encompassment and drift of question' to uncover truth without obvious spying.
- Pose broad, leading queries first, then narrow in once interlocutors reveal connections.




