Question

1.write an analytical multiparagraph response based on your literary criticism lens choice. select your chosen lens below and answer the corresponding questions.

political lens: select one scene from the entire play hamlet and respond to the following questions:

1. how does the desire for power shape the motivations and actions of characters in the scene?
2. what lines from the scenes support this interpretation?

Explanation:

To answer this, we analyze a scene from Hamlet using a political lens. Let's choose the scene where Claudius plots with Laertes (Act 4, Scene 7). Claudius's desire for power (to keep the throne, eliminate Hamlet) motivates him to manipulate Laertes, who wants revenge for Ophelia and Polonius. Claudius plays on Laertes' grief, framing Hamlet as a threat to both their positions (Claudius’s throne, Laertes’ family honor/power in the court). Laertes, driven by anger and a desire to regain his family’s standing, agrees to the plot. For the lines, Claudius says, “To put an antic disposition on… That we with wisest sorrow think on him / Together with remembrance of ourselves” (manipulating Laertes by emphasizing Hamlet’s threat) and later, “I will work him to an exploit, now ripe in my device, / Under the which he shall not choose but fall” (showing his scheming for power). Laertes responds with “I will do ’t… And for his death no wind of blame shall breathe, / But even his mother shall uncharge the practice” (showing his willingness to act, driven by revenge and a desire to restore his family’s power).

Answer:

To address the questions using a political lens on Hamlet (Act 4, Scene 7 - Claudius and Laertes plot against Hamlet):

1. Desire for Power and Character Actions: Claudius’s desire to retain the throne (and eliminate Hamlet, a threat) motivates him to manipulate Laertes (who seeks revenge for his father/brother’s fates). Claudius frames Hamlet as a danger to both their interests (Claudius’s rule, Laertes’ family honor/power in the court), using Laertes’ grief to push him into a deadly plot. Laertes, driven by anger and a need to restore his family’s standing, agrees to kill Hamlet (e.g., via a poisoned rapier).

1. Supporting Lines:

• Claudius: “I will work him to an exploit, now ripe in my device, / Under the which he shall not choose but fall” (shows his scheming to maintain power by eliminating Hamlet).
• Laertes: “I will do ’t… And for his death no wind of blame shall breathe, / But even his mother shall uncharge the practice” (shows Laertes’ willingness to act, driven by revenge and a desire to regain his family’s power/status).

(Note: For a more precise scene, Act 3, Scene 3 (Claudius’s prayer) or Act 1, Scene 2 (Claudius’s coronation speech) could also work, but the Claudius - Laertes scene highlights collaborative power - seeking.)