O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven, It had the primal eldest curse upon't A brother's murder! Pray can I not. Though inclination be as sharp as will
William Shakespeare's classic tragedy Hamlet delves into the
intricacies of human nature, ethics, and the ramifications of one's deeds.
Hamlet wrestles with his uncle Claudius's terrible crime of killing Hamlet's
father in Act 3, Scene 3, as well as the moral ramifications of it. This
soliloquy explores the depths of Hamlet's internal conflict and highlights the
psychological effects of fratricide on the main character.Body:
O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven, It had the primal eldest curse upon't A brother's murder! Pray can I not-The Lingering Stench of Guilt: The opening line of Hamlet,
"O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven," encapsulates the
atmosphere of pervasive guilt in a powerful way. The use of olfactory imagery
implies that the sin is not only apparent but also leaves a lasting scent that
even reaches the realms of the divine. This use of metaphor highlights the
seriousness of the transgression and establishes the mood for Hamlet's
reflection.
The Primal Eldest Curse: The first line of Hamlet, "O,
my offence is rank, it smells to heaven," effectively captures the
generalized sense of guilt. The allusion to smell suggests that the sin is not
only evident but also lingers and even permeates the domains of the holy. This
metaphorical device emphasizes how serious the offense is and sets the stage
for Hamlet's introspection.
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The Inescapable Consequences: Hamlet acknowledges that his
inclination for revenge is as sharp as his will is weak. This internal conflict
highlights the human struggle between righteous justice and the fear of the
consequences. Despite the urgency of his desire for retribution, Hamlet
grapples with the potential damnation of his own soul, adding a moral dimension
to his character.
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The Contrast of Will and Inclination: The contrast between
will and inclination in Hamlet's soliloquy underscores the internal discord
within the character. While his inclination urges him to act swiftly and
violently, his will recognizes the moral dilemma and the potential damnation
associated with the act of murder. This duality contributes to the complexity
of Hamlet's character and foreshadows the internal conflict that will shape the
remainder of the play.
A Brother's Murder: The phrase "A brother's murder!" encapsulates the heinous nature of Claudius's crime. The exclamation point conveys Hamlet's shock and horror at the betrayal within his own family.
O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven, It had the primal eldest curse upon't A brother's murder! Pray can I not-The emphasis on the fratricidal aspect intensifies the personal nature of the crime, deepening Hamlet's sense of betrayal and grief.
Conclusion
Act 3, Scene 3 of Hamlet's soliloquy is a moving examination
of morality, the human psyche, and the consequences of horrific deeds.
Shakespeare's exquisite language and symbolism make this passage a microcosm of
the larger themes woven throughout "Hamlet." The inherent tension
between will and inclination, the ancient eldest curse, and the residual stench
of guilt weave a complex web around Hamlet's persona. The play develops into a
tragic examination of the human condition as a result of his uncle's murder and
his own thoughts of retaliation.
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
1. Why is the sin described as having a scent that reaches
heaven?
In the opening line of Hamlet's
soliloquy, the metaphorical description of the sin as having a scent that
reaches heaven serves as a powerful and evocative image within the text. The
line reads, "O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven." This
metaphorical language is employed by Shakespeare to convey the depth and severity
of the wrongdoing – the murder of Hamlet's father by his uncle, Claudius.
The choice of the word "rank" suggests a strong,
foul odor, implying not only the visibility but also the pervasive and
repugnant nature of the sin. By stating that the offense "smells to
heaven," Shakespeare extends the reach of this foulness to the divine
realms. This metaphorical scent is not confined to the earthly realm but
ascends to the heavens, suggesting that the gravity of the crime is so immense
that even the divine forces above cannot ignore it.
O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven, It had the primal eldest curse upon't A brother's murder! Pray can I not-The use of olfactory imagery in literature is a powerful
device to engage the reader's senses and emotions. In this context, the foul
smell becomes a tangible manifestation of the moral corruption associated with
the murder. It conveys a sense of spiritual pollution and implicates the
characters involved in the act. The idea that the sin's scent reaches heaven
adds a layer of cosmic significance, as if the universe itself is attuned to
and repulsed by the enormity of the transgression.
O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven, It had the primal eldest curse upon't A brother's murder! Pray can I not-In essence, the metaphorical scent reaching heaven symbolizes
the inescapable and far-reaching consequences of the sinful act. It magnifies
the moral weight of the offense, emphasizing its impact not only on the earthly
plane but on a cosmic, spiritual level as well.
2.
What is the significance of the reference to the primal eldest curse?
The reference to the primal eldest curse draws parallels with
the biblical story of Cain and Abel, where Cain, the firstborn, murders his
brother Abel. This allusion adds a universal dimension to Hamlet's predicament,
suggesting that fratricide is an ancient and ingrained sin within the human
experience. It reinforces the cyclical nature of violence and betrayal
throughout history.
3.
How does the contrast between will and inclination contribute to Hamlet's
character development?
The contrast between Hamlet's will and inclination highlights
the internal conflict within his character. His inclination urges him to seek
swift revenge, driven by anger and grief. However, his will recognizes the
moral complexities and consequences of such an act. This internal struggle adds
depth to Hamlet's character, portraying him not as a one-dimensional avenger
but as a complex individual grappling with the moral implications of his
actions.
4.
Why does Hamlet refer to the murder as "A brother's murder!" with an
exclamation point?
The exclamation point in "A brother's murder!"
underscores the emotional intensity of Hamlet's reaction. It conveys his shock
and horror at the betrayal within his own family. The emphasis on the fratricidal
aspect heightens the personal nature of the crime, accentuating the profound
sense of familial betrayal and grief experienced by Hamlet.
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