Hamlets Sense of Humor Essay - 1391 Words

Hamlets Sense of Humor Well aware that several hours of unrelenting angst would be a bit much for his audience to take, William Shakespeare strategically placed several humorous scenes throughout his masterpiece, Hamlet. In particular, the character of Polonius fills the role of the comic fool; he is in two essential comedic scenes, one with his own children and then one with Hamlet. Shakespeares acute ability to weave humor into this very heavy play is noteworthy, as his use of comedy goes beyond merely providing much-needed comic relief. In fact, the rather numerous comedic scenes serve as a foils to, as well as reflections of, the intense action of the play. In every case where humor is used in Hamlet, it is†¦show more content†¦Tender yourself more dearly; Or -- not to crack the wind of the poor phrase, Running it thus -- youll tender me a fool (I,iii,106-109). Much of the humor that lies in the character of Polonius is that he obviously thinks he is very clever, and it is his simple delight in his poor wit that is funny. This light-hearted scene, depicting a rather normal family, is placed directly before Hamlets confrontation with his fathers ghost, which is highly dramatic and very intense. By preceding this confrontation with a scene as light and fluffy as the one between Ophelia and her father, Shakespeare heightens the intensity of Hamlets later scene. One is struck immediately by the contrast between the two fathers, as well as the two relationships. Ophelia loves her father dearly, apparently oblivious to the fact that he is a total fool; he gives her advice which unknowingly will lead to her death. Hamlet also loves his father with all his being; his father is not a fool, but the knowledge he imparts to Hamlet begins a long chain of events that will result in Hamlets death as well. 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