Read The Excerpt From Act I Of Hamlet.Bernardo: 'Tis Now Struck Twelve: Get Thee To Bed, Francisco.What Is The Meaning Of The Underlined Phrase?A. This Is Twelve.B. It's Twelve O'clock.C. Twelve Things Have Fallen.D. A Man Was Hit Twelve Times.
Unraveling the Mystery of Shakespeare's Hamlet: A Closer Look at Act I
William Shakespeare's iconic play, Hamlet, is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its complex characters, intricate plot, and profound themes. Act I of Hamlet sets the stage for the rest of the play, introducing the protagonist, Hamlet, and his father's ghost, which sets off a chain of events that will ultimately lead to tragedy. In this article, we will delve into the excerpt from Act I, where Bernardo says, 'Tis now struck twelve: get thee to bed, Francisco.' We will explore the meaning of the underlined phrase and its significance in the context of the play.
The Scene: Bernardo and Francisco
The scene takes place at Elsinore Castle, where Bernardo, a sentry, is on duty. Francisco, another sentry, is relieving Bernardo of his watch. Bernardo says, 'Tis now struck twelve: get thee to bed, Francisco.' The phrase 'Tis now struck twelve' is the focus of our attention, and it is essential to understand its meaning to appreciate the significance of the scene.
The Meaning of the Underlined Phrase
The underlined phrase, 'Tis now struck twelve', is a statement that indicates the time. In Shakespeare's time, the clock struck the hour, and the phrase 'Tis now struck twelve' means that it is now midnight. The phrase is a way of saying that it is time for Francisco to go to bed, as the night watch is over.
Analyzing the Options
Now that we have understood the meaning of the underlined phrase, let's analyze the options provided:
- A. This is twelve: This option is incorrect because the phrase 'Tis now struck twelve' refers to the time, not a quantity or a number.
- B. It's twelve o'clock: This option is correct because the phrase 'Tis now struck twelve' means that it is midnight, or twelve o'clock.
- C. Twelve things have fallen: This option is incorrect because the phrase 'Tis now struck twelve' does not refer to a quantity or a number of things.
- D. A man was hit twelve times: This option is incorrect because the phrase 'Tis now struck twelve' does not refer to a physical action or a quantity of hits.
The Significance of the Scene
The scene between Bernardo and Francisco is significant because it sets the tone for the rest of the play. The fact that it is midnight, and the night watch is over, creates a sense of stillness and quietness, which contrasts with the turmoil that will soon erupt in the play. The scene also highlights the importance of time and the passing of time, which is a recurring theme in Hamlet.
In conclusion, the underlined phrase, 'Tis now struck twelve', is a statement that indicates the time, and it is essential to understand its meaning to appreciate the significance of the scene. The scene between Bernardo and Francisco sets the tone for the rest of the play, and it highlights the importance of time and the passing of time, which is a recurring theme in Hamlet.
The Importance of Understanding Shakespeare's Language
Shakespeare's language is complex and often requires close reading and analysis to understand its meaning. The underlined phrase, 'Tis now struck twelve', is a great example of how Shakespeare's language can be both beautiful and challenging. By understanding the meaning of the phrase, we can appreciate the significance of the scene and the themes that are developed throughout the play.
Tips for Understanding Shakespeare's Language
- Read the play in context: Understanding Shakespeare's language requires reading the play in context. This means reading the play as a whole, rather than just focusing on individual lines or phrases.
- Use a dictionary: Shakespeare's language is full of words and phrases that are no longer in common use. Using a dictionary can help you understand the meaning of these words and phrases.
- Look up unfamiliar words: If you come across a word or phrase that you don't understand, look it up in a dictionary or online resource.
- Read the play multiple times: Understanding Shakespeare's language requires multiple readings of the play. Each reading will help you to understand the play better and to appreciate its complexity.
In conclusion, understanding Shakespeare's language is essential to appreciating the complexity and beauty of his plays. The underlined phrase, 'Tis now struck twelve', is a great example of how Shakespeare's language can be both beautiful and challenging. By understanding the meaning of the phrase, we can appreciate the significance of the scene and the themes that are developed throughout the play.
Unraveling the Mystery of Shakespeare's Hamlet: A Q&A Article
William Shakespeare's iconic play, Hamlet, is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its complex characters, intricate plot, and profound themes. Act I of Hamlet sets the stage for the rest of the play, introducing the protagonist, Hamlet, and his father's ghost, which sets off a chain of events that will ultimately lead to tragedy. In this article, we will delve into the world of Hamlet and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the play.
Q: What is the main theme of Hamlet?
A: The main theme of Hamlet is the human condition, exploring the complexities of human nature, including ambition, madness, and mortality.
Q: Who is the protagonist of Hamlet?
A: The protagonist of Hamlet is Prince Hamlet, the son of King Hamlet and Queen Gertrude.
Q: What is the significance of the ghost in Hamlet?
A: The ghost of King Hamlet is a pivotal character in the play, representing the past and the consequences of past actions. It sets off a chain of events that drives the plot of the play.
Q: What is the role of Ophelia in Hamlet?
A: Ophelia is a key character in Hamlet, serving as a foil to Hamlet's madness and a symbol of the destructive power of love.
Q: What is the significance of the play-within-a-play in Hamlet?
A: The play-within-a-play is a pivotal scene in Hamlet, where Hamlet stages a play to catch Claudius in the act of guilt. It serves as a commentary on the nature of truth and deception.
Q: What is the significance of the final scene in Hamlet?
A: The final scene in Hamlet is a tragic conclusion to the play, where Hamlet dies, and Fortinbras takes over the throne. It serves as a commentary on the cyclical nature of life and death.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase "To be or not to be" in Hamlet?
A: The phrase "To be or not to be" is a famous soliloquy in Hamlet, where Hamlet contemplates the meaning of life and death. It serves as a commentary on the human condition and the search for meaning.
Q: What is the significance of the character of Claudius in Hamlet?
A: Claudius is a key character in Hamlet, serving as a symbol of corruption and deceit. He represents the destructive power of ambition and the consequences of past actions.
Q: What is the significance of the character of Polonius in Hamlet?
A: Polonius is a key character in Hamlet, serving as a symbol of verbosity and self-importance. He represents the destructive power of words and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
In conclusion, Hamlet is a complex and multifaceted play that continues to captivate audiences with its rich themes and characters. By understanding the main themes, characters, and plot of the play, we can appreciate the beauty and complexity of Shakespeare's masterpiece.
Tips for Understanding Hamlet
- Read the play multiple times: Understanding Hamlet requires multiple readings of the play. Each reading will help you to understand the play better and to appreciate its complexity.
- Use a dictionary: Hamlet's language is full of words and phrases that are no longer in common use. Using a dictionary can help you understand the meaning of these words and phrases.
- Look up unfamiliar words: If you come across a word or phrase that you don't understand, look it up in a dictionary or online resource.
- Watch a film adaptation: Watching a film adaptation of Hamlet can help you to visualize the characters and plot of the play.
In conclusion, Hamlet is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its complex characters, intricate plot, and profound themes. By understanding the main themes, characters, and plot of the play, we can appreciate the beauty and complexity of Shakespeare's masterpiece.