“Who’s There?” Words, words, words
Gokul Muru, Rachel Darrah, Tanner Csendes, Adam Manguiat
Thesis: By using direct and informative dialogue, the use of midnight as the setting of the scene, and defensive diction that implies a tense gathering, the first scene of Shakespeare’s Hamlet expresses a suspicious tone when Bernardo asks “Who’s there?”(1.1.1) to suggest that man is an animal of constant vigilance.
Outline:
Thesis: By using direct and informative dialogue, the use of midnight as the setting of the scene, and defensive diction that implies a tense gathering, the first scene of Shakespeare’s Hamlet expresses a suspicious tone when Bernardo asks “Who’s there?”(1.1.1) to suggest that man is an animal of constant vigilance.
- Informative Dialogue
- “Nay, answer me: stand, and unfold yourself,” (1.1.2)
- This is a command for the person to identify themselves so the threat level can be assessed. In addition, the syntax incorporate a semicolon which present a slight pause, therefore implying that Francisco is speaking with caution when confronting the unknown. He is exemplifying a character that is constantly vigilant.
- “Bernardo has my place. Give you good night,” (1.1.17)
- This line is basically outlining the change in shifts and the change in temporary power that is taking place after all of the identities and allegiances were revealed.
- Mid-Night Setting
- “‘Tis now struck twelve; get thee to bed, Francisco,” (1.1.7)
- This line directly implies that the words “bed” and “twelve” represent the setting of midnight in a more direct manner. Also, the idea man as a vigilant animal can be present in the form of Francisco as he is awake when everyone is laying in bed.
- “You come most carefully upon your hour” (1.1.6)
- The idea of vigilance is directly referenced within the line. The setting of midnight,itself, is characterized as being harmful to the presence of man-kind. This line also implies that Bernardo has approached Francisco's location with stealth and so he remained undetected - a shadow in the night - until he asked “who’s there?”
- Defensive Diction
- “Friends to this ground” (1.1.13)
- The word “Friends” immediately illustrates that in Shakespeare’s world there are both friends and foes in existence. This one word captures the fact that man has a reason to be vigilant as any conspiracy can be laid upon them. Because Horatio identified himself as this instead of stating his name or position, his allegiance was the most important thing that he established to show that there was no danger from him.
- “The rivals of my watch, bid them make haste,” (1.1.11)
- “Rivals” and “Haste” are two such words that capture vigilance within a man. “Rivals” shows the meaning of enemies, while “Haste” shows the meaning of urgent action. The incorporation of words in this sentence allows for readers to understand the realm of Shakespeare’s characters who have to keep their eyes open in order to fulfill their duties, this idea can be mainly seen in the scenario of Bernardo with his apprehension towards Horatio and Marcellus.
