Hamlet Quote Log #11

"And where th' offense is, let the great ax fall" (4.5.244).

Shakespeare gives Claudius such as simple sentence that foreshadows a deeper meaning.  Claudius converses with Laertes about getting revenge on Polonius' death.  Laertes' emotions conflict with his conscience when he decides whether or not to take revenge.  Appealing to ethos, Claudius persuades Laertes to take revenge on his father's death.  Shakespeare conveys the theme of characters being easily manipulated by their emotions into taking revenge.  This cunning, malicious act demonstrates Claudius' sinful actions, reflecting upon his murder on King Hamlet.  The analogy that Claudius displays is ironic because he is motivating Laertes to punish those who are guilty with death.  Claudius is guilty for killing Hamlet's father, and Hamlet is guilty for killing Laertes' father.  This analogy must foreshadow the death of both of these characters as for both of their actions have made them guilty, and eventually they must face the consequences.
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