What do rapiers represent?
A rapier is a particular kind of sword, used mostly for thrusting. Rapiers were especially popular in 16th and 17th century Europe. The long, slender blade of the rapier is lightweight and very sharp, and it usually has an intricate hilt, or handle, to protect the hand of the person wielding it.
What does the rapier sword symbolize?
One of the significant social aspects of the rapier was its status as a ‘civilian’ weapon. Prior to the Renaissance, the sword was a symbol of the titled classes. But now, with the rise of an affluent merchant class, the sword was used by the upwardly mobile.
What weapons are used in Hamlet?
What kind of weapon does he use? Rapier and dagger. The rapier and the dagger. That’s two of his weapons.
Which characters are wounded by the poisoned rapier?
Laertes then wounds Hamlet with the poisoned rapier. In the scuffle that follows, Hamlet forces an exchange of rapiers, and Hamlet wounds Laertes. As Gertrude dies, Laertes, himself dying, discloses his and Claudius’s plot against Hamlet. Hamlet kills Claudius.
What is the significance of Hamlet and Laertes ending up with each other’s swords?
Fencing Swords: The fencing swords symbolize revenge. Claudius and Laertes are very upset with Hamlet’s actions that resulted in the death of Polonius, so they devise a plan to act revenge on him.
What does Laertes say is his motive in still resenting Hamlet?
In Act IV, scene 7, Laertes says he wants revenge on Hamlet because he killed Laertes’ father, and because he drove Laertes’ sister Ophelia mad. This motivation fits the structure of a revenge play in itself, but Laertes also publicly pledges to take revenge on his father’s killer, which fits the structure too.
How does the gravedigger answer Hamlet questions?
What are the gravediggers debating over? Ophelia and suicide, and whether she should have a christian burial. He doesn’t answer the questions at first, but makes plays on words. As if he is taking Hamlets questions literally.
What does Hamlet mean when he says we defy augury?
“We defy augury”—that is, omens mean nothing to him. Hamlet will deliver himself over to his fate, because he finally realizes that it is out of his control. Before, he would have thought too precisely on the event, weighed its implications, and sought into its causes.