Wednesday, December 5, 2007

What does Ophelia mean in act5.4?

During Act four scene five, Ophelia has gone mad because of the death of her father and possibly the loss of Hamlet's love. During this scene Ophelia says to the King in line fourty-four, "Lord! we know what we are, but know not what we may be. God be at your table!" Ophelia may be telling the King that each of them know the state that both the Claudius and herself are in, but they do not know the outcome of their lives. King Cladius has killed King Hamlet, married his wife Queen Gertrude, and sends Hamlets friends to spy on him. He knows what he has done, but he is fearful for his life, not knowing the consequences he may bear. While Ophelia has experienced the loss of Hamlets love as well has Hamlet accidently killed her father by stabbing him, thinking he was Claudius. Ophelia knows where her life is, but does not know where her life will lead her.

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