The given passage discusses the use of figurative language in William Shakespeare's play "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark" and Queen Elizabeth I's poem "On Monsieur's Departure" to explore the theme of hiding one's true feelings from the public. It highlights how both authors use figures of speech to convey the inner turmoil and conflict experienced by their respective characters, Hamlet and the speaker in the poem. Let's analyze the passage in more detail.
In the first part of the passage, the speaker explains how mixed emotions, inner conflict, and the act of hiding one's true feelings are all part of the human condition. This sets the context for the analysis of the characters in Shakespeare's play and Elizabeth I's poem.
Moving on to Elizabeth I's poem, the speaker's dilemma of hiding her true feelings is established through the use of strong language and paradoxes. She grieves but cannot show her discontent, loves but feels forced to seem to hate. The word "seem" is important here as it reveals the discrepancy between the external projection and internal reality. The passage also mentions that the poem might have been influenced by Elizabeth's own experiences with failed marriage negotiations.
Similarly, in Shakespeare's play, Hamlet is torn between his true inner feelings and the public image he needs to maintain. When asked about his grief, he responds by highlighting that what others see is merely superficial. Shakespeare uses figurative and descriptive language in Hamlet's soliloquy to depict the depth of his hidden emotions. Hyperbole is employed to emphasize the magnitude of Hamlet's sighs, and the metaphor of a "fruitful river" portrays his grief as endless and overwhelming.
The passage also mentions how Hamlet compares himself to an actor, expressing his desire to display his true emotions with intensity. However, societal expectations and the need to maintain a public persona prevent him from doing so. The speaker in "On Monsieur's Departure" also insults herself, using metaphorical language to express her own perceived weakness and vulnerability.
Both authors use figurative language to convey the complex emotions and the challenge of expressing or concealing one's feelings within society. The passage suggests that societal norms and expectations play a crucial role in determining what people choose to reveal or conceal, and this decision is a central aspect of human behavior.
To conclude, the passage provides a literary analysis of how figurative language is employed by Shakespeare in "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark" and by Queen Elizabeth I in "On Monsieur's Departure" to explore the theme of hidden emotions. Through paradoxes, metaphors, and descriptive language, both works offer a deeper understanding of the human condition and the struggle individuals face in expressing their true feelings.
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