Part A: Mark Scheme and Model Answer (OCR A Level English Literature): Revision Note

AO1

• Excellent understanding of the play and question 

  Coherent and detailed argument which is consistently developed

  Fluent and accurate writing with critical concepts and terminology used accurately

AO2

• Thorough examination of how language, form and structure create effects, including dramatic ones

  Effective analysis of methods consistently

  Integrated quotations and textual references skillfully into the discussion, with critical evaluation of their significance

Text

Quotation

Concepts and terminology

Effect

Hamlet

“This above all – to thine own self be true” 

Irony

Used for comedic effect

Coherent, accurate written expression

Shakespeare employs irony in Polonius's speech which creates a stark contrast between his words and his actions, thereby infusing the scene with subtle humour. As Polonius is portrayed as a conniving and manipulative character, when he advises Laertes to be true to himself, the audience is immediately struck by the hypocrisy of his words. The irony lies in Polonius advocating for honesty while he himself is deeply dishonest. This creates dramatic tension between his words and the reality of his character. In the midst of the play's intense and tragic moments, Polonius's ironic advice provides a subtle form of comic relief. The audience, recognising the absurdity of his counsel, may find amusement in his pompous yet misguided attempts to guide others.

Text

Quotation

Concepts and terminology

Effect

Hamlet

“This above all – to thine own self be true” 

Poetic language and juxtaposition

Contrasts with the deceitfulness of his nature

Coherent, accurate written expression

Further, Polonius employs eloquent, poetic language and the sophistication of his speech is contrasted with the deceitfulness of his nature. By presenting Polonius as a character who can manipulate language so effectively, Shakespeare invites the audience to question the sincerity of his words. It also links to the play's themes of appearance versus reality, deception and the complexity of human nature. The audience is thus challenged to discern the layers of meaning behind Polonius's eloquent and poetic language.

Question: 

Discuss the following passage from Act 3 Scene 1, exploring Shakespeare’s use of language and its dramatic effects

This extract provides valuable insights into the characters of Polonius, Laertes and Ophelia. Through their use of language, Polonius is portrayed as a manipulative, controlling and verbose character; Laertes appears dutiful but somewhat restrained and Ophelia emerges as submissive and vulnerable. The extract underscores themes prevalent in Hamlet such as deception, trust, familial relationships and the complexities of romantic love. Polonius's manipulative language and control over Ophelia underscore the theme of deceit, while Laertes's genuine concern for his sister highlights the theme of familial relationships and loyalty. 

In this scene, Shakespeare further reveals Polonius's character. His long-winded advice not only conveys his verbosity but also his desire to control and manipulate those around him. Here he uses the guise of fatherly concern to further his own agendas which illustrates his cunning nature. His repeated use of imperatives are used to give moral instructions: “Give thy thoughts no tongue, Nor any unproportion’d thought his act.” There is a distinct lack of tenderness among the characters. Polonius's advice to Laertes, while seemingly well-intentioned, is pragmatic and stern. The use of imperative sentences like “Give thy thoughts no tongue” creates a commanding tone. Laertes, though he speaks more than Ophelia, still gives relatively concise replies to his father. For example, his response to Polonius's advice is a simple “Most humbly do I take my leave, my lord”. His brief responses to his father are rather monosyllabic which could indicate his resignation.

Similarly, the interaction between Polonius and Ophelia is paternalistic and controlling rather than nurturing. Ophelia's brief responses to her father, for example, “I shall obey, my lord” and “Tis in my memory lock'd, And you yourself shall keep the key of it”, reflect her submissive and obedient nature. The brevity of Ophelia’s language also conveys her vulnerability. The brevity of both Ophelia’s and Laertes’s language underscores the overwhelming influence of their father as his verbose and didactic nature dominates the conversation. Their brief responses highlight the paternal control and the limited autonomy they have in their familial relationships. Furthermore, the contrast between Laertes's and Polonius's characters is particularly notable in this extract. Laertes, though obedient, exhibits genuine concern for his sister. Polonius, on the other hand, manipulates and controls those around him for his political gains. The gentle tone between Laertes and Ophelia implies a caring relationship between siblings, which is reflected in his parting lines: “Farewell, Ophelia; and remember well/What I have said to you.” Laertes's advice to Ophelia about her relationship with Hamlet might reflect his protective nature as an older brother.

Polonius's advice also contains elements of irony and humour. For example, his verbose and convoluted manner of speaking could be seen as ironically humorous and reveals his self-importance and pretentiousness. Also, as the extract is written in verse and uses iambic pentameter, Polonius's eloquent advice presented in this form lends an air of wisdom and authority to his character and further conveys his manipulative nature. For example, “Think yourself a baby/That you have ta’en these tenders for true pay/Which are not sterling”. The comparison of Ophelia to a baby is both exaggerated and comical and underscores Polonius's tendency to oversimplify complex situations. Further, the use of elevated and pompous language in Polonius's speech adds another layer of irony. His attempt to sound profound is contrasted with the shallowness of his advice, making the situation appear ironically humorous to the audience. Polonius’s sophisticated language reflects his desire to control Ophelia's actions and decisions. For example, he declares: “You do not understand yourself so clearly/As it behoves my daughter and your honour”. This condescending tone undermines Ophelia and further illustrates Polonius's desire to control his daughter's actions and thoughts. The use of the word “behoves” implies a sense of propriety, manipulating Ophelia’s sense of duty to her father and her honour. Ophelia's responses, while respectful, reveal her naivety and innocence. Her compliance with her father's instructions and her lack of assertiveness depict her as a passive character. Polonius's advice, while seemingly wise, becomes ironic considering his later actions and decisions. For example, his advice to Laertes to avoid borrowing could be seen as hypocritical, given Polonius's tendency to be involved in deceitful schemes. 

Polonius tries to foreground his own worldly wisdom against Ophelia’s apparent “green girl” naivety. Polonius's description of Ophelia as a “green girl” reflects a paternalistic and condescending attitude. The term “green” suggests inexperience and naivety. By referring to Ophelia in this way, Polonius implies that she lacks wisdom and understanding, reinforcing the stereotypical notion that young women are inherently naive and impressionable. Further, Polonius's characterisation of Ophelia serves his manipulative agenda. By depicting her as inexperienced and naive, he reinforces his control over her decisions. This characterisation allows him to justify his interference in her relationship with Hamlet, under the pretext of protecting her innocence. 

In this extract, Shakespeare uses language devices to illuminate each of the character’s nuances.  Polonius, manipulative and controlling, employs elaborate language and imperatives, projecting his authority and dominance. His verbosity conceals his cunning intentions which are veiled under a guise of fatherly concern. Contrastingly, Laertes's restrained yet caring tone hints at a deeper affection for his sister. Ophelia's submissive responses, while obedient, reflect her vulnerability, thus exposing the power dynamics within the family.