Hamlet Act I Allusions

Neptune

Definition: Roman god of the sea, equivalent to the Greek god Poseidon.

• Context in Hamlet: This allusion appears in the opening scene as the guards discuss the supernatural events occurring in Denmark. It emphasizes the magnitude of the unnatural disturbances happening.

• Citation: (1.1.118)

Doomsday

Definition: The prophesied Day of Judgment in Christian belief, associated with the Second Coming of Christ and apocalyptic signs such as eclipses.

• Biblical References:

• Matthew 27:52: “And the graves did open themselves, and many bodies of the Saints, which slept, arose.”

• Acts 2:19: “Wonders in heaven above and tokens in earth beneath.”

• Context in Hamlet: The ghost of King Hamlet’s appearance is linked to Doomsday imagery, suggesting divine punishment or an apocalyptic warning for Denmark.

• Citation: (1.1.119)

God of Day

• Definition: Phoebus Apollo, the Greek god of the sun and light, associated with truth and prophecy.

• Context in Hamlet: The reference suggests a contrast between light (truth) and darkness (deception, corruption). In Hamlet, truth is often obscured, much like the sun being hidden behind clouds or eclipses.

• Citation: (1.1.151)

First Corpse

• Definition: In Judeo-Christian tradition, Abel was the first person to die, murdered by his brother Cain out of jealousy (Genesis 4:11-12).

• Context in Hamlet: This allusion is significant because Claudius, like Cain, has killed his brother (King Hamlet) to gain power. The reference is ironic because Claudius unknowingly draws a parallel between himself and the biblical murderer.

• Citation: (1.2.105)

Hyperion

• Definition: A Greek Titan associated with heavenly light, father of the sun (Helios), moon (Selene), and dawn (Eos).

• Context in Hamlet: Hamlet compares his father, King Hamlet, to Hyperion, emphasizing his god-like majesty and nobility. This is contrasted with Claudius, whom he likens to a satyr, a grotesque and lustful creature.

• Citation: (1.2.140)

Satyr

• Definition: A half-human, half-goat creature in Greek mythology, known for being wild, drunken, and lustful. Satyrs were followers of Dionysus, the god of wine and excess.

• Context in Hamlet: Hamlet uses this allusion to insult Claudius, portraying him as an inferior and debauched ruler compared to his father, King Hamlet. The contrast between Hyperion (light and nobility) and a satyr (lust and excess) reinforces Hamlet’s disgust.

• Citation: (1.2.140)

Niobe

• Definition: In Greek mythology, Niobe was a queen who boasted about her many children, insulting the goddess Leto. As punishment, Leto’s children (Apollo and Artemis) killed all of Niobe’s offspring. Grief-stricken, Niobe fled to Mount Sipylus, where she was turned into a stone, eternally weeping.

• Context in Hamlet: Hamlet sarcastically compares his mother, Gertrude, to Niobe. While Niobe mourned endlessly for her children, Gertrude quickly moved on from her husband’s death, marrying Claudius within a month.

• Citation: (1.2.149)

Hercules

Definition: A Greek demigod, son of Zeus, famous for his superhuman strength and completing twelve nearly impossible labors.

• Context in Hamlet: Hamlet states, “My father’s brother, but no more like my father / Than I to Hercules.” Here, he emphasizes how unworthy Claudius is compared to King Hamlet. He also acknowledges his own weakness, unlike the heroic and strong Hercules.

• Citation: (1.2.153)

Nemean Lion

• Definition: A powerful and nearly invulnerable lion in Greek mythology, defeated by Hercules as the first of his twelve labors. Hercules strangled the beast and wore its impenetrable skin as armor.

• Context in Hamlet: This allusion appears in the ghost scene when Hamlet swears he will seek revenge, showing his resolve to be as fearless as Hercules. The image of the lion suggests the strength Hamlet aspires to, even though he struggles with inaction throughout the play.

• Citation: (1.4.83)