Hamlet: “It is ‘Adieu, adieu, remember me.’ I have sworn’t.”
In one of the most haunting exchanges of William Shakespeare’s *Hamlet*, the protagonist utters the words, “It is ‘Adieu, adieu, remember me.’ I have sworn’t.” This poignant line encapsulates the essence of memory, obligation, and the weight of the past that pervades the play. As Hamlet grapples with the ghostly command of his father, the lines resonate with a deep sense of urgency and emotional gravity that invites exploration.
At this moment in the play, Hamlet is responding to the ghost of his father, who has revealed the truth of his murder and implored Hamlet to seek vengeance. In essence, Hamlet is swearing an oath to remember his father’s request. The repetition of “adieu” underscores a finality, a farewell that hints at the tumultuous journey that lies ahead. This phrase encapsulates the duality of human experience: the desire to remember, to honor the dead, and the inherent struggle that comes with such remembrance.
The language Shakespeare employs here is rich with literary devices. The phrase “remember me” is a call to action, a plea that resonates throughout the play. The imperative form of the verb “remember” emphasizes the weight of the request and the emotional burden placed upon Hamlet. Furthermore, the use of the word “sworn’t” signifies a binding commitment, as oaths carry significant weight in the Elizabethan era, often invoking divine witness. The phrase’s rhythmic quality, combined with the emotional stakes, enhances its memorability and impact.
Historically, *Hamlet* was written during a time of great social and political upheaval in England. The specter of death was a prominent concern, fueled by the uncertainties of succession and the shifting power dynamics of the monarchy. The ghost that haunts Hamlet serves as a metaphor for unresolved issues—both personal and political. Shakespeare taps into the zeitgeist of his time, reflecting a society grappling with mortality, legacy, and the moral implications of revenge.
The themes of memory, vengeance, and moral ambiguity are intricately woven throughout *Hamlet*. The notion of remembrance is not merely a personal endeavor; it reflects the broader human condition. In swearing to remember, Hamlet confronts the complexities of grief and the ethical dilemmas associated with revenge. This internal conflict resonates with audiences even today, as we grapple with the weight of our own memories and the responsibilities attached to them.
In modern contexts, this quote has transcended its original setting, often cited in discussions about the nature of memory and the impact of unresolved trauma. The idea of remembering is central to many contemporary narratives, whether in literature, film, or psychology. The emotional labor of holding onto memories, especially those tied to loss, remains a universal struggle.
Moreover, Hamlet’s struggle with his vow to remember can be paralleled in other literary works, such as Dostoevsky’s *Crime and Punishment*, where the protagonist grapples with moral culpability and the echoes of his past actions. Both texts delve into the psychological ramifications of memory and the burdens they impose on the human psyche.
As we reflect on the significance of “Adieu, adieu, remember me,” we are reminded of the enduring nature of Shakespeare’s insights into human experience. The quote encapsulates a profound truth: our memories shape our identities and actions. In the face of loss and the impermanence of life, the imperative to remember becomes both a solace and a burden. Hamlet’s oath is a poignant reminder that our past is inextricably linked to our present and future.
In conclusion, this powerful line from *Hamlet* serves as a microcosm of the play’s larger themes, reflecting the complexities of memory, obligation, and the human condition. As we navigate our own lives, we are often called to remember—to carry the weight of our past as we move forward. Shakespeare’s exploration of these themes remains relevant, inviting each generation to ponder the nature of remembrance and its profound impact on our existence.
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Selected Text Explanation
Passage Summary
In this passage from Shakespeare's *Hamlet*, the protagonist grapples with the weight of his father's ghostly command to avenge his murder, while simultaneously reflecting on the moral corruption and duplicity prevalent in Denmark. The scene captures Hamlet's internal turmoil as he vows to remember the ghost and prioritize its message above all else, discarding trivial memories and distractions. This moment encapsulates themes of memory, action, and the struggle against moral decay.
Hamlet's invocation of celestial and earthly forces juxtaposes the spiritual and the mortal, highlighting his anguish and sense of duty. His declaration that he will "wipe away all trivial fond records" emphasizes the importance of focus and memory in the face of overwhelming grief and betrayal. The passage also introduces the motif of appearance versus reality, as Hamlet recognizes that those who project a friendly exterior can harbor dark intentions—"one may smile, and smile, and be a villain." This insight reflects the broader theme of deceit that pervades the play.
As Hamlet interacts with his friends Horatio and Marcellus, the tone shifts from contemplative to conspiratorial. His insistence on secrecy underscores the gravity of his resolve and the precariousness of the political landscape in Denmark. The moment foreshadows the tragic consequences of his quest for revenge and the moral dilemmas he will face.
This passage, therefore, serves as a pivotal moment in *Hamlet*, marking the prince's transition from passive contemplation to active commitment, while also reinforcing the play's exploration of memory, truth, and the complexities of human nature. The significance lies in Hamlet's realization of the pervasive treachery around him, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of revenge and tragedy that follows.
Original Passage
Select any part of the passage to receive an explanation:
HAMLET.
O all you host of heaven! O earth! What else?
And shall I couple hell? O, fie! Hold, my heart;
And you, my sinews, grow not instant old,
But bear me stiffly up. Remember thee?
Ay, thou poor ghost, while memory holds a seat
In this distracted globe. Remember thee?
Yea, from the table of my memory
I'll wipe away all trivial fond records,
All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past,
That youth and observation copied there;
And thy commandment all alone shall live
Within the book and volume of my brain,
Unmix'd with baser matter. Yes, by heaven!
O most pernicious woman!
O villain, villain, smiling damned villain!
My tables. Meet it is I set it down,
That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain!
At least I am sure it may be so in Denmark.
[[Writing.] ]
So, uncle, there you are. Now to my word;
It is 'Adieu, adieu, remember me.'
I have sworn't.
HORATIO and MARCELLUS.
[[Within.] ] My lord, my lord.
MARCELLUS.
[[Within.] ] Lord Hamlet.
HORATIO.
[[Within.] ] Heaven secure him.
HAMLET.
So be it!
MARCELLUS.
[[Within.] ] Illo, ho, ho, my lord!
HAMLET.
Hillo, ho, ho, boy! Come, bird, come.
Enter Horatio. and Marcellus. .
MARCELLUS.
How is't, my noble lord?
HORATIO.
What news, my lord?
HAMLET.
O, wonderful!
HORATIO.
Good my lord, tell it.
HAMLET.
No, you'll reveal it.
HORATIO.
Not I, my lord, by heaven.
MARCELLUS.
Nor I, my lord.
HAMLET.
How say you then, would heart of man once think it?—
But you'll be secret?
HORATIO and MARCELLUS.
Ay, by heaven, my lord.
HAMLET.
There's ne'er a villain dwelling in all Denmark
But he's an arrant knave.
HORATIO.
There needs no ghost, my lord, come from the grave
To tell us this.
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