Hamlet: “Use every man after his desert, and who should ‘scape whipping?”
In Shakespeare’s tragedy *Hamlet*, the complexity of human nature, morality, and justice is encapsulated in the line, “Use every man after his desert, and who should ‘scape whipping?” This quote, articulated by Hamlet in Act 2, Scene 2, serves as a profound reflection on the nature of judgment and the often harsh realities of human behavior. As we delve into the meaning, literary devices, themes, and contemporary relevance of this line, we uncover layers of insight that resonate across time and context.
Understanding the Quote in Context
In this scene, Hamlet is engaging with Polonius, who has just expressed his intention to treat the visiting players according to their merits, or “desert.” Hamlet responds with a sardonic twist, suggesting that if everyone were judged solely by their actions and moral worth, no one would escape punishment. The implication here is clear: human fallibility is universal, and the scales of justice are often weighed unevenly. This quote speaks to the intrinsic flaws in humanity, highlighting a world where moral perfection is unattainable.
Literary Devices and Language
Shakespeare employs several literary devices in this line. The phrase “who should ‘scape whipping” uses the metaphor of whipping to evoke images of punishment and accountability. The colloquialism underscores the play’s exploration of justice and retribution. Additionally, the use of the term “desert” is multifaceted; it refers to both merit and the consequences of one’s behavior, encapsulating the dual nature of moral judgment that permeates the play.
Historical Context and Themes
Written in the early 17th century, *Hamlet* reflects the anxieties of a society grappling with issues of power, morality, and the human condition. The Elizabethan era was marked by a burgeoning interest in the complexities of character and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals. This quote encapsulates the theme of appearance versus reality, as characters often wear masks that conceal their true intentions. Hamlet himself embodies this struggle, torn between his desire for vengeance and his philosophical musings on life and death.
Modern Interpretations and Relevance
The relevance of this quote extends into contemporary discussions surrounding justice and moral accountability. In today’s society, where ethical dilemmas abound in various domains—politics, business, and personal relationships—the question of how we judge others and ourselves remains pertinent. The idea that no one can escape judgment invites a reflection on the imperfections inherent in human nature, prompting us to consider the weight of compassion and understanding in our interactions.
Moreover, this quote has been referenced in various modern contexts, from discussions on criminal justice reform to conversations about personal accountability in social media. It serves as a reminder that while we may hold others to high standards, we must also acknowledge our own shortcomings.
Comparative Literature and Philosophy
The themes presented in Hamlet’s remark find echoes in other literary and philosophical works. For instance, the notion of moral relativism and the condemnation of hypocrisy are prevalent in the writings of Fyodor Dostoevsky, particularly in *Crime and Punishment*, where characters grapple with the consequences of their deeds. Similarly, the existential philosophies of Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche encourage individuals to confront their own moral failings and the burdens of choice, reinforcing the idea that human nature is fraught with ambiguity.
Conclusion: A Reflection on Human Nature
Hamlet’s remark, “Use every man after his desert, and who should ‘scape whipping?” serves as a poignant reflection on the complexities of judgment, morality, and the human experience. It challenges us to consider the implications of our actions and the often-blurred lines between right and wrong. As we navigate the intricate web of human relationships and societal expectations, Shakespeare’s words remind us of the shared imperfections that bind us together. In a world where judgment is inevitable, perhaps the greatest virtue lies in our capacity for empathy and understanding, allowing us to see beyond mere desert to the deeper humanity that resides within us all.
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Selected Text Explanation
Passage Summary
In this passage from Shakespeare's *Hamlet*, the dialogue between the First Player, Hamlet, and Polonius unfolds in a moment filled with theatricality and emotional depth. The First Player describes a dramatic scene involving a "mobled queen," evoking imagery of a grieving woman, likely representing Hecuba, who is mourning her husband’s brutal death at the hands of Pyrrhus. This vivid illustration serves as a powerful reminder of the themes of grief, betrayal, and the human condition that permeate the play.
Hamlet's reaction to the Player's performance indicates his own internal turmoil and connection to the themes being explored. His acknowledgment of the player's talent ("'Mobled queen' is good") suggests that he values the power of theater to convey profound truths about life and emotion. This moment also highlights Hamlet's own struggles with grief over his father’s murder and his mother’s hasty remarriage to Claudius. The reference to the gods potentially being moved by the queen's sorrow underscores the universal nature of tragedy and the depth of human suffering.
Polonius, always the pompous figure, attempts to manage the players but is met with Hamlet's keen observation about the treatment of artists. Hamlet's assertion that the players are "the abstracts and brief chronicles of the time" reflects his belief in the social importance of theater as a means of both reflection and critique. His advice to Polonius to treat them with dignity, regardless of their merit, reveals a theme of moral integrity and the complexities of human relationships.
As the scene progresses, Hamlet's request for the First Player to perform *The Murder of Gonzago*—with an added speech he intends to insert—highlights his strategic use of theater to expose King Claudius's guilt. This foreshadows his plan to confirm the ghost’s story through the play's performance, emphasizing the theme of appearance versus reality.
Overall, this passage encapsulates the essence of *Hamlet*: the intertwining of art and life, the exploration of grief and revenge, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals. The significance lies in the interplay between performance and reality, as Hamlet seeks to unveil the truth through the very medium that captures human experience—theatre.
Original Passage
Select any part of the passage to receive an explanation:
[But who, O who, had seen the mobled queen,—]
HAMLET.
'The mobled queen'?
POLONIUS.
That's good! 'Mobled queen' is good.
FIRST PLAYER.
[Run barefoot up and down, threat'ning the flamesWith bisson rheum. A clout upon that headWhere late the diadem stood, and for a robe,About her lank and all o'erteemed loins,A blanket, in th'alarm of fear caught up—Who this had seen, with tongue in venom steep'd,'Gainst Fortune's state would treason have pronounc'd.But if the gods themselves did see her then,When she saw Pyrrhus make malicious sportIn mincing with his sword her husband's limbs,The instant burst of clamour that she made,—Unless things mortal move them not at all,—Would have made milch the burning eyes of heaven,And passion in the gods.]
POLONIUS.
Look, where he has not turn'd his colour, and has tears in's eyes. Pray you, no
more.
HAMLET.
'Tis well. I'll have thee speak out the rest of this soon.—Good my lord, will
you see the players well bestowed? Do you hear, let them be well used; for they
are the abstracts and brief chronicles of the time. After your death you were
better have a bad epitaph than their ill report while you live.
POLONIUS.
My lord, I will use them according to their desert.
HAMLET.
God's bodikin, man, much better. Use every man after his desert, and who should
'scape whipping? Use them after your own honour and dignity. The less they
deserve, the more merit is in your bounty. Take them in.
POLONIUS.
Come, sirs.
HAMLET.
Follow him, friends. We'll hear a play tomorrow.
[[ExeuntPoloniuswith all thePlayersbut the First.] ]
Dost thou hear me, old friend? Can you play [The Murder of Gonzago] ?
FIRST PLAYER.
Ay, my lord.
HAMLET.
We'll ha't tomorrow night. You could for a need study a speech of some dozen or
sixteen lines, which I would set down and insert in't, could you not?
FIRST PLAYER.
Ay, my lord.
HAMLET.
Very well. Follow that lord, and look you mock him not.
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