Back to category: English

Limited version - please login or register to view the entire paper.

Interpretation COmmentary on "wings as swift"

Haste me to know't, that I with wings as swift
As meditation or the thoughts of love
May sweep to to my revenge.
This is Hamlet's immediate statement of revenge upon learning from the Ghost that his father's death was the result of murder. Hamlet's immediate reaction to the demands of revenge is that he will act upon it with the proverbial speed of thought. The irony is that Hamlet does not revenge with any speed. But it is worth noting that Hamlet uses the term meditation which to me seems antithetical to speed. Thoughts of love through the play are also scant. Hamlet rejects love. So, the initial impression is one of celerity, its Hamlet's use of words that hint otherewise.

Your second quote, here is the whole speech by Hamlet.
And therefore as a stranger give it welcome.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt o...

Posted by: William Katz

Limited version - please login or register to view the entire paper.