5.4.1

Word Usage & Hendiadys

Test yourself on Word Usage & Hendiadys

Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Shakespeare's Use of Words & Hendiadys in Hamlet

In writing his own version of a play that had already existed on the English stage for years, much of Shakespeare’s creative energy went into the language of the play rather than its plotting.

New words in *Hamlet*

New words in Hamlet

  • In Hamlet, Shakespeare used and invented more words than he had ever done in a single play before.
  • According to the scholar Alfred Hart, Shakespeare used almost 600 words that he had never used before, an exceptionally high number (in his previous tragedy, Julius Caesar, it was 70).
  • Hart also estimated that Shakespeare invented around 170 new words or phrases in the play. Whatever Shakespeare wanted to dramatize in this new version of the Hamlet story, he often needed to find new language to express it.
What is hendiadys?

What is hendiadys?

  • One of the most striking uses of language in the play is the use of hendiadys. This is a pattern of language where two nouns are paired together to express a single idea e.g. “Law and Order”.
  • Shakespeare uses hendiadys in Hamlet far more than in any other play. Scholars have found 66 examples compared to the next highest total, 28, in Othello.
Examples of hendiadys in *Hamlet*

Examples of hendiadys in Hamlet

  • “Angels and ministers of grace defend us” (Act 1 Scene 4)
  • “The book and volume of my brain” (Act 1 Scene 5)
  • “A fantasy or trick of fame” (Act 4 Scene 4)
Analysis of hendiadys in *Hamlet*

Analysis of hendiadys in Hamlet

  • In these phrases, the two nouns modify each other or balance each other out. They help to create a sense that, in the world of Hamlet, it is difficult to pin down truth or meaning.
  • When used by Hamlet himself, the effect is of someone striving to ‘fix’ a precise meaning on events but of ultimately being caught between two opposing ideas.
  • The use of hendiadys seems appropriate for a character who, for much of the play, seems unable to decide on one course of action.
Jump to other topics
1

Introduction

1.1

Introduction & Background to Hamlet

1.1.1Introduction to Hamlet1.1.2The Literary Tradition of the Hamlet Story1.1.3Introduction to the Settings in Hamlet1.1.4Introduction to Social Issues Raised
2

Plot Summary

2.1

Act 1: Key Events & Ideas

2.1.1Act 1, Scene 12.1.2Act 1, Scene 22.1.3Act 1, Scene 32.1.4Act 1, Scenes 4-5
2.2

Act 2: Key Events & Ideas

2.2.1Act 2, Scene 12.2.2Act 2, Scene 2
2.3

Act 3: Key Events & Ideas

2.3.1Act 3, Scene 1: Key Events2.3.2Act 3, Scene 1: Key Ideas2.3.3Act 3, Scene 22.3.4Act 3, Scene 32.3.5Act 3, Scene 4
2.4

Act 4: Key Events & Ideas

2.4.1Act 4, Scene 12.4.2Act 4, Scenes 2-32.4.3Act 4, Scene 42.4.4Act 4, Scene 5: Key Events2.4.5Act 4, Scene 5: Key Ideas2.4.6Act 4, Scene 62.4.7Act 4, Scene 7
2.5

Act 5: Key Events & Ideas

2.5.1Act 5, Scene 1: Key Events2.5.2Act 5, Scene 2: Key Events2.5.3Act 5, Scene 2: Key Ideas
3

Character Profiles

3.1

Hamlet

3.1.1Hamlet's Speech & Mind3.1.2Hamlet's Heroic Status3.1.3Hamlet's State of Mind3.1.4Hamlet's Indecision/Action Taking
3.2

Claudius

3.2.1Claudius' Crime3.2.2Changing Impressions of Claudius
3.3

Gertrude

3.3.1Mystery & Hamlet's View of Gertrude3.3.2Gertrude's Character3.3.3Gertrude's Relationship with Hamlet
3.4

Ophelia

3.4.1Ophelia
3.5

Polonius

3.5.1Portrayal of Polonius & Treatment of Ophelia3.5.2Polonius' Spying & Death
3.6

Laertes

3.6.1Laertes' Popularity & Relationship with Ophelia3.6.2Laertes' Character Traits
4

Key Themes

4.1

Regicide in Hamlet

4.1.1Regicide in Hamlet
4.2

Madness in Hamlet

4.2.1Madness in Hamlet
4.3

Guilt & Punishment in Hamlet

4.3.1Guilt in Hamlet4.3.2Punishment in Hamlet
4.4

Settings in Hamlet

4.4.1Physical Settings & Historical Setting of Hamlet
5

Writing Techniques

5.1

Structure

5.1.1Structure of Hamlet5.1.2'Play Within a Play' Structure5.1.3Play-Acting Motif
5.2

Form

5.2.1Soliloquy5.2.2Comedy
5.3

Imagery

5.3.1Imagery of Corruption & Decay5.3.2Imagery: Healing, Performance & Costume
5.4

Language

5.4.1Word Usage & Hendiadys5.4.2Questions & Classical Allusions
6

Context

6.1

Social & Historical Context

6.1.1Elizabeth I & Succession6.1.2Cosmic & Social Hierarchy6.1.3Renaissance & Emergence of Humanism6.1.4Regicide6.1.5The Reformation
6.2

Literary Context

6.2.1Seneca Tragedy6.2.2The Revenge Tragedy
6.3

Performance & Textual History

6.3.1Performance History of Hamlet6.3.2Textual History of Hamlet
7

Critical Debates

7.1

18-19th Century Responses to Hamlet

7.1.1Introduction to Critical Debates7.1.218th Century Commentary on Hamlet7.1.3Romantic Commentary on Hamlet
7.2

20th Century Responses to Hamlet

7.2.1Freudian Response to Hamlet7.2.2Other Early 20th Century Responses to Hamlet
7.3

Feminist Readings of Hamlet

7.3.1Introduction to Feminist Criticism7.3.2Feminist Readings of Hamlet7.3.3Presentation of Ophelia
7.4

Marxist/Political Readings of Hamlet

7.4.1Introduction to Marxist Criticisms7.4.2Marxist Readings of Hamlet

Practice questions on Word Usage & Hendiadys

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
    Which of these is an example of hendiadys? Multiple choice
  2. 2
    Complete the examples of hendiadys in *Hamlet*.Fill in the list
Answer all questions on Word Usage & Hendiadys

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium

Imagery: Healing, Performance & Costume

Questions & Classical Allusions