Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/5-4-1-word-usage-and-hendiadys [Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [A Level](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level.md) › [English Lit](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature.md) › [OCR](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr.md) › [English Lit: OCR A Level - Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet.md) › Word Usage & Hendiadys # Word Usage & Hendiadys English Lit: OCR A Level - Hamlet, topic 5.4.1 ## 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*](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-11/b4fe4488-bd3e-4d9a-b686-53b8686320ea/language-words-.jpg) - 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?](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/0b88ca05-50b1-444c-a83c-dcc67460fade/gavel-law-religion.jpg) - 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*](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-10/6c384e18-de04-4adc-a324-d8992cad19fc/angel-.png) - **“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*](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/6.2.1%20Reversible%20reactions%20and%20energy%20changes/weight-scale-2402966_640.jpg) - 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. ## Test yourself on Word Usage & Hendiadys - Which of these is an example of hendiadys? - Complete the examples of hendiadys in *Hamlet*. [Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/8dece131-d168-46de-9b11-ea7deb49963f/section/01b930ea-2125-4c8b-896f-810082640592/session) - Previous topic: [5.3.2 Imagery: Healing, Performance & Costume](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/5-3-2-imagery-healing-performance-and-costume.md) - Next topic: [5.4.2 Questions & Classical Allusions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/5-4-2-questions-and-classical-allusions.md) ## English Lit: OCR A Level - Hamlet contents ### 1 Introduction - 1.1 Introduction & Background to Hamlet - [1.1.1 Introduction to Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/1-1-1-introduction-to-hamlet.md) - [1.1.2 The Literary Tradition of the Hamlet Story](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/1-1-2-the-literary-tradition-of-the-hamlet-story.md) - [1.1.3 Introduction to the Settings in Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/1-1-3-introduction-to-the-settings-in-hamlet.md) - [1.1.4 Introduction to Social Issues Raised](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/1-1-4-introduction-to-social-issues-raised.md) ### 2 Plot Summary - 2.1 Act 1: Key Events & Ideas - [2.1.1 Act 1, Scene 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-1-1-act-1-scene-1.md) - [2.1.2 Act 1, Scene 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-1-2-act-1-scene-2.md) - [2.1.3 Act 1, Scene 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-1-3-act-1-scene-3.md) - [2.1.4 Act 1, Scenes 4-5](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-1-4-act-1-scenes-4-5.md) - 2.2 Act 2: Key Events & Ideas - [2.2.1 Act 2, Scene 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-2-1-act-2-scene-1.md) - [2.2.2 Act 2, Scene 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-2-2-act-2-scene-2.md) - 2.3 Act 3: Key Events & Ideas - [2.3.1 Act 3, Scene 1: Key Events](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-3-1-act-3-scene-1-key-events.md) - [2.3.2 Act 3, Scene 1: Key Ideas](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-3-2-act-3-scene-1-key-ideas.md) - [2.3.3 Act 3, Scene 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-3-3-act-3-scene-2.md) - [2.3.4 Act 3, Scene 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-3-4-act-3-scene-3.md) - [2.3.5 Act 3, Scene 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-3-5-act-3-scene-4.md) - 2.4 Act 4: Key Events & Ideas - [2.4.1 Act 4, Scene 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-4-1-act-4-scene-1.md) - [2.4.2 Act 4, Scenes 2-3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-4-2-act-4-scenes-2-3.md) - [2.4.3 Act 4, Scene 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-4-3-act-4-scene-4.md) - [2.4.4 Act 4, Scene 5: Key Events](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-4-4-act-4-scene-5-key-events.md) - [2.4.5 Act 4, Scene 5: Key Ideas](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-4-5-act-4-scene-5-key-ideas.md) - [2.4.6 Act 4, Scene 6](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-4-6-act-4-scene-6.md) - [2.4.7 Act 4, Scene 7](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-4-7-act-4-scene-7.md) - 2.5 Act 5: Key Events & Ideas - [2.5.1 Act 5, Scene 1: Key Events](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-5-1-act-5-scene-1-key-events.md) - [2.5.2 Act 5, Scene 2: Key Events](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-5-2-act-5-scene-2-key-events.md) - [2.5.3 Act 5, Scene 2: Key Ideas](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/2-5-3-act-5-scene-2-key-ideas.md) ### 3 Character Profiles - 3.1 Hamlet - [3.1.1 Hamlet's Speech & Mind](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-1-1-hamlets-speech-and-mind.md) - [3.1.2 Hamlet's Heroic Status](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-1-2-hamlets-heroic-status.md) - [3.1.3 Hamlet's State of Mind](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-1-3-hamlets-state-of-mind.md) - [3.1.4 Hamlet's Indecision/Action Taking](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-1-4-hamlets-indecisionaction-taking.md) - 3.2 Claudius - [3.2.1 Claudius' Crime](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-2-1-claudius-crime.md) - [3.2.2 Changing Impressions of Claudius](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-2-2-changing-impressions-of-claudius.md) - 3.3 Gertrude - [3.3.1 Mystery & Hamlet's View of Gertrude](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-3-1-mystery-and-hamlets-view-of-gertrude.md) - [3.3.2 Gertrude's Character](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-3-2-gertrudes-character.md) - [3.3.3 Gertrude's Relationship with Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-3-3-gertrudes-relationship-with-hamlet.md) - 3.4 Ophelia - [3.4.1 Ophelia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-4-1-ophelia.md) - 3.5 Polonius - [3.5.1 Portrayal of Polonius & Treatment of Ophelia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-5-1-portrayal-of-polonius-and-treatment-of-ophelia.md) - [3.5.2 Polonius' Spying & Death](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-5-2-polonius-spying-and-death.md) - 3.6 Laertes - [3.6.1 Laertes' Popularity & Relationship with Ophelia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-6-1-laertes-popularity-and-relationship-with-ophelia.md) - [3.6.2 Laertes' Character Traits](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/3-6-2-laertes-character-traits.md) ### 4 Key Themes - 4.1 Regicide in Hamlet - [4.1.1 Regicide in Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/4-1-1-regicide-in-hamlet.md) - 4.2 Madness in Hamlet - [4.2.1 Madness in Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/4-2-1-madness-in-hamlet.md) - 4.3 Guilt & Punishment in Hamlet - [4.3.1 Guilt in Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/4-3-1-guilt-in-hamlet.md) - [4.3.2 Punishment in Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/4-3-2-punishment-in-hamlet.md) - 4.4 Settings in Hamlet - [4.4.1 Physical Settings & Historical Setting of Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/4-4-1-physical-settings-and-historical-setting-of-hamlet.md) ### 5 Writing Techniques - 5.1 Structure - [5.1.1 Structure of Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/5-1-1-structure-of-hamlet.md) - [5.1.2 'Play Within a Play' Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/5-1-2-play-within-a-play-structure.md) - [5.1.3 Play-Acting Motif](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/5-1-3-play-acting-motif.md) - 5.2 Form - [5.2.1 Soliloquy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/5-2-1-soliloquy.md) - [5.2.2 Comedy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/5-2-2-comedy.md) - 5.3 Imagery - [5.3.1 Imagery of Corruption & Decay](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/5-3-1-imagery-of-corruption-and-decay.md) - [5.3.2 Imagery: Healing, Performance & Costume](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/5-3-2-imagery-healing-performance-and-costume.md) - 5.4 Language - [5.4.1 Word Usage & Hendiadys](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/5-4-1-word-usage-and-hendiadys.md) - [5.4.2 Questions & Classical Allusions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/5-4-2-questions-and-classical-allusions.md) ### 6 Context - 6.1 Social & Historical Context - [6.1.1 Elizabeth I & Succession](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/6-1-1-elizabeth-i-and-succession.md) - [6.1.2 Cosmic & Social Hierarchy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/6-1-2-cosmic-and-social-hierarchy.md) - [6.1.3 Renaissance & Emergence of Humanism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/6-1-3-renaissance-and-emergence-of-humanism.md) - [6.1.4 Regicide](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/6-1-4-regicide.md) - [6.1.5 The Reformation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/6-1-5-the-reformation.md) - 6.2 Literary Context - [6.2.1 Seneca Tragedy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/6-2-1-seneca-tragedy.md) - [6.2.2 The Revenge Tragedy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/6-2-2-the-revenge-tragedy.md) - 6.3 Performance & Textual History - [6.3.1 Performance History of Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/6-3-1-performance-history-of-hamlet.md) - [6.3.2 Textual History of Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/6-3-2-textual-history-of-hamlet.md) ### 7 Critical Debates - 7.1 18-19th Century Responses to Hamlet - [7.1.1 Introduction to Critical Debates](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/7-1-1-introduction-to-critical-debates.md) - [7.1.2 18th Century Commentary on Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/7-1-2-18th-century-commentary-on-hamlet.md) - [7.1.3 Romantic Commentary on Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/7-1-3-romantic-commentary-on-hamlet.md) - 7.2 20th Century Responses to Hamlet - [7.2.1 Freudian Response to Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/7-2-1-freudian-response-to-hamlet.md) - [7.2.2 Other Early 20th Century Responses to Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/7-2-2-other-early-20th-century-responses-to-hamlet.md) - 7.3 Feminist Readings of Hamlet - [7.3.1 Introduction to Feminist Criticism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/7-3-1-introduction-to-feminist-criticism.md) - [7.3.2 Feminist Readings of Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/7-3-2-feminist-readings-of-hamlet.md) - [7.3.3 Presentation of Ophelia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/7-3-3-presentation-of-ophelia.md) - 7.4 Marxist/Political Readings of Hamlet - [7.4.1 Introduction to Marxist Criticisms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/7-4-1-introduction-to-marxist-criticisms.md) - [7.4.2 Marxist Readings of Hamlet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/english-literature/ocr/hamlet/7-4-2-marxist-readings-of-hamlet.md)