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When King Claudius takes a drink, he orders the cannons and trumpets to sound. It was a custom in Denmark apparently. Hamlet says "it is a custom more honoured in the breach than in the observance." In other words, it is a custom which it is more honourable not to follow. Hamlet's dislike of this custom is probably brought on by Claudius's love of doing it (he does it again in Act 5 at the contest between Hamlet and Laertes); anything Claudius likes, Hamlet feels bound to hate.

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Why do the trumpets and cannons go off frequently as Hamlet and Horatio wait upon the platform of the watch?

King Claudius likes to have trumpets sound and cannons fire when he drinks. In I ii he says "No jocund health that Denmark drinks today, but the great cannon to the clouds shall tell." In Act V he's still at it: "let the kettle to the trumpet speak, the trumpet to the cannoneer without, the cannons to the heavens, the heaven to earth, 'Now the King drinks to Hamlet'". Horatio asks if it's a custom and Hamlet bitterly replies "Ay, marry, is't but to my mind though I am native here and to the manner born, it is a custom more honoured in the breach than the observance." that is there would be more honour in not keeping this custom than keeping it.


In hamlet Why is the king planning a celebration?

He isn't. He announces in Act 1 Scene 2, that all night, whenever he has a drink, they'll fire off cannons and sound trumpets. He says it is because "this gentle and unforced accord of Hamlet's sits smiling to my heart", but surely he is being ironic, since Hamlet's accord is patently anything but gentle and unforced. What is more, we learn that this noisemaking while drinking is a custom, a custom more honoured in the breach than the observance according to Hamlet (probably because it seems to be a custom Claudius likes--he does it again in Act 5), but a custom nevertheless. It does not appear to be a particular celebration, just a customary way of having a booze-up.


What Does the hamlet fortinbras describes sound like the Hamlet we have known?

In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," Fortinbras represents a decisive and action-oriented foil to Hamlet's indecision and introspection. While Hamlet grapples with existential questions and moral dilemmas, Fortinbras is characterized by his willingness to pursue his goals with determination and clarity. The Hamlet that Fortinbras describes, one who is resolved and proactive, contrasts sharply with the Hamlet we've known, who often delays action and is consumed by his internal struggles. This juxtaposition highlights Hamlet's tragic flaws and the potential for leadership that remains unfulfilled in his character.


What was the Tapestry in Hamlet?

The Tapestry in Hamlet refers to the play within the play, also known as "The Mousetrap." This play is performed by Hamlet in an attempt to confirm Claudius' guilt in the murder of King Hamlet. The Tapestry serves as a metaphorical device within the play to mirror the events taking place in the actual story of Hamlet, highlighting themes of deception, manipulation, and the blurred lines between reality and performance.


Why are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Denmark?

It says in my Hamlet book that "Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him to discover the cause of his apparent madness. After the returned ambassadors announce their success in stopping Fortinbras's planned invasion of Denmark, Polonius report his 'discovery' that Hamlet is mad for love. Claudius is unpersuaded but agrees to join Polonius in spying on Hamlet”.

Related Questions

Why do the trumpets and cannons go off frequently as Hamlet and Horatio wait upon the platform of the watch?

King Claudius likes to have trumpets sound and cannons fire when he drinks. In I ii he says "No jocund health that Denmark drinks today, but the great cannon to the clouds shall tell." In Act V he's still at it: "let the kettle to the trumpet speak, the trumpet to the cannoneer without, the cannons to the heavens, the heaven to earth, 'Now the King drinks to Hamlet'". Horatio asks if it's a custom and Hamlet bitterly replies "Ay, marry, is't but to my mind though I am native here and to the manner born, it is a custom more honoured in the breach than the observance." that is there would be more honour in not keeping this custom than keeping it.


In hamlet Why is the king planning a celebration?

He isn't. He announces in Act 1 Scene 2, that all night, whenever he has a drink, they'll fire off cannons and sound trumpets. He says it is because "this gentle and unforced accord of Hamlet's sits smiling to my heart", but surely he is being ironic, since Hamlet's accord is patently anything but gentle and unforced. What is more, we learn that this noisemaking while drinking is a custom, a custom more honoured in the breach than the observance according to Hamlet (probably because it seems to be a custom Claudius likes--he does it again in Act 5), but a custom nevertheless. It does not appear to be a particular celebration, just a customary way of having a booze-up.


What are the different kinds of trumpets available in the market?

The different kinds of trumpets available in the market include Bb trumpets, C trumpets, piccolo trumpets, and flugelhorns. Each type has its own unique sound and is suited for different styles of music.


What is the name of the animal who makes the sound of the trumpets?

elephant


What are the release dates for Harry O - 1973 Sound of Trumpets - 1.17?

Harry O - 1973 Sound of Trumpets - 1.17 was released on: USA: 30 January 1975


What are the release dates for Playhouse 90 - 1956 To the Sound of Trumpets 4-10?

Playhouse 90 - 1956 To the Sound of Trumpets 4-10 was released on: USA: 10 February 1960


What is the sound of trumpets?

A Trumpet is a music instrument that is a member of the brass family. The sound of a trumpet is called a taratantara.


What is background sound in broadcasting in a news?

trumpets are the intro and then there is a quiet beat in the background


What is the trumpets unique sound?

Seen on an oscilloscope the trumpet has a distinctive sawtooth waveform.


Where are Hawk trumpets made?

Hawk trumpets are manufactured in the United States, specifically in the state of California. The company focuses on producing high-quality brass instruments, including trumpets, known for their craftsmanship and sound quality. Hawk trumpets are designed for a range of players, from students to professionals.


Are trumpets only made of brass?

trumpets can be silver, brass, copper, or a mix of the metal.they honestly could be made of any metal, but those create the best sound.


Which animal do trumpeting?

One animal that trumpets is the trumpeter swan. The link has of what they sound like.