Wordplay in Hamlet

Wordplay Examples in Hamlet:

Act V - Scene I

"The gallows does well. But how does it well? It does well..." See in text (Act V - Scene I)

In its first use, the phrase "does well" means "a good answer," which, though unexpectedly witty, isn't correct. In its second appearance, "does well" means "is successful," which for a gallows means to be often used. Finally, "does well" means to give someone who does ill what they deserve, or to bring them to justice. The First Clown praises the Second Clown for his answer while also illustrating how crass of an answer it was on the part of the Second Clown.

Sinead, Owl Eyes Contributor

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