You are here

"chorus"
Wordplay
Act 3,
Scene 2
Lines 220-230

An explanation of the double meaning of the word “chorus” in Act 3, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s Hamlet.

Hamlet

"The Mousetrap." Marry, how? Tropically. This play    
is the image of a murder done in Vienna. Gonzago is the
Duke's name, his wife Baptista; you shall see anon. 'Tis
a knavish piece of work, but what o' that ? Your majesty
and we that have free souls, it touches us not. Let the
galled jade wince, our withers are unwrung.    
[Enter Lucianus.]
This is one Lucianus, nephew to the king.

Ophelia

You are a good chorus, my lord. 

Hamlet

I could interpret between you and your love, if I
could see the puppets dallying.

Ophelia

You are keen, my lord, you are keen.

Shakespeare’s wordplay cleverly gives this word two meanings:

  • In Classical Greek plays, a chorus interpreted the play to the audience.
  • Hamlet would gladly interpret what was happening between Ophelia and her lover if he could watch them.