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All Site ContentHamletAct 4Scene 7
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"peace"
Wordplay
Act 4,
Scene 7
Lines 60-61

An explanation of the wordplay on “peace” in Act 4, Scene 7 of myShakespeare’s Hamlet.

Laertes

If so you'll not o'errule me to a peace.

Claudius

To thine own peace. If he be now returned, 

In this moment of wordplay, “peace” can have two meanings:

  • To make peace with Hamlet (what Laertes will not do)
  • To have peace of mind (what Claudius is promising Laertes)