Flower Symbolism In Hamlet

Shakespeare, whose oeuvre was primarily developed between 1590 and 1613, was heavily influenced by these Ancient Greek philosophies as well as the aforementioned religious theologies that were favored during the time. However, in addition to being influenced by these ideas, Shakespeare can be seen as transcending these bounds and coming to unique conclusions regarding nature and its relationship to the human experience. This assertion can be best established by studying the play Hamlet, which is remarkably revealing in terms of these concepts. The lush vegetation and vibrant floral elements that pervade Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, often become the focus of both solemn rituals, revealing and magnifying the nature of central characters whose thoughts
Along with the meanings stated explicitly in Ophelia’s speech, “columbines were associated with ingratitude or marital infidelity, fennel with flattery…rue is associated with repentance…[violets] represented faithfulness; daisies could symbolize dissembling seduction. (Greenblatt et al., 1997).” Given these guidelines, and the context we have for each character, the recipients of each flower can be inferred. Rosemary is given to Hamlet who, though not present during the scene, is conjured in Ophelia’s mind. Also, Laertes is given pansies, fennel and columbine to King Claudius, and rue to the Queen. Each of these flowers represents the nature of each recipient and lends insight their behaviors and characteristics. This concept of how the perception of the natural world is altered by personal perception is in line with the Protestant natural philosophy during Shakespeare’s time, in that it encourages human beings to impose their own interpretations upon the natural world. However, this idea rails against the way that natural philosophy was evolving towards positivism, given its acceptance of subjectivity by way of Ophelia’s bias. The idea is predictive of American Romanticism and Transcendentalism in the late 1800s in a sense, due to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s similar belief that “nature always
This can be seen through examining the ways that characters question their ability to fully comprehend deeply tragic or perplexing phenomena, such as death and madness. The primary quote in which this sentiment is discussed is during the scene in which Hamlet and Horatio encounter the ghost and seek to rationalize it by drawing from their earthly experiences. However, Hamlet states “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in our philosophy. (I.v.167-168).” This statement runs counter to the idea that all occurrences can be explained using logic and reasoning. While Hamlet could be showing early signs of insanity, the supernatural could actually be present. This moment of ambiguity is poignant because, regardless of whether the apparition is real or imagined, its appearance still has an immense influence on the play. Another moment that supports this concept is Gertrude’s description of Ophelia’s death;
“Therewith fantastic garlands did she make
Of crow-flowers, nettles, daisies, and