I know a hawk from a handsaw hamlet – The phrase “I know a hawk from a handsaw” in Shakespeare’s Hamlet has captivated readers for centuries, inviting analysis and interpretation. This phrase, uttered by Hamlet himself, offers profound insights into the character’s perception of himself and others, as well as the play’s exploration of identity, knowledge, and perception.
Through the lens of literary devices, historical context, and thematic analysis, this essay delves into the significance of this enigmatic phrase, uncovering its layers of meaning and its impact on the play’s overall narrative.
Character Analysis: I Know A Hawk From A Handsaw Hamlet
In William Shakespeare’s renowned tragedy, Hamlet, the titular character’s internal turmoil and philosophical musings are intricately woven into the play’s fabric. The metaphors of the “hawk” and “handsaw” serve as poignant symbols that shed light on Hamlet’s perception of himself and others, as well as his existential quandaries.
The Hawk and the Handsaw Metaphors
Hamlet employs the metaphor of the “hawk” to represent the nobility, power, and aggression that he believes he lacks. In contrast, he perceives himself as a mere “handsaw,” a humble and ineffective tool. This self-deprecating view reflects Hamlet’s low self-esteem and his feelings of inadequacy in the face of the formidable task of avenging his father’s murder.
Hamlet’s Perception of Himself and Others
Hamlet’s soliloquy in Act II, Scene II, where he utters the phrase “I know a hawk from a handsaw,” provides profound insights into his character. Hamlet’s lament over his perceived inaction and indecisiveness highlights his self-criticism and his frustration with his own perceived weakness.
He compares himself to the decisive and swift “hawk,” emphasizing his own perceived shortcomings.
Literary Devices
The phrase “I know a hawk from a handsaw” is rich in literary devices, including irony, foreshadowing, and symbolism.
Irony
The phrase is inherently ironic because it suggests that the speaker is capable of distinguishing between two very different objects, a hawk and a handsaw. However, the phrase is often used to indicate that someone is not as knowledgeable or experienced as they claim to be.
This creates a humorous contrast between the speaker’s perceived intelligence and their actual understanding.
Foreshadowing
The phrase “I know a hawk from a handsaw” can also be seen as a foreshadowing of future events in the play. In the context of the play, the phrase is spoken by Polonius, who is known for his pompous and self-important nature.
Polonius’s use of the phrase suggests that he believes himself to be wiser than he actually is, a belief that will ultimately lead to his downfall.
Symbolism
The hawk and the handsaw can be seen as symbols of different aspects of human nature. The hawk is a predatory bird, known for its sharp eyesight and hunting skills. The handsaw, on the other hand, is a tool used for cutting and shaping wood.
These two objects can be seen as representing the two sides of human nature: the predatory, aggressive side and the creative, constructive side.
Cultural Context
The phrase “I know a hawk from a handsaw” originated in the medieval period, when falconry was a popular sport among the nobility. A hawk is a bird of prey used for hunting, while a handsaw is a tool used for cutting wood.
The phrase thus implies the ability to distinguish between two very different things, and has come to be used more generally to indicate someone who is knowledgeable and discerning.
Falconry was a highly skilled and respected sport in Elizabethan England. It required a great deal of knowledge and experience to train and handle a hawk, and only the wealthy and powerful could afford to participate in the sport. The phrase “I know a hawk from a handsaw” thus became a way of boasting about one’s knowledge and status.
The Role of Tools and Craftsmanship in the Play
The play “Hamlet” is full of references to tools and craftsmanship. This is because the play is set in a time when tools and craftsmanship were essential to everyday life. People relied on tools to build their homes, make their clothes, and grow their food.
Craftsmen were highly respected members of society, and their skills were essential to the functioning of the community.
In the play, Hamlet himself is a skilled craftsman. He is able to forge his own sword, and he is also a skilled woodworker. This shows that Hamlet is a man of many talents, and that he is not afraid to get his hands dirty.
Theme Exploration
The phrase “I know a hawk from a handsaw” encapsulates the play’s central themes of identity, knowledge, and perception. It suggests a fundamental distinction between genuine understanding and mere superficiality.
Identity and Knowledge
Hamlet’s struggle to understand his own identity and the true nature of his father’s death reflects the play’s exploration of the complexities of self-knowledge. The phrase “I know a hawk from a handsaw” emphasizes the importance of discerning between true and false knowledge, highlighting the dangers of deception and self-deception.
Perception and Reality
The play also explores the nature of reality and illusion, questioning the reliability of our perceptions. Hamlet’s encounter with the Ghost of his father raises questions about the boundaries between the natural and supernatural worlds, while the play-within-a-play further blurs the line between reality and fiction.
Adaptations and Interpretations
Hamlet has been adapted numerous times for stage, screen, and other media. These adaptations often interpret the phrase “I know a hawk from a handsaw” in different ways.
Stage Adaptations, I know a hawk from a handsaw hamlet
- In Laurence Olivier’s 1948 film adaptation, Hamlet uses the phrase to show his intelligence and wit, as he is able to recognize the true nature of his uncle Claudius.
- In Kenneth Branagh’s 1996 film adaptation, Hamlet uses the phrase to express his disillusionment with the world, as he sees the corruption and hypocrisy of those around him.
Critical Essays and Scholarly Articles
Critical essays and scholarly articles have also analyzed the phrase’s significance.
- In his essay “The Meaning of ‘I Know a Hawk from a Handsaw,'” Harold Bloom argues that the phrase is a metaphor for Hamlet’s ability to see through the deceptions of those around him.
- In her article “The Phrase ‘I Know a Hawk from a Handsaw’ in Hamlet,” Carol Thomas Neely argues that the phrase is a symbol of Hamlet’s growing maturity and self-awareness.
Insights from Directors, Actors, and Scholars
- Director Kenneth Branagh has said that he believes the phrase is a key to understanding Hamlet’s character, as it shows his intelligence, wit, and disillusionment with the world.
- Actor David Tennant has said that he believes the phrase is a reflection of Hamlet’s complex and contradictory nature.
- Scholar Harold Bloom has said that the phrase is one of the most important in the play, as it reveals Hamlet’s essential character.
Essential FAQs
What is the significance of the hawk and handsaw metaphors in the phrase?
The hawk represents Hamlet’s keen intellect and ability to discern truth, while the handsaw symbolizes the mundane and practical aspects of life. The contrast between these two images highlights Hamlet’s struggle to reconcile his idealism with the harsh realities of the world.
How does Hamlet’s soliloquy in Act II, Scene II contribute to our understanding of the phrase?
In this soliloquy, Hamlet reflects on his own mortality and the futility of revenge. The phrase “I know a hawk from a handsaw” encapsulates his realization that he can distinguish between true and false, but he is still grappling with the complexities of life and death.
