Blog Post #17 Hamlet Post #5- Never Gonna Give You Up

             While this selection of song may seem odd, based on the lyrics, it relates quite well to King Claudius’ main goals in life. His most prized ‘possessions’ are, as he states, “my crown, mine own ambition, and my queen. (3.3.55)” This refers to his status as king, his overall ego, and Gertrude. He refers to her specifically as meaning a lot to him, saying “she is so conjunctive to my life and soul. (4.7.14)” And why would you, as per the song, ever want to give that up? He also says both “With mirth in funeral and dirge in marriage (1.2.12)” and “The queen, his mother, lives… for myself. (4.7.11-12)” Again, emphasizing Gertrude’s importance to him. At the end of the play, King Claudius also says to her, “Gertrude, do not drink! (5.2.254)” in reference to the cup he had poisoned in order to kill Hamlet. Of course, there’s still the matter of the king’s obsession with the throne. His words, “what’s in prater but this two-fold force? (3.3.48)” refers to both of the two, Gertrude and the kingdom. Although, he knows he’s done wrong—he knows the rules, and so does everyone else in Elsinore, like the song—so he knows that “The primal eldest curse—a brother’s murder, Pray, I cannot (3.3.37-39),” saying he cannot fully confess his sins to the people of the kingdom. For if he does, he will lose “the wicked prize itself, (3.3.59)” again, in reference to his status as king, his ego, and his wife.

                Going back to the original song choice, I do have to explain myself a bit. It seems ironic, given that the song has been given a reputation in more recent years as being a total joke. But, the writer originally intended for the song to be serious. “We've know each other for so long”—like Claudius and Gertrude. Of course, it cannot be overlooked that the word “her” is often used to refer to land, or certain objects, or even a country. Or, to be more accurate, just about any feminine pronouns, she her, etc., can be used for that purpose. So, if you said, Claudius never wants to five “her” up, it could easily be referring to Elsinore as well as Gertrude. So, essentially, the tone of the lyrics is serious, sincere, and genuine. The mood, though, is comedic almost, not really to be taken seriously, as the music is contradictory to the lyrics. It is very ironic, as is the choice of this particular song to be used at King Claudius’ funeral. But, this is cleared up when you think about how the king just thinks everything will work, explaining the cheerful music. However, though he doesn't ever give up, he does lose. Not only his wife and the kingdom, but also his life.