Hamlet

Sc. 2, Lines 9-21: Explain Hamlet's meaning when he calls Rosencrantz a sponge.

Rosencrantz. Believe what?

Hamlet. That I can keep your counsel and not mine own.

Besides, to be demanded of a sponge - what replication

should be made by the son of a king?

Rosencrantz. Take you me for a sponge, my lord?

Hamlet. Ay, sir, that soaks up the King's countenance, his

rewards, his authorities. But such officers do the King best

service in the end: he keep them, like an ape, in the corner

of his jaw; first mouthed, to be last swallowed. When he

needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you and,

sponge,you shall be dry again.

Rosencrantz. I understand you not, my lord.

Hamlet. I am glad of it.

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 1
Add Yours

Hamlet knows exactly what he is doing here. He uses a metaphor to call his two friends a sponge who soak up information for the King to wring out later. Hamlet understands more than his friends know.

Ay, sir, that soaks up the King's countenance, his

rewards, his authorities. But such officers do the King best

service in the end: he keep them, like an ape, in the corner

of his jaw; first mouthed, to be last swallowed.

When he needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you and,

sponge,you shall be dry again.