What Word(s) From The Excerpt Suggest That Claudius Plans To Control Hamlet?

The 2018-2019 Hamlet play, written by William Shakespeare, centers around the protagonist Prince Hamlet and his conflicts with his uncle, Claudius. In Act II, many key exchanges between Claudius and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern suggest that Claudius is attempting to control Hamlet in some way.

The words “arm you; pray you; to this speedy voyage;” suggest that Claudius is planning to send Hamlet away somewhere, as “speedy voyage” implies a rapid and far-reaching journey. “Arm you” and “pray you” are commands, showing Claudius’s desire to control the situation. Additionally, “we will fet” is an order from Claudius to take Hamlet away, possibly with the intent of controlling his behavior. The word “fetters,” in particular, implies restriction and hints at Claudius’s plan to limit Hamlet’s actions.

The use of command words suggests that Claudius is trying to control Hamlet. While it is difficult to determine what the motive behind his commands are, it is clear that he intends to have a certain influence over the prince.