How absolute the knave is! We must speak by the card, or equivocation will undo us

How absolute the knave is! We must speak by the card, or equivocation will undo us

In William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the character of Hamlet speaks the line, "How absolute the knave is! We must speak by the card, or equivocation will undo us." This line is spoken by Hamlet in Act 5, Scene 1, during a conversation with Horatio about the treachery and deceit of the character of Claudius.

The term "knave" in this context refers to a dishonest or untrustworthy person, and Hamlet is expressing his frustration and disbelief at the extent of Claudius's deceitful actions. He is amazed at how cunning and manipulative Claudius has been in his efforts to maintain power and control over the kingdom. Hamlet recognizes that in order to confront and defeat Claudius, they must be careful and precise in their words and actions.

The phrase "speak by the card" means to speak truthfully and accurately, without any room for misinterpretation or deception. Hamlet is emphasizing the importance of being honest and straightforward in their dealings with Claudius, as any form of equivocation or deceit will only serve to further complicate the situation and potentially lead to their downfall.

Equivocation, or the use of ambiguous or misleading language, is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's works, and it often serves as a tool for characters to manipulate and deceive others. In "Hamlet," Claudius is a master of equivocation, using his words to conceal his true intentions and manipulate those around him. Hamlet recognizes the danger of falling into the same trap of deceit and urges Horatio to be cautious and vigilant in their interactions with Claudius.

Overall, Hamlet's line "How absolute the knave is! We must speak by the card, or equivocation will undo us" highlights the importance of honesty and clarity in the face of deception and manipulation. By remaining true to their principles and speaking truthfully, Hamlet and Horatio can hope to overcome the treachery of Claudius and restore justice to the kingdom.