John Ingram: Language

1. Tush- used as an exclamation of impatience, disdain, or contempt. 

• Pg. 28, Line 34. Shakespeare uses the word "Tush" to show Horatio's feelings towards the ghost they have seen. While Marcellus and Bernardo seemed ready to get down to the bottom of the situation, Horatio shows he doesn't feel the same way.        

2. Portentous- ominously significant or indicative, marvelous, amazing.

• Pg. 31, Line 113. Bernardo describes the figure they have been seeing as portentous. I think Shakespeare has Bernardo describe this character as such in an attempt to highlight his thoughts about the figure. He seems to fear this figure, but he seems to realize it may be of some importance as well. 

3. Impious- not pious or religious; lacking reverence for God or religious practices; ungodly; disrespectful.

• Pg. 37, Line 94. The King shows his aggravation by telling Hamlet that he basically needs to move on after the death of his father. He says that the result of Hamlet's holding on to the death of his father is "of impious stubbornness". The King wants no opposition to his rule and he attempts to rid Hamlet of the thoughts of his father.  

4. Whither- to what place? where, to what end, point, action, the like? to what?

• Pg. 52, Line 1. Hamlet asks the ghost where he is going to lead him. He desires to know the intentions the ghost has with him and the significance of his appearance. 

5. Rankly- growing with excessive luxuriance; vigorous and tall of growth, producing an excessive and coarse growth.

• Pg. 53, Line 39. The ghost of King Hamlet describes the process of his death as "Rankly abused". This word is used to highlight his feelings about the motive of his death as well as the result of it.