The world of crossword clues often leads us down fascinating literary paths, and few are as compelling as those drawn from the Bard’s timeless works. Take, for instance, the recent crossword clue that presented us with a powerful line from Shakespeare’s
Hamlet
: “The devil take ___ soul!”: Laertes. This isn’t just any quote; it’s a furious declaration, brimming with a character’s rawest emotions, and a prime example of how a well-crafted crossword clue can send us diving deep into theatrical history.
Understanding the context behind this particular Hamlet crossword clue is key to appreciating its brilliance. Laertes, son of Polonius and brother to Ophelia, begins
Hamlet
as a relatively minor character, primarily concerned with his studies and personal affairs in France. However, fate, or rather the machinations of Hamlet and Claudius, violently thrusts him into the tragic spotlight. His journey from an ordinary nobleman to a vengeful instrument of fate is one of the play’s most compelling subplots, and it makes for a rich tapestry of literary detail that frequently enriches crossword puzzles.
The turning point for Laertes comes with the sudden, brutal deaths of his father, Polonius, whom Hamlet accidentally kills, and later, his sister, Ophelia, who descends into madness and drowns. These double tragedies shatter Laertes, transforming his grief into a consuming rage. It’s in this crucible of sorrow and fury that he utters the line presented in the crossword clue. This isn’t merely a casual curse; it’s a profound vow, a commitment to revenge that will ultimately seal his, and Hamlet’s, fate.
This specific Hamlet crossword clue encapsulates Laertes’s descent into a single-minded pursuit of vengeance. Upon learning of Ophelia’s demise, the news pushes him over the edge, solidifying his alliance with Claudius against Hamlet. The missing word in this powerful exclamation reveals the immediate target of his seething anger and grief. It’s a moment of pure, unfiltered emotion, a declaration that he is willing to sacrifice anything, even his own soul, to exact retribution for the wrongs done to his family. This kind of intense character development is what makes Shakespearean works such fertile ground for daily crossword challenges.
For those tackling this particular crossword clue, recognizing Laertes’s pivotal role and emotional state in
Hamlet
is paramount. It highlights the genius of Shakespeare in crafting characters driven by believable, albeit tragic, motivations. The line itself is a testament to the play’s exploration of themes like revenge, madness, and the destructive consequences of unchecked passion. Such literary references make crossword puzzles not just a test of vocabulary, but also a delightful journey through cultural touchstones.
The beauty of a well-researched crossword clue like this lies in its ability to transport the solver directly into the scene. You can almost hear Laertes’s voice, thick with sorrow and indignation, as he rails against the injustice that has befallen him. It’s a reminder that even in the concise format of a crossword puzzle, there’s room for profound narrative depth. For anyone working on a challenging literary crossword, this Laertes quote is a prime example of how understanding the story behind the words can lead directly to the solution. It’s why historical and literary references remain a beloved, and sometimes formidable, aspect of many crossword grids, inviting us to explore beyond the mere letters.
Available Answers:
THY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0801-25 NY Times Crossword 1 Aug 25, Friday