First of all, remember that a
metaphor is a figurative comparison of two things that are not
alike. Many metaphors used in Shakespeare are almost implied and it is assumed that
some were so common to the language of that time that they did not even stick
out.
Indeed this scene is full of metaphors, as most of
Shakespeare is. I will give three that come at the beginning and are all spoken within
the same conversation. You can certainly read on in the text to find several
more however.
OSRIC: ...Indeed, to speak feelingly of him,
he is the card or calendar of gentry, for you shall find in
him the continent of what part a gentleman would see. (ln.
109-111)
Osric comes in
speaking to Hamlet and Horatio of Laertes, putting Laertes up on a pedestal of
greatness, honor, and dignity. He is bragging about Laertes in a way that is almost
obnoxious and insulting to Hamlet, who is about to engage in a wagered sword fight
against him. This metaphor compares Laertes to a business card for the upper classes,
everything you would want or need in a gentleman.
HORATIO: ...His purse is empty
already. All ’s golden words are spent. (ln.
130-131)
Horatio to Hamlet,
saying basically, "Finally, he's done bragging on Laertes." Here, the metaphor "purse
is empty" refers to the kind things Osric has been saying about Laertes, and it seems he
has finally run out of things to say. Purse could be a metaphor here for Osric's mouth
or his thoughts/words.
HAMLET: What call you the
carriages? (ln. 154)
OSRIC: The carriages, sir,
are the hangers. (ln.
157)
Osric, in describing the
weapons Laertes intends to use in the swordfight, refers to the sword holders as
"carriages" more than once. Hamlet does not understand what he is talking about. A few
lines later he even makes the comment that saying "carriages" makes it sound like we're
pulling around cannons. He then asks Osric to use the word "hangers" thereafter.
"Carriage" here is a metaphor for the piece of equipment used on the body for the sword
to hang.
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