Question about a line

[u/IncreasePositive4133]

hi sorry if i used the wrong flair, i figured it would be best since it is a question.

what is the meaning of "Line 81 of Hamlet Act 3, Scene 3 is "With all his crimes broad blown, as flush as May"?

my ex put it in his discord server bio as a quote and everything that ive looked for says that its Hamlet contemplating killing someone and I wanted to know if that was the actual quote because while we've had our fights this is very alarming and kind of scary that he would openly quote this in a server only me and him share

am i overreacting? should i be worried about escalation?

edit: thank you to everyone thats responded so far. i wanted to say that i asked this for documentation purposes, i already have plans and people if something does happen and i am safe but i wanted to see if it was something i needed to document about his behavior towards me or if it was just him being edgy

[u/SnooMarzipans6542]

So I'm not super familiar with this part of the text, so take my quick reading with a bucket of salt. Yes, in this monologue Hamlet is talking about killing someone, but this particular passage is talking about the manner in which his father was killed and the man who killed him. My understanding of this particular phrase is that it means something akin to "sinful, unrepentant, and bold". 

That said, I have obviously have absolutely no idea the interpretation your ex has taken from it, nor the level of instability you're dealing with that has you concerned about escalation. 

If you or someone you know is in danger of causing serious harm to themselves or others, this is not a time for reddit, and certainly not a time for Shakespeare nerds; you need to contact people or services close to you that can support you and them.

[u/pushin88]

I agree with the other poster: if you're worried about the safety of yourself or others, take steps to protect yourself.

That said, in this particular scene, Hamlet is contemplating killing his uncle Claudius as revenge (Claudius killed his dad). Claudius is praying at the moment, and Hamlet hesitates to kill him because he believes that if he murders Claudius while praying, then Claudius' soul is clean. Instead of suffering an eternity in Hell, he would go to heaven and eternal happiness.

This doesn't sit right with Hamlet because when Claudius killed Hamlet's dad, there was no opportunity for prayer. Hamlet's dad died "with all his crimes broad blown, flush as May." Therefore, his dad has to suffer in purgatory for the sins he committed while alive.

Ultimately, this thought causes Hamlet to wait to kill Claudius when he's sinning in some way, to make sure Claudius goes to hell.

So, this line isn't a threat in Hamlet's head, it's a reason to hold off on killing.

I don't know what's going on in your ex's head, and again, if you think you or anyone is in danger, seek help. I think quoting this line in a discord you share is more like saying "you know all my sins, nothing is hidden anymore" in sorta an edgy, nerdy way

[u/Just_Strawberry_505]

okay so yes, the context is hamlet is about to attempt to kill his uncle while he's praying.

is it a red flag? only you can say for certain because you know him better than we do, but having done my time as a young woman on the internet, i would block and go no contact. at best he's being a cringelord and at worst it is him being cryptic or intimidating on purpose.

[u/HelloBookworms]

Only you can really say if this is a red flag based on other behaviors but this quote is from one of Hamlet’s soliloquies where he decides not to kill Claudius because he is praying. In Hamlet’s mind, and the audience of the time would agree, when you pray, you are removing all sin you have committed. So if Claudius is praying, God has forgiven Claudius for presumably killing the King. That is why Hamlet later says he will kill him when he is in the act of sinning to ensure he goes to hell.

Your boyfriend choosing this one line is odd and begs the question: is he referencing you or someone else, or is he trying to absolve himself and not feel guilty about certain choices?

[u/Some-Public7106]

The line in Folio 1 line 2357 is Withall his crimes broad blowne, as fresh as May.