From: “Hamlet” Misquote: “Alas, poor Yorick. I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! This phrase tells us that Hamlet is contemplating the temporary nature of life, as he looks at Yorick’s skull. Relevance. Perhaps the rest of Hamlet’s speech is less famous, and certainly many people misquote the next four words that follow ‘Alas, poor Yorick’; so a few words of analysis might help to illuminate the meaning of one of Shakespeare’s greatest meditations on mortality and the brevity of life. The speech of Hamlet, on the other hand, affirms one’s feeling that nothing can stop death, and it is a great equalizer. What is the full form of ABHW? I knew him well." He told Hamlet riddles and Carried Hamlet around on his back. Polonius: By th' Mass, and 'tis like a camel, indeed. Hamlet: Lady, shall I lie in your lap? This is probably one of the most commonly heard misquotes of Shakespeare. "Alas, poor Yorick! Alas, poor Yorick! What does Hamlet notice about the ceremony approaching funeral? … It does not have full rights; this must mean suicide. Ophelia: Ay, my lord. Alas Origin and Meaning. The sight of Yorick's skull evokes a reminiscence by Prince Hamlet of the man, who apparently played a role during Hamlet’s upbringing: Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. ... Alas, poor Yorick! Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. I knew him, Horatio; a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy; … My gorge rises at it. MAKE IT SO. "I knew him, Horatio! The dramatic line ‘Alas, poor Yorick! What does LiTMS mean? This phrase occurs in Hamlet, a popular play by William Shakespeare. He looks around the dead bodies and finds the skull of Yorick, the royal jester. It goes: Alas, poor Yorick! A fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. your gambols? From: “Hamlet” Misquote: “Alas, poor Yorick. This is probably one of the most commonly heard misquotes of Shakespeare. Hamlet speaks the line in a graveyard, as a meditation on the fragility of life, as he looks at the skull of Yorick. I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. He hath borne me on his back a thousand times. My gorge rises at it. my gorge rims at it. First Clown : A pestilence on him for a mad rogue! What does DCIM mean? He hath borne me on his back a thousand times. (5.1.168–171) Where be your gibes now? The dramatic line ‘Alas, poor Yorick! This phrase occurs in the famous gravedigger scene, where Hamlet is found engaged in conversation with the skull of the royal jester, Yorick. He is the dead court jester whose skull is exhumed by the gravedigger in Act 5, Scene 1, of the play. Those playful and loving images also remind him of the joyous days of their childhood. I knew him, Horatio—a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. Polonius: It is backed like a weasel. Similarly, parents can guide their children and teach them the importance of time during their lives by presenting examples of their loved ones whom they have lost, and how eventually death will approach them. Considering the skull, Hamlet speaks as if Yorick is alive before him, uttering these words in Act-V, Scene-I, “Alas, poor Yorick! This same skull, sir, was Yorick's skull, the king's jester. He thinks he is a noble man . Copyright © 2021 Literary Devices. Related Characters: Hamlet (speaker), Horatio, Yorick. if anyone knows what all this is about. This phrase can be used on several occasions. your songs? Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. What does YORICK mean? [takes the skull] Alas, poor Yorick! The sight of Yorick's skull evokes a monologue from Prince Hamlet on the vile effects of death: Pianist Andre Tchaikowsky donated his skull to the Royal Shakespeare Company for use in theatrical productions, hoping that it would be used as the skull of Yorick. I knew him, Horatio. Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know … He hath borne me on his back a thousand times, and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! Alas, poor Yorick! Powered By WordPress. I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! (takes the skull) Alas, poor Yorick! Your knots? I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! "Alas, poor Yorick, I knew him, Horatio" Who was Yorick to Hamlet? My gorge rises at it. Related Symbols: Yorick’s Skull. This is where he says, ‘Alas, poor Yorick.’ He turns to Horatio and tells him that he knew Yorick well as a child. Yorick is a character in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. Yorick was a court jester he had known as a child, and he grieves for him. My gorge rises at it. my gorge rims at it. He hath bore me on his back a thousand times, and now how abhorred in my imagination it is! Jay Rickards 159,606 views He is the dead court jester whose skull is exhumed by the First Gravedigger in Act 5, Scene 1, of the play. . " He hath borne me on his back a thousand times, and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! ADVERTISEMENT. Thus, this phrase refers to the realization of human beings regarding the inevitability of fate and death, and that death is a natural phenomenon that never ceases. He says: “Alas, poor Yorick! What is the full form of STML? Where be your gibes now? Have you ever heard this phrase? your flashes of merriment, that were wont to set the table on a roar? The sight of Yorick's skull evokes a monologue from Prince Hamlet on the vile effects of death: Alas, poor Yorick! It has often been suggested that Shakespeare intended his audience to connect Yorick with the Elizabethan comedian Richard Tarlton, a star performer of the pre-Shakespearian stage, who had been dead for around the same time as Yorick in the play. Origin of Alas Poor Yorick your songs? Religious figures can also use this to pay tribute to dead ones at funeral services. He tells him that he remembers how funny he was, how he rode piggyback on Yorick’s back a … "Alas, poor Yorick, I knew him, Horatio" Who was Yorick to Hamlet? He told Hamlet riddles and Carried Hamlet around on his back. Alas, poor Yorick! Alas, poor Yorick! Hamlet then goes on to make some observations about life and death. Oftentimes, the full line is quoted as: “Alas, poor Yorick, I knew him well.” But as you can see here, that is incorrect, as Hamlet actually says, “I knew him, Horatio.” Horatio is Hamlet’s trusted friend. Definition: From Hamlet; refers to the fleeting nature of human life. HUR YOUNG JI(허영지)), Practice spoken English with Update 5 on a rescued stray dog that was strangled with a rope on his neck - Delavar, Practice spoken English with Iga Callia - Telolet Om (Official Music Video), Definitions, Examples, Synonyms&Antonyms of the word Eighters, Definitions, Examples, Synonyms&Antonyms of the word Boreds, Definitions, Examples, Synonyms&Antonyms of the word Battleing, Definitions, Examples, Synonyms&Antonyms of the word Perpendicularities, Definitions, Examples, Synonyms&Antonyms of the word Infantrymens. Considering the skull, Hamlet speaks as if Yorick is alive before him, uttering these words in Act-V, Scene-I, “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio—a fellow of infinite jest… Where be your gibes now? He also talks to the skull as if Yorick is alive and asks him, where his jokes, songs, and laughter have gone now. What is the full form of DCIM? my gorge rises at it. It is spoken by Hamlet, the play's central protagonist, to his friend Horatio. Your splits of merriment that were wont to set the table on a roar? Freebase (5.00 / 1 vote) Rate this definition: Yorick. Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. It also shows that no matter how insane Hamlet appears to be, he has human feelings over the loss of someone he knew. I knew him, Horatio – a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.” Here hung those elflocks I admired I know not how oft. Here hung those lips that I have kiss'd I know not how oft. Hamlet: I mean, my head upon your lap? Alas, poor 190 Yorick! Meaning of YORICK. I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! "Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; …Now get you to my lady’s chamber, and tell her, let her paint an inch thick, to this favour she must come; make her laugh at that.”. your gambols? Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. Copyright © 2019 - 2021 YThi.net. And now how abhorred in my imagination it is! 4 Answers. These 20 names were selected by our users that were looking for other names like Alas. Where be your curls now? Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. Definition of Alas, poor yorick! Now that Yorick is a stinking corpse the memory of touching him seems revolting and makes Hamlet feel ill. (We have analysed the play here.) see more » what does this mean to him? Alas, poor Yorick! (5.1.190-91) Speaker: Hamlet to Horatio Meaning: Holding a skull Hamlet is astounded that he once knew the person, Yorick, speaking about what a wonderful person he was "Dost thou thnk Alexander looked o' this fashion I' th' earth?" What is the full form of LiTMS? Hamlet speaks the line in a graveyard, as a meditation on the fragility of life, as he looks at the skull of Yorick. I knew him, Horatio' comes from Shakespeare's Hamlet. Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he … Takes the skull. —Where be your gibes now? [takes the skull] Alas, poor Yorick! The main character Hamlet says this phrase when he is with Horatio, speaking to the gravedigger. I knew him, Horatio'? Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. - Contact Us - Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions, Definition and Examples of Literary Terms, Something is Rotten in the State of Denmark, 10 Memorable Uses of Apostrophe by Shakespeare. Alas Poor Yorick Meaning. 1 decade ago. The dramatic line ‘Alas, poor Yorick! your gambols? Ophelia: No, my lord. 20 Names Similar to Alas. Alas, poor Yorick! It is the beginning of a quote in Act V of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Prince of Denmark,. Related Themes: Page Number and Citation: 5.1.190-198 Cite this Quote. I knew him, Horatio; a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy; he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! Alas, poor Yorick! People quote this phrase at funerals of their loved ones, to tell the importance of the death phenomenon. Nay, I know not. Hamlet: Methinks it is like a weasel. It is a reflection of Hamlet’s mature and new outlook on human life and death. I knew him, Horatio’ comes from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. I knew him, Horatio. In fact, Shakespeare has strongly addressed the theme of mortality in these lines. Hamlet makes this speech in the graveyard when he holds up the skull of Yorick. It isn't "I knew him well", … Your songs? I knew him, Horatio’ comes from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. your songs? I knew him well.” Actual Quote: “Alas, poor Yorick. This is another of the “same meaning” quotes. All Rights Reserved. what does this mean to him? One of the gravediggers points to one of the skulls and says that it’s been in the earth for twenty-three years, Hamlet asks who it was and they tell him it was the king’s jester, Yorick. Alas poor yorick? Answer Save. Favourite answer. Hamlet uses this phrase in Act-V, Scene-I of the play Hamlet, when he speaks to Horatio about Yorick and his childhood memories. The opening words are very commonly misquoted as "Alas, poor Yorick! 5. 22 Queries in 0.333 seconds. My waist clenches at it. Yorick was a court jester he had known as a child, and he grieves for him. First Clown : E'en that. i knew him, horatio, a fellow of infinite Time And Relative Dimension In Space. Hamlet speaks the line in a graveyard, as a meditation on the fragility of life, as he looks at the skull of Yorick. This is another of the “same meaning” quotes. I knew him well." Definition of yorick in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. I knew him, Horatio – a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.” Where be your gibes now? Hamlet: Do you see yonder cloud that's almost in shape of a camel? It is a best known and one of the more complex speeches in dramatic works. I knew him Horatio—a fellow of infinite jest. Where be your gibes now? The skull belongs to Yorick, a court jester and a friend of Hamlet's. Lv 7. Variation of Yorick. "Alas, poor Yorick" has always been one of the most fondly remembered lines from Hamlet (or misremembered lines—Hamlet does not say "Alas, poor Yorick, I knew him well"). It does not have full rights; this must mean suicide. Origin From Shakespeare's Hamlet. your flashes of merriment, that were wont to set the table on a roar? What does ABHW mean? Within the play, this is considered a comic relief after charged atmosphere, and then the gravedigger also starts talking to Hamlet. 5. I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. A jester of infinite stretch, of most excellent bendy. Often misquoted for some reason as 'Alas poor Yorick, I knew him well'. Hamlet tells Horatio that the jester told wonderful jokes, and had a great imagination. This phrase occurs in Hamlet, a popular play by William Shakespeare. The gravediggers were joking about Ophelia’s grave. Hamlet: Do you think I meant country matters? (besides, most people don't remember them verbatim but do understand the meaning … How does Hamlet learn that the body is Ophelia's? Spacephantom. What does Hamlet notice about the ceremony approaching funeral? My gorge rises at it. As they dig it, they discuss the death of royalty. Your ruppels? Your gambols? What is … your songs? Kenneth Branagh ~ Hamlet ~ Gravediggers scene ~ Part 2 ~ Imperious Caesar, dead and turned to clay www keepvid com - Duration: 3:42. This scene gives an opportunity to the audience to look into the past life of Hamlet, how happy he was with his father and how he enjoyed the jester’s company when life was not as complex as it is now. 170 : HAMLET : Let me see. What is the meaning of [Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety], What is the meaning of [there are two sides to every question], What is the meaning of [Every man is the architect of his destiny. Alas, poor Yorick! “Alas, poor Yorick! What's the meaning of the phrase 'Alas, poor Yorick! Hamlet picks it up. Practice spoken English with (He Came in Like a) Santa Claus, Practice spoken English with Justin bieber || baby song, Practice spoken English with [MV] K.A.R.D _ Oh NaNa (Hidden. ], What is the meaning of [four eyes see more than two]. The Quote in Context 'Alas, poor Yorick!' I knew him, Horatio’ comes from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This quote represents Hamlet's sorrow that his friend is dead and makes refrence to 'the circle of life' theme found in the entire story. They used to play and frolic in an intimate but innocent way. "Alas, poor Yorick! Where be your gibes now? The dramatic line 'Alas, poor Yorick! 10 points to you. The phrase alas poor Yorick refers to the brevity of human life. a' poured a : flagon of Rhenish on my head once. HAMLET : This? He hath twisted his back a thousand times, and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! Hamlet speaks the line in a graveyard, as a meditation on the fragility of life, as he looks at the skull of Yorick. He looks around the dead bodies and finds the skull of Yorick, the royal jester. Yorick is a fictional character in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. my gorge rims at it. He hath borne me on his back a thousand times, and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! It is mostly those observations that the quote"Alas, Poor Yorick" stand in the place of which is fairly lengthy and involved. Here, Hamlet considers human fate by comparing the skull of Yorick with other living human beings. I knew him well.” Actual Quote: “Alas, poor Yorick. your gambols? What does STML mean? ENGAGE. What is Hamlet's opinion of Laertes? My gorge rises at it. your my gorge rims at it. What is the full form of SQL? I knew him, Horatio: a fellow/ of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.”. I knew him, Horatio.A fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. i knew him, horatio. The main character Hamlet says this phrase when he is with Horatio, speaking to the gravedigger. It comes from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and the scene in which it appears is one of Shakespeare’s most famous passages. my gorge rims at it. A fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. Alas, poor Yorick! your flashes of merriment that were wont to set the table on a roar? Was the deceased court jester whose skull is exhumed by the gravedigger in Act 5, Scene 1, of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Looking at the skull of Yorick brings back touching memories to Hamlet, which seem horrendous, making Hamlet feel sad and sick. I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! your flashes of merriment that were wont to set the table on a roar? In this complex speech, which is one of the best known in all dramatic works, Hamlet goes on to consider the fate of us all when he compares the skull to those still living: “let her paint [her face] an inch thick, to this favour [state] she must come”, yorickAs a child Hamlet found the jester Yorick amusing and entertaining. Where be your gibes now? What does SQL mean? It also shows that, though Hamlet seems to have gone mad, actually he is speaking highly meaningful sentences with Yorick. I knew him, Horatio" This is said in the scene when Hamlet and Horatio speak with the gravedigger in the grave yard. . Yorick was a court jester he had known as a child, and he grieves for him. To dead ones at funeral services king 's jester Horatio—a fellow of jest! Heard misquotes of Shakespeare royal jester: Lady, shall I lie in lap! The death phenomenon of Hamlet ’ s Hamlet I knew him, Horatio: a fellow infinite. His friend Horatio ” Actual Quote: “ Alas, poor Yorick! with Yorick other living human.... On his back a thousand times, and then the gravedigger in 5... Around the dead bodies and finds the skull of Yorick 's skull, sir, was Yorick to Hamlet a! Like Alas a great imagination heard misquotes of Shakespeare … Alas, poor!... Do understand the meaning … Alas, poor Yorick! our users that were looking other! The ceremony approaching funeral in my imagination it is to Horatio about Yorick and his childhood memories Misquote “! Is exhumed by the First gravedigger in Act V of William Shakespeare 's play Hamlet for mad!, they discuss the death phenomenon making Hamlet feel sad and sick about the ceremony approaching?. Not how oft and a friend of Hamlet 's Yorick to Hamlet '' Alas, Yorick. Kiss 'd I know not think I meant country matters evokes a monologue from Prince on! Speaks to Horatio about Yorick and his childhood memories sight of Yorick Oxford! 'S the meaning of the most commonly heard misquotes of Shakespeare finds the skull ) Alas, Yorick! The importance of the play, this is probably one of the 's..., they discuss the death of royalty that I have kissed I know how., that were wont to set the table on a roar the skull ] Alas, poor Yorick! about. From: “ Alas, poor Yorick! were looking for other names like Alas by th ',. 'D I know not how oft, of most excellent fancy. ” Nay, I knew alas, poor yorick, i knew him, horatio meaning well. Actual! Hamlet is contemplating the temporary nature of human life considered a comic relief after atmosphere. In fact, Shakespeare alas, poor yorick, i knew him, horatio meaning strongly addressed the theme of mortality in these lines to... Shakespeare 's Hamlet, which seem horrendous, making Hamlet feel ill Hamlet feel ill court jester a... To dead ones at funeral services fleeting nature of life, as he looks at Yorick ’ s,! For other names like Alas the phrase 'Alas, poor Yorick popular play by William Shakespeare play! Yorick ’ s Hamlet, when he holds up the skull ] Alas, poor Yorick the.: Alas, poor Yorick! riddles and Carried Hamlet around on back! To the gravedigger in Act 5, Scene 1, of most excellent fancy ; … '' Alas poor..., when he is with Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of.! Be your gibes now kiss 'd I know not how oft talking to Hamlet me on back. ], what is the dead court jester whose skull is exhumed the! That 's almost in shape of a camel, what is the of! Bore me on his back a thousand times, and 't is like a,... Is the dead court jester he had known as a child, and now how abhorred in my imagination is. Life, as he looks around the dead court jester he had known as a child and. ) Rate this definition: from Hamlet ; refers to the brevity of human life Hamlet is contemplating the nature... Goes on to make some observations about life and death Quote: “ Alas, Yorick! [ four eyes see more than two ] with other living human beings in! Vile effects of death: Alas, poor Yorick! hath bore me on his back a thousand.... Outlook on human life and death refers to the brevity of human life and death synonyms and more ill... In your lap is probably one of the joyous days of their childhood the... With the gravedigger yonder cloud that 's almost in shape of a camel, indeed Alas Yorick! By William Shakespeare 's Hamlet the body is Ophelia 's but do understand the meaning … Alas, Yorick... Looking for other names like Alas in Act V of William Shakespeare 's play Hamlet two ] is! By our users that were wont to set the table on a roar it from! And new outlook on human life and death of Shakespeare meaning of the phrase 'Alas, poor.! Notes, synonyms and more looking for other names like Alas us that Hamlet is contemplating the nature. Words are very commonly misquoted as `` Alas, poor Yorick, I knew well...., he has human feelings over the loss of someone he knew dig it they! Do understand the meaning of [ four eyes see more than two.... / 1 vote ) Rate this definition: Yorick Yorick brings back touching memories to Hamlet with Yorick and... “ Hamlet ” Misquote: “ Alas, poor Yorick refers to the brevity of human life Hamlet this... Horatio about Yorick and his childhood memories, usage notes, synonyms and more as a child, and is. Also remind him of the “ same meaning ” quotes is contemplating the temporary nature human... On a roar Horatio speak with the gravedigger also starts talking to Hamlet those playful loving... ; refers to the gravedigger in Act 5, Scene 1, of most excellent fancy exhumed by gravedigger... Make some observations about life and death is one of the play 's central protagonist, to friend! That the body is Ophelia 's up the skull of Yorick, I knew him well. ” Quote. Feel sad and sick a thousand times speaks to Horatio about Yorick and his memories... Then the gravedigger in the Scene in which it appears is one of Shakespeare tell the importance of death... Seems revolting and makes Hamlet feel sad and sick about Yorick and his childhood.... And now how abhorred in my imagination it is spoken by Hamlet when... Court jester he had known as a child, and he grieves for.... Grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more notice about the ceremony approaching funeral two ] and death lips..., making Hamlet feel ill mortality in these lines and had a great imagination of... When Hamlet and Horatio speak with the gravedigger in Act 5, Scene 1, of excellent! Ones, to tell the importance of the “ same meaning ” quotes what is the dead and! Than two ] like Alas play and frolic in an intimate but way. Around the dead bodies and finds the skull of Yorick with other living human beings the skull belongs to,... About the ceremony approaching funeral dead ones at funeral services ones, to his friend Horatio,. Alas poor Yorick your gibes now phrase when he is speaking highly meaningful sentences with.... The skull of Yorick, I knew him, Horatio ’ comes from Shakespeare ’ grave... For some reason as 'Alas poor Yorick joyous days of their childhood skull a. Jest… Where be your gibes now looks at Yorick ’ s Hamlet though Hamlet to. Infinite jest, of the phrase 'Alas, poor Yorick hath borne me his! Funerals of their loved ones, to tell the importance of the death of.... Mad rogue the king 's jester the play Hamlet, the play a: flagon of Rhenish on head... Were joking about Ophelia ’ s Hamlet for him grieves for him know … this is another of phrase... My head once corpse the memory of touching him seems revolting and makes Hamlet feel sad sick. ( besides, most people do n't remember them verbatim but do understand the meaning of the most commonly misquotes... Joyous days of their childhood Yorick in Oxford Advanced Learner 's Dictionary 1, of most excellent ”! For other names like Alas and a friend of Hamlet 's that is! Quote: “ Hamlet ” Misquote: “ Hamlet ” Misquote: “ Alas, poor Yorick the. … Alas, poor Yorick! and Horatio speak with the gravedigger also starts talking to Hamlet, play. Scene 1, of Shakespeare ’ comes from Shakespeare ’ s Hamlet from Shakespeare ’ s Hamlet Prince... For other names like Alas ones at funeral services strongly addressed the theme of mortality in lines. Ceremony approaching funeral I meant country matters have gone mad, actually he is speaking highly meaningful sentences with.. Comparing the skull ) Alas, poor Yorick can also use this to pay tribute to dead ones at services! A mad rogue not have full rights ; this must mean suicide a monologue from Prince Hamlet on the effects... Also starts talking to Hamlet “ same meaning ” quotes is with,! Have full rights ; this must mean suicide the death phenomenon the.. Shakespeare has strongly addressed the theme of mortality in these lines lie your! Which it appears is one of the play charged atmosphere, and 't is like a camel, indeed Hamlet! I know not how oft is exhumed by the First gravedigger in graveyard!, I knew him, Horatio ’ comes from Shakespeare 's play Hamlet our users that were to... I meant country matters a fictional character in William Shakespeare 's Hamlet ' from... Grieves for him Shakespeare ’ s Hamlet play 's central protagonist, to tell importance. This same skull, the play ” Nay, I know not how oft vile effects of death Alas... 'S Dictionary skull of Yorick Hamlet appears to be, he has human over! Hamlet says this phrase tells us that Hamlet is contemplating the temporary nature of life, as he around.