"How is it that the clouds still hang on you?"
This line is not spoken directly, but it is implied through Claudius's words. He is asking Hamlet, "Why do you still seem so sad and gloomy?"
Here's a breakdown of why the phrase is significant:
* Clouds: The "clouds" are a metaphor for Hamlet's sadness, melancholy, and general lack of joy. It suggests that his internal state is dark and heavy, like a stormy sky.
* Hang on you: This emphasizes how the sadness is clinging to Hamlet, refusing to leave him. He is weighed down by it, and it affects his behavior and demeanor.
Context: Claudius is asking Hamlet to cheer up and participate in courtly life. He is concerned about Hamlet's continued grief over his father's death, a grief that Claudius feels is excessive and inappropriate. He wants Hamlet to move on, to "put on an antic disposition" and participate in the upcoming festivities, including the marriage of Claudius and Hamlet's mother.
Meaning: By asking Hamlet how the clouds "hang on him," Claudius is expressing his concern about Hamlet's depression and lack of joy. He wants Hamlet to shed his sadness and engage with the world, but Hamlet is unable to do so because of his inner turmoil. This line sets the stage for the play, foreshadowing Hamlet's dark and brooding nature and the emotional conflicts that drive the plot.