Okay, scholars, bring out the goods.
Is there another mention of Saint Patrick in the canon?
Why, particularly, is Hamlet swearing by Saint Patrick?
Is this the same Patrick with the snakes in Ireland?
I’m told that the snakes were a metaphor for pagans, that Saint Patrick drove a bunch of non-believers away. I need some saintly scholarship here.
Let’s just go with snakes for the purposes of the mythological reference.
Is Hamlet swearing by our expeller of snakes because he’d like to do some driving out of a snake, himself? Patrick (whether it be snakes or heretics) was seen as a cleanser of his nation and much honored for it. Hamlet may be seeking a Patrick to clean out his native land.
Wanted: Danish St Patrick, able to drive out all incestuous, murderous and damnéd Danes. No experience required. All expenses paid.
The Hamlet Project 