Shakespeare uses symbols to describe the setting as well as give insight into what is going on behind the scenes. Upon first sighting, Horatio dismisses the ghost as “fantasy.” The King’s ghost symbolizes betrayal and injustice, which Hamlet must rectify in order to put his father at peace. The King’s ghost symbolizes a form of Catholic purgatory and a Protestant daemon (1). Horatio’s companion Bernardo exclaims, “Though art a scholar speak to it, Horatio.” In the time of Shakespeare, it was customary for the educated to speak with the dead as well as make the dead reply. This symbolism gives the audience a greater understanding of the setting of time in which Shakespeare creates. The death of the King contains another symbol important when mentioning the setting. Normally when a king dies, his first-born son inherits the kingdom; Hamlet did not inherit his father’s kingdom. One reason why Shakespeare did not mention the details is that the Nobles, of whom the play was writ for, of the Shakespearean period, knew the current political processes. The pre-Shakespearean period dictated if the King were to die the surviving first born would inherit the kingdom; the current practice in Denmark was to have the noble council vo
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Corruption besets Hamlet on all sides; his family and friends attempt to sway and guide his actions (3). Hamlet, as if speaking to his self, tells Ophelia that he is a terrible person, proud, and revengeful; that his mother should not have given birth to him. For instance, each of them express energetic eagerness as well as a high intelligence, and both are tortured by emotions. Part of Hamlet’s character visage is derived from Shakespeare. Hamlet’s love for Ophelia has been identified; however, he uses his words as he would a weapon to purposely push her away. Davidson notes an interesting point, when Hamlet yells to Ophelia “Get thee to a nunnery. Walsh mentions, “He curses his uncle, berates his mother, scorns his lover, insults her father, taunts her brother, and lacerates himself. One reason why Hamlet states, it would have been better had he not been born; is the assumption that had he not lived his soul his soul would not have been tarnished with the vindictiveness of revenge.
Shakespeare exhibits many themes in Hamlet; love and hate the fear of death, and a play within a play. In this instance, both Shakespeare and Hamlet control the audience, as would a puppeteer. Hamlet directs a play within a play giving the audience an added experience and a contrast of control. In the above quote, Hamlet uses his words to convey hate for his love; contrary to how he truly feels. Yet, another symbol was the Queens’s hasty marriage to Claudius, the dead King’s brother, and Hamlets uncle. Hamlet acts as the voice of Shakespeare; seen in their strikingly similar characteristics.
Approximate Word count =
1060
Approximate Pages =
4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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