Critical Essay on Hamlet Play by Shakespeare

Introduction

Hamlet Play, Prince of Denmark, was written sometime between1599 and 1602 by William Shakespeare. The play is arguably one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies. It provides varsities in the structure and form which was common in the Shakespearian plays. For instance, the monologue lines in act three of the play were one of the unique characteristics which were not common in most Shakespeare's work. This gives it an extensive opportunity in a performance that can be remarkably influential even after multiple performances in the play. The appeals have remained strong over time beating all odds to be absorbed in other art forms.

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Overview of the Play

The setting of the play is Denmark and captures the story of Prince Hamlet who seeks revenge against Claudius, his uncle. Claudius had murdered his brother, who was Hamlet's father to seize the throne which he owned. Claudius went ahead to marry Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, something that angered him most and he resorted for revenge. After sentries by the young Hamlet and encounter of the ghost of King Hamlet by his friend Horatio. Horatio vows to tell Hamlet was he witnessed. The events portray transition and agitations that were aimed at ensuring massive revenge on Claudius from his actions. Although Hamlet is fraught with anxiety and grief, he was determined to see the ghost to ascertain his desire of avenging for his merciless killing. Shakespeare uses different literary approach and tone to build consistency and flow of events within the play. The validity of the poem in harmonised through the actual flow of events and the playwrights develops exemplary themes. Death, belief in superstition and the role of women are some of the themes which are discussed in the play. Notably, the inclusion of the nature of government in Denmark reveals that theatre can only develop through a combined effort.

Hamlet Play and History of Theatre

The play represents mid-period of Shakespeare's genius and growth in the theatre when comedy and history ceased to create an explicit expression but somewhat sadder feelings and more profound thoughts which are based on life experience. The play is coined at a time when most playwrights had started adopting new versions of great writings and acted as the guidelines. The dark tone displayed throughout the Hamlet play by Shakespeare gives it an outstanding stature in the history of theatre. For instance, the ghost of King Hamlet is symbolic, and Shakespeare uses it presents the world of uncertainties and the power of the dead in quelling some skills. The rationale of most events is built through this ghost to give the play a meaningful outlook. The variation of tone between the spirit and Hamlet is used to give effect to the overall play.

Similarly, the madness of the play created an expression that a play cannot be used to pass a message but also to reveal inner feeling which most people have towards each other. The character Hamlet promised to avenge for the death of his father, King Hamlet and the immoral behaviour that his mother, Gertrude was exposed to (Shakespeare and Braunmuller 156). These incidences give the play an exact replication in the theatre industry. Interestingly, the use of symbolism in the play especially Ophelia's flowers, change in Hamlet's costumes, the ghost, poison and Yorick's skull, shows that death is inevitable; therefore any person who intended to build such plays must observe the trait.

The Relevance of the Hamlet Play and its Contribution to Theatre

For the subject of this play, Shakespeare turned Hamlet play to be popular in English theatres. Two off the early production of Hamlet represent sad tale especially after the death of King Hamlet (Hadfield 342). In several ways, Hamlet play represents a subgenre which is immensely popular in the theatre during Shakespeare's time known as the revenge play. Such plays were associated with bloody spectacles where most characters die at the end of the final act. The strew body in act five of the play ensures the tradition as the young Hamlet is willing to avenge for the death of his father.

Similarly, Shakespeare uses the discerning language to address different themes. Although most of his works have complicated language, the Hamlet play exhibits a distinct outline. It reveals an outstanding style that makes it easy to follow and make a comprehensive analysis. The themes discussed in the play also portrays major transition which not only present art an evolving activity but also reveals that most the advancement in theatre is based on the quality work that an artist displays. Similarly, the play has a sensational dark tone that allows it to build chronologically while ensuring that future plays are built on a strong foundation (Thompson and Neil 567). The plain non-English language which was common the play also provides acts as a basic foundation for the development of future plays and the enhancement of art especially through coping the new version.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of interceding characters in the play gives it a meaningful outlook and scrutiny based on other theatrical evaluation. Shakespeare uses these characters to build consistency for his future works. As a result, most of upcoming version and plays of this kind of genre can adequately be addressed based on characterisation as opposed to language.

Works Cited

Hadfield, Andrew. "Hamlet's country matters The 'Scottish play'within the play." Shakespeare and Scotland. Manchester University Press, 2018.

Shakespeare, William, and A. R. Braunmuller. Hamlet-the Pelican Shakespeare. Penguin Putnam Incorporated, 2016.

Thompson, Ann, and Neil Taylor, eds. Hamlet: A Critical Reader. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2016.