1.1.3
Introduction to the Settings in Hamlet
Introduction to the Settings in Hamlet
Introduction to the Settings in Hamlet
Hamlet is set in Denmark. The action predominantly takes place at Elsinore, the court of the new Danish King, Claudius, and his queen, Gertrude, the mother of Hamlet.
Why is Hamlet set in Elsinore?
Why is Hamlet set in Elsinore?
- This setting helps make Hamlet a very political play.
- Much of the drama is centred on the difficult decisions that have to be made regarding domestic and foreign policy.
Other settings in Hamlet
Other settings in Hamlet
- Although most scenes take place within the court at Elsinore, some key scenes are set elsewhere, particularly when Prince Hamlet is sent to England (to his death) by Claudius before his escape and return to Denmark.
Theme of succession in Hamlet
Theme of succession in Hamlet
- Despite its Danish setting, Elizabethan audiences in London would have found the world of the play very familiar.
- For example, as Queen Elizabeth’s reign was coming to an end, the issue of succession (who would and should replace the old monarch) was particularly relevant.
Invasion & war in Hamlet
Invasion & war in Hamlet
- English audiences would also have been familiar with the threat of invasion and warfare abroad, which Denmark faces from Norway’s young king, Fortinbras, who eventually makes his entrance in the final scene of the play.
- Above all, the play revolves around ideas of kingship, governance, law and justice which also dominated life in England at the beginning of the 17th Century.
Historical setting of Hamlet
Historical setting of Hamlet
- Even though the Hamlet story dates back to the 12th Century (and possibly earlier), the world of the play is the Europe of the early 1600s.
- New ideas were beginning to challenge traditional beliefs about religion and the rule of Kings.
1Introduction
2Plot Summary
2.1Act 1: Key Events & Ideas
2.2Act 2: Key Events & Ideas
2.3Act 3: Key Events & Ideas
2.4Act 4: Key Events & Ideas
2.5Act 5: Key Events & Ideas
3Character Profiles
3.1Hamlet
3.3Gertrude
3.4Ophelia
4Key Themes
4.1Regicide in Hamlet
4.2Madness in Hamlet
4.3Guilt & Punishment in Hamlet
4.4Settings in Hamlet
5Writing Techniques
6Context
6.1Social & Historical Context
6.2Literary Context
6.3Performance & Textual History
7Critical Debates
7.118-19th Century Responses to Hamlet
7.220th Century Responses to Hamlet
7.3Feminist Readings of Hamlet
7.4Marxist/Political Readings of Hamlet
Jump to other topics
1Introduction
2Plot Summary
2.1Act 1: Key Events & Ideas
2.2Act 2: Key Events & Ideas
2.3Act 3: Key Events & Ideas
2.4Act 4: Key Events & Ideas
2.5Act 5: Key Events & Ideas
3Character Profiles
3.1Hamlet
3.3Gertrude
3.4Ophelia
4Key Themes
4.1Regicide in Hamlet
4.2Madness in Hamlet
4.3Guilt & Punishment in Hamlet
4.4Settings in Hamlet
5Writing Techniques
6Context
6.1Social & Historical Context
6.2Literary Context
6.3Performance & Textual History
7Critical Debates
7.118-19th Century Responses to Hamlet
7.220th Century Responses to Hamlet
7.3Feminist Readings of Hamlet
7.4Marxist/Political Readings of Hamlet
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