A document compiled over 2 years using contextual information, quotes, and critical theory to create a complex summary of the entire play. Including small essay plans, character analysis and critical theory.
Hamlet Ultimate Notes
Hamlet
Context:
Shakespeare's father was a bailiff and was highly respected in the
community
Shakespeare was well educated and went to a grammar school- he learnt
classic literature such as Greek and roman mythology and Latin
Shakespeare's family had a change in fortune when his father was expelled
from office in 1586
Hamnet and Judith- Shakespeare's twins- Hamnet died at age 11 prior to the
publication of Hamlet- Shakespeare's father also dies around this time
Life and Laws
Women were treated as property and could not own anything (unless
widowed)
The only options women had been to be a in a brothel, to be a nun or
marriage
Husbands could beat wives and there were no divorce options for women
Laws determined how people ate, live, dress- depending on social standing
and class
Arrange marriages for upper class- courtier marriages must be approved by
the monarch- Elizabeth enjoyed this
The Theatre:
theatre was for the uneducated masses
acting was considered a low profession
no women were allowed on stage- only young boys
Puritans hated the theatre and tried to close them
Theatre was round and open roofed- often open to the elements
“groundlings”
No ‘fourth wall’- audience often interacted with actors
Shakespeare would have played some of the parts in his early plays
Most could not read- the use of coloured flags indicated what genre of play
was on
Plays had to be approved by the Master of the Revels
Part of Hamlet was written for the lead actor Richard Burbage
, Property master has only complete script
Use of rhyming couplets
Shakespeare plays are intentionally ambiguous in places
Virginity is valued more than anything else in women
Women must be chaperoned
Speaking out against King James was considered treason and was
punishable by death
Elizabethan Customs
Children were expected to avenge a parent's murder
Suicide was considered a mortal sin
Strong beliefs in astrology and the supernatural
Women considered fragile and weak
Dual considers entertainment
(male) honour was considered of the utmost importance
Monarchs during Shakespeare's career
Queen Elizabeth I
Not accepted due to birth and gender
First real female ruler
Refused to marry
Tolerant of religion and did not pursue people for Catholicism
Loved the theatre and arts
Defeated the Spanish armada and after is accepted and liked
Survives several assassination attempts
James I
Scottish
Mary Queen of Scots’ son
Hamlet written in his succession period
Really private and serious
Interested in witchcraft
Macbeth written with James in mind
Commissioned the Bible in English
Setting
Takes place in Royal court- Elsinore Castle and its grounds
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