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OCR A Level English Literature Hamlet themes
- Module
- Drama and poetry pre-1900
- Institution
- OCR
All the themes in Hamlet are explained in this document in bullet points giving you a summary of the theme in Hamlet
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Appearance vs RealityDeception and Disguise: Characters in "Hamlet" often disguise their true intentions or
feelings behind a façade of respectability or innocence. For example, Claudius presents
himself as a loving and just king, but in reality, he is a murderer who has usurped the
throne. Similarly, Hamlet feigns madness to conceal his plans for revenge.
Illusions and Deceit: The play is filled with instances where characters create illusions to
deceive others. This is seen in the play within a play scene, where Hamlet uses a
performance to gauge Claudius's guilt. The ghost of King Hamlet also serves as an illusion,
appearing to Hamlet and others to reveal the truth about his murder.
Hamlet's Distrust: Hamlet is particularly sceptical of appearances and is often distrustful
of those around him. He questions the authenticity of the ghost's appearance and hesitates
to take action against Claudius until he has confirmed his guilt. Hamlet's contemplative
nature reflects his awareness of the discrepancy between appearances and reality.
Ophelia's Innocence: Ophelia's character exemplifies the theme of appearance versus
reality. She appears to be innocent and obedient, but her interactions with Hamlet and her
descent into madness reveal a deeper complexity. Ophelia's madness serves as a stark
contrast to her earlier façade of purity and innocence, highlighting the deceptive nature of
appearances.
The Corruption of the Court: The court of Denmark is depicted as a place where
appearances are often deceiving. The characters engage in schemes and manipulation to
maintain their positions of power, leading to a sense of moral decay and corruption. The
discrepancy between the court's outward appearance of stability and its underlying reality
of corruption reflects the theme of appearance versus reality on a larger scale.
Death
King Hamlet's Death:
The play opens with the death of King Hamlet, whose ghost appears to Prince Hamlet and
reveals that he was murdered by his brother Claudius.
King Hamlet's death sets the events of the play in motion, as Hamlet is consumed by grief
and a desire for revenge.
, Revenge and Murder:
The theme of death is intertwined with the theme of revenge, as Hamlet vows to avenge his
father's murder by killing Claudius.
Claudius's murder of King Hamlet and his subsequent attempt to murder Hamlet himself
reflect the destructive consequences of ambition and betrayal.
Existential Reflections:
Death serves as a catalyst for existential reflections throughout the play, as characters
contemplate the nature of mortality, the afterlife, and the meaning of existence.
Hamlet's famous soliloquy "To be, or not to be" encapsulates these existential questions, as
he ponders the idea of life's suffering and the uncertainty of what comes after death.
Graveyard Scene:
The graveyard scene in Act 5 provides a vivid depiction of death's inevitability and the
transience of life. Hamlet encounters the gravediggers, who are preparing Ophelia's grave,
and reflects on the universality of death.
The scene serves as a memento mori, reminding characters and audience members alike of
the inevitability of death and the futility of worldly pursuits.
Ophelia's Death:
Ophelia's death, whether accidental or intentional, further underscores the theme of
mortality and the tragic consequences of the play's events.
Her death reflects the pervasive sense of despair and decay that permeates the world of
"Hamlet," as characters grapple with loss and the consequences of their actions.
Fatalities:
The play concludes with a series of deaths, including those of Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude,
and Laertes, among others. These deaths serve as a culmination of the play's themes of
revenge, betrayal, and moral corruption.
The high body count at the play's conclusion highlights the tragic nature of the events and
the toll that death takes on both individuals and society as a whole.
The significance of Yorick's skull in "Hamlet" extends beyond its literal presence as a prop
or a relic from the past. Instead, it serves as a potent symbol that encapsulates several key
themes and motifs in the play:
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