Haley Caldwell
Mr. Wright
ENG4U
May 2, 2015
Hamlet Cause and Effect Essay
The original screenplay of Hamlet, William Shakespeare familiarizes with multiple aspects of the Elizabethan era. One of the most important factors of this era was social gatherings, which consisted of things such as tournaments, hunting, and other violent events.
Religion determines the outcome of many aspects of particular events due to the moral beliefs of the audience. Additionally, the economy during the outbreak of war is crucial for the relativeness in the play, as it is a reoccurring issue that citizens faced during this time period. William
Shakespeare’s awareness of the cultural values in the sixteenth century was used in order to manipulate the reactions of the audience.
The art of horsemanship applied to many forms of entertainment for all social classes which is relatable to the audience. In particular, fencing was a common ground amongst most citizens, which is why it plays such an important role in the play. In order to keep the audience entertained, Shakespeare introduced the idea of a fencing duel to lessen the thought of violence involved with murder. Claudius suggests for Laertes to have a, “A sword unbated, and in a pass of practice/Requite him for your father”(IV.vii.157-158). Claudius wants to protect himself for his crime on his brother by suggesting to Laertes to fight Hamlet with a sharpened sword, rather than the dull one. The public is meant to be intrigued by this idea because it is on of their main forms of entertainment, whereas a plotted murder would be unethical. The audience sympathizes
Caldwell 1 with Shakespeare’s approach to Hamlet’s death, which includes a relatable source of entertainment, as well as it agrees with religious beliefs.
Christianity plays a huge part in the lives of all people a part of the Elizabethan society.
As part of the Christian religion it is seen as sinful to take someone’s life, despite the reasoning behind it.
References: http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=4507 http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-some-good-examples-speeches-given-act-iv-by-76843 http://nfs.sparknotes.com/hamlet/page_232.html http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-england.htm