"Shakespeare skilfully weaves political and personal themes an issues ion the opening act of the play", "Shakespeare's aim in Act 1 is to establish Hamlet firmly as the pivotal character in the play" What do you see as the importance of Act 1?

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“Shakespeare skilfully weaves political and personal themes an issues ion the opening act of the play”

“Shakespeare’s aim in Act 1 is to establish Hamlet firmly as the pivotal character in the play”

What do you see as the importance of Act 1?

Shakespeare does use Act 1 to introduce some important political and personal issues and themes to the audience. It is important that these are established in the first act so that the audience are aware not only of the political state of Denmark but also the state of the personal affairs of the main characters of the play.

There is a lot of evidence to support this first statement concerning political themes and issues. The state of Denmark is immediately established as an unhealthy political body. This is commented upon by many characters, either directly ‘something is rotten in the state of Denmark’ or as part of a general feeling of unwell ‘I am sick at heart.’

This theme of political malaise is also shown through the behaviour of the King and Queen. According to Hamlet, they drink so much that other countries ‘clepe [them] drunkards.’ Drinking alcohol excessively is unhealthy for the body and as Claudius and Gertrude represent the body politic of Denmark, this shows another sign of malaise and weakness of Denmark politically.

The actions of the King and Queen offer another political issue as Claudius is not the rightful king of Denmark. He has usurped the rightful King by murder and has therefore gone against the will of God and only tragedy and ruin can come from the rein of this immoral king. We also learn in this act that Claudius is a hypocrite, Hamlet calls him ‘smiling damned villain,’ and he proves himself to be an untrustworthy king. This is also shown through the behaviour of the citizens as the audience immediately get a strong sense of mistrust and unease from the first scene as there are cries of  

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‘Who’s there?’

‘Nay, answer me. Stand and unfold yourself’

The presence of a ghost also reflects a sense of unease as Old Hamlet is stuck in purgatory and therefore cannot rest.

Not only are political themes addressed in the first act but current political issues are raised as well. Shakespeare uses Claudius’ speech to update the audience on what is going on in Denmark. We understand there is a threat from Fortinbras who is seeking revenge against Denmark, but whether or not this is a serious threat we cannot tell as the King is not trustworthy. He makes the threat ...

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