Discuss the dramatic significance of Hamlet Scene 1 Act 1

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Discuss the Dramatic significance of Act 1 Scene 1

The play ’Hamlet’ was written in  tempestuous times for England. There was death caused by ‘The Plague’ and poverty was rampant. Much importance surrounded the outward support of the monarch, Elizabeth. During her reign, religion caused divisions and  factions of the Protestant church considered the theatre as sinful, amoral perhaps. In his plays, Shakespeare uses his understanding of humanity to entertain by addressing  love, power, loyalty, honour and friendship. These values address unchanging aspects that touch us even today.  ’Hamlet’ is intended to portray the importance of the monarchy  and the insecurity created by the threat of a foreign invasion - the message being that anything can happen to anyone. This then is the underlying setting of the theme for ’Hamlet’ - taking place on a dark winter night, creating suspense, intrigue and providing entertainment to an otherwise deprived audience.  

                  In the opening, Act 1 and Scene 1 of ‘Hamlet’, the playwright, William Shakespeare, uses several dramatical devices to influence the crowd’s moods, behaviour and attitude towards the play; this is known as psychological audience manipulation. Shakespeare cleverly uses one - dimensional characters to deliver background information to the audience in a more entertaining style. The setting - the guard - platform of the Castle, on a dark, wintry cold night at midnight further intensifies the dramatic effect. ‘Who’s there?‘ - and ‘Quiet guard’ - these statements imply a foreboding. Immediately the audience is captivated, particularly when one associates midnight with evil. The statements: ’Tis now struck twelve’ and ‘Bitter cold’ further add to the dramatic mood that is being created.  Francisco’s admission: ’I am sick at heart’ has a negative connotation, suggesting feelings of uneasiness. Bernardo’s reply:  ‘ Bid them make haste ’ - he is obviously scared of something. A reference to loyalty to the Sovereign follows, ’Friends to this ground’ and ’Liegemen to the Dane’- here Shakespeare uses a  manipulative technique to address the  importance of remaining patriotic - an aspect of life everyone can identify with. Again it is suggested that they are engulfed by darkness and they can only see that which is really close up to them: ’ A piece of him’. By extending his hand, Horatio reassures the guards that he is a friend not a foe. There are sinister undertones at the  outset of the scene, which effectively serve to introduce the tenor of the play.

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                 Despite this, there is a hint of humour and sarcasm by Horatio : ‘What, has his thing appear’d again to-night?’ An air of intrigue is created by this:  it is not known what it is is actually being referred to. It is Marcellus who then goes on to explain to the audience what Horatio’s views are: ’And will not let belief take hold of him’ - this means that he will not allow himself to believe anything of a supernatural nature. He has been invited to see if: ’This apparition come’, but ...

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This is a very good essay and shows a very good understanding of 'Hamlet'. The writing successfully addresses language, structure and form and supports all the points made with direct references from the text. To further improve the points being made about the opening could have been linked to other points in the play. 4 Stars