Explore some of the ways in which Shakespeare creates a sense of disorder in Hamlet

Authors Avatar by omarb (student)

Omar Bates

Explore some of the ways in which Shakespeare creates a sense of disorder in “Hamlet”

Hamlet was written during the seventeenth century during which Britain was going through a time of social anxiety there was no certain heir to throne as Elizabeth was nearing her end of her reign. This uncertainty is mirrored in the play through the death of the king of Denmark and so highlights a key subject in Elizabethan lives during which this play was being performed. Shakespeare uses this to create a fear of the unknown and effectively establishes disorder.

        A sense of disorder is created right from the start to keep the audience in anticipation of an imminent discovery, as Shakespeare sets the scene as a chilly, misty night outside Elsinore castle.

        “Bernardo: Who’s there?

        Francisco: Nay answer me. Stand and unfold yourself.”        

        The audience is made aware that both guards are unable to see each other creating a sense of disorder and uncertainty as an attack could be imminent, but they wouldn't be prepared due to the lack of light on the set. Shakespeare foreshadows signs of chaotic events to create anticipation and build an atmosphere of uncertainty and disorder until finally a climax of tragedy and disaster is reached.

Shakespeare using foreshadowing early in his writing to create a sense of disorder is apparent in Romeo and Juliet, as from the beginning the audience acknowledges signs of the character’s fate ending in tragedy. The two main characters are described as “star crossed lovers” indicating that bad luck is already present, which is effective in creating a sense of disorder as the context of both plays follow a persistent theme of superstition among the Elizabethan audience.

Join now!

        The two guards; Bernardo and Marcellus discuss the paranormal activity they have seen for the past two nights, to which they now hope to show Horatio; the ghost of the recently deceased King Hamlet, which they claim has appeared before them near the castle grounds in the late hours of the night.

        "As I do live, my honor'd lord, 'tis true."        

Horatio is shown to be skeptical about Bernardo and Francisco’s sighting, and is convinced only by the actual sight of the ghost. Hamlet seems reluctant to believe that Horatio and the others have seen it and so to ...

This is a preview of the whole essay