Life In Hamlet Research Paper

Hamlet: Life and Theatre In his comedy As You Like It, William Shakespeare illustrates the common theme that permeates throughout his work. “All the world’s a stage, / and all the men and women merely players” (II.vii.1037-1038). In Shakespeare’s work, theatre and reality are very closely intertwined, and each can incorporate elements of the other. Real life can bear similarities to acting and playing, while theatre can reflect on the value of life. In Hamlet, Shakespeare explores the idea of theatre and life intermixing with a literal ‘play within a play’, as well as more subtle elements of acting and staged events. He uses theatrical elements to effectively advance the plot and develop his characters. He also creates his own personal stage to share his beliefs about the relationship between life and theatre. The ‘play within a play’ motif in Hamlet is

This play serves several functions within the larger context of the play. First, it serves to advance the plot. Hamlet says, “The play’s the thing / Wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the King” (II.ii.633-634). He hopes to use the play depicting a King’s murder to confirm or reject the words spoken to him by the ghost. Hamlet goes on to say, “I’ll observe his looks; / I’ll tent him to the quick. If he do blench, / I know my course” (II.ii.625-627). This shows that Hamlet not only hopes to confirm Claudius’ guilt, but he also obligates himself to action if the play has its desired effect. The play seems to be a sort of emotional turning point for Hamlet, as it sets in motion his mistaken killing of Polonius. Claudius is also tied to action by the play, saying, “O, my offense is rank, it smells to heaven” (III.iii.40). Now that Claudius is aware that Hamlet knows of his guilt, Claudius is forced to take quick action to neutralize the threat to his life. This knowledge, combined with