Themes

Hamlet raises a number of questions about what it is to be human and what we

should value the most when forming our identity.

Truth and Certainty: Hamlet and many other characters in the play go to great
lengths to discover the truth. However, it is increasingly difficult for them to find
the truth and be certain about others’ motivations. No doubt, their deceptive
means of obtaining truth contributes to their difficulties. Interestingly, the only
time any truth is discovered in the play is when Hamlet uses the Players (the
play-within-the-play) to reveal Claudius’ deception. “Artists use lies to tell the
truth, politicians use them to cover it up.” (Evie Hammond, V for Vendetta) What
is Shakespeare saying about truth and how it is revealed?

Death: The nature of death occupies a majority of Hamlet’s thoughts. What

comes after death? How should one die? When should one die? His questions are
filled with conflicts between his intellect, society’s values and his Christian
beliefs. He only realises one thing about death. It is certain.

Corruption & Disease of the State: the eventual death of Claudius and Hamlet is
tied with the death of Denmark, in being handed over to Fortinbras. The disease
with which the state is infected with at the beginning (Claudius’ poisoning of the
king) continues to corrupt the workings of the state. Note the importance of the
motif of the ear. Claudius applies the poison to King Hamlet’s ear, which kills Old
Hamlet and Denmark’s good name. This is symbolic as Claudius’ lies and deceit
throughout the play are spreading like a disease throughout the kingdom.

Love & Passion (Sexuality): The character of Hamlet has a particularly

ambiguous sexuality. He seems to love Ophelia, but is conflicted by his Christian
values and his political position. How does it drive his actions? Ophelia is driven
to suicide because of her love for him and her father. The play asks, what is more
important - Our love for God, our partners or ourselves?

Revenge & Violence: the main plot of the play is motivated by Hamlet’s drive to
avenge is father’s death. It is the prospect of committing violence and the
Christian repercussions of such an act that cause Hamlet to continue to think
rather than act throughout the play.

Action & Thought: Perhaps the biggest cause of dramatic effect in the play is the
battle in each character’s mind between acting and finding the correct balance of
values, emotions and social norms.

Note: Both Passion and certainty are considered reasons for action in the play.
The question is which one is justifiable?

Being mad & Madness: One of the best ways to question the norms that surround
a character is for an audience to empathise with him and for the characters
around him to misunderstand his actions as “madness.” Hamlet’s “playing” mad
reflects and emphasises the madness of the situation that he is in.

Politics and Society vs Religion: One of Hamlet’s biggest questions is, “Which is
more important, my religion or my honour?”
 Language Techniques

Imagery- Description, Similes, Metaphors, Personification,

Oxymoron and Antithesis:

Double language/puns – causing delays, oppositions and doubling for

effect.

Soliloquies

Motifs

Symbols

Verse and prose