Use of Setting

[wensday]

Does any one have any suggestions on how Shakespeare might have used elements in the setting of the story to contribute to the story line, in any way. Something that either reflected what was happening, or stood for something noteworthy...or, something in the setting that contributed to the story, and/or Gothic literature?


Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I'm rereading the book now and so far, don't see anything I could incorporate into an essay other than the obvious, being the castle itself...and even that is a bit of a stretch, now that i thnk about it.

[Ashley Hallford]

I don't know how great this suggestion may be, but one of the most famous, telling scenes in the play, the graveyard scene, has many dark references to mortality and death. A fitting setting for the implications of the scene, don't you think?

[Lioness_Heart]

I'm a little confused by what you said, wensday. I could be totally wrong on this, but I personally don't think that Hamlet could be classed as Gothic literature.

But as far as setting goes, A1S1 is made so dramatically effective largely because of setting, and this is really important in setting the mood for the rest of the events of the play. Obv. Shakespeare has to use language to create this, and it is done through lines like where the guardsmen are asking who the other is - indicating darkness.

Also, not entirely what you are asking, but Ophelia's suicide seems to be symbolic, and there is a lot of natural imagery running through the play, but particularly in this scene.

[Hyatt07]

Does any one have any suggestions on how Shakespeare might have used elements in the setting of the story to contribute to the story line, in any way. Something that either reflected what was happening, or stood for something noteworthy...or, something in the setting that contributed to the story, and/or Gothic literature?


Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I'm rereading the book now and so far, don't see anything I could incorporate into an essay other than the obvious, being the castle itself...and even that is a bit of a stretch, now that i thnk about it.

I would say that as you read Hamlet the country that it takes place in, which is Denmark, is rather important. It seems that Shakespeare decides to weave a couple other countries into this play as it goes on. Such as Norway, the home of Fortinbras, and England, where Hamlet is sent to be killed.

[Ashley Hallford]

Don't forget that Poland is also mentioned, and is portrayed as a rather weak country, especially when compared with both Norway and Denmark. This fact may have a significant meaning or interpretation.

[drlex]

Does any one have any suggestions on how Shakespeare might have used elements in the setting of the story to contribute to the story line, in any way. Something that either reflected what was happening, or stood for something noteworthy...or, something in the setting that contributed to the story, and/or Gothic literature?


Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I'm rereading the book now and so far, don't see anything I could incorporate into an essay other than the obvious, being the castle itself...and even that is a bit of a stretch, now that i thnk about it.

I think that a very noteworthy setting is where Ophelia is giving out certain flowers to certain people. The flowers all have certain meanings. This helps in the storyline by contributing to her getting ready to commit suicide. Another noteworthy setting would be where near the end where Hamlet's mother drinks the poisoned-pearl cup. She didn't know it was poisoned yet it helped out on finding out that the King really was behind the plot to kill him and that he admitted to killing his father.

[wensday]

i want to thank everyone for giving suggestions, and i will have to think about these and think of how to incorporate them into a cohesive essay.

and it is gothic because there is a ghost and murder, madness, etc.

and i was wondering what importance poland did play in the story (what could it possibly be shadowing within the play) because it is mentioned more than once, and hamlet, or someone, i cant recall, asks why they decided to go into poland, since the poles don't even have need to fight for the land, since it's not usefull. i might have misconstrewed this part, don't know if that's accurate.

anyway thanks so much again. i'll check in to see if anyone else has anything to add.