DB # 8: The Political Situation In Hamlet Part I (Essay Sample)

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DB # 8 - Hamlet Part I
Question 1
The political situation in the play adds to suspense and danger. The fact that King Claudius is a wicked and corrupt king does induce not only a personal tragedy but also a political disaster for Denmark as a nation (Young 20). Denmark has enemies such as Fortinbras, Norway's prince who blames Hamlet for killing his father, Polonius. This political situation adds to the suspense and extreme intensity in the play. Laertes also forsakes his loyalty to Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, in an attempt to avenge the death of his father, hence is a political situation that intensifies the danger to Hamlet. The political instability increases the chances of an invasion of Denmark. The likely event that unfolds in the royal bedroom that contributes to the conflict that exists between Denmark and Norway is the killing of Polonius by Hamlet. Claudius is not sure that Hamlet is out there to capture him until the murder of Polonius. The murder of Polonius grants Claudius the excuse to get rid of Hamlet and he wants the execution from the Danish community. Fortinbras takes advantage of the instability in Denmark to attack them hence the conflict between Denmark and Norway. Denmark has little resistance when Fortinbras invades. Polonius death as a result of this best connects to Norway than any other incidence that occurs in the royal bedroom.
Question 2
Hamlet appears crazy in an attempt to deflect suspicion on the person who killed his father. Hamlet goes ahead to reject Ophelia, his sweetheart. Moreover, Hamlet convinces different players to enact a scene in front of King Claudius who reacts in a suspicious way. Nevertheless, Hamlet is not happy with the move by his uncle Claudius to hasten the marriage of his mother, Gertrude after the death of his father (Milward 333). Polonius perceives Hamlet's madness as love sickness. Claudius tells Gertrude to try to find out the reason behind the odd behaviour by Hamlet which they suspect is their hastened marriage an...