Hamlet

Marta Case

Hamlet

            Throughout history playwrights have cleverly utilized unique setting choices in order to convey the meaning of their play better. An actor could walk around on a blank stage and say their lines, but the audience could actually be distracted by the emptiness of the stage. A play needs a setting that will enhance the actor’s lines and show the audience the point of performing that certain show. Even while reading a play, one will begin to create a picture in his or her mind of what they believe to be the perfect set. Without even thinking about it, he or she will dream up the places the characters in the play are located and the details of the design. A smart playwright will take charge of the design process and lay everything out for the readers. Shakespeare, being one of the most intelligent and influential playwrights in history, created some of the most beautiful and well thought out settings for his shows.

Hamlet, one of Shakespeare’s masterpieces, is set in Denmark; and the action takes place primarily in the palace. Each room, corridor, balcony, and gravesite adds to the ominous, dark feeling of the play. In one scene specifically, the setting stood out.

Hamlet: A king of shreds and patches –

            Save me and hover o’er me with your wings,

            You heavenly guards! What would your gracious figure?

Queen: Alas he’s mad.

Hamlet: Do you not come your tardy son to chide,

            That lapsed in time and passion lets go by

            Th’ important acting of your dread command?

            O, say!

Ghost: Do not forget. This visitation

            Is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose.

            But look, amazement on thy mother sits.

            O, step between her and her fighting soul!

            Conceit in weakest bodies strongest works.

            Speak to her Hamlet.

Hamlet: How is it with you, lady?

During this scene, Hamlet has entered his mother’s bedroom to chastise her for marrying Claudius and also to explain to her that he is not actually crazy. The importance of the setting of this scene is that it takes place in the mother’s bedroom, the one place Gertrude should feel that she could escape to and feel safe.  In the serenity of her room, Hamlet storms in and begins to take away the peace that the room should provide. Hamlet attacks his mother’s behavior in her own room. When children misbehave, their parents will send them to their room to think about what they have done. After some time to let the child reflect, the parents will come into the child’s room and make sure the child understands why what he or she did was wrong. The tables have completely turned with Hamlet and Gertrude. Instead of Gertrude invading Hamlet’s room to discuss his behavior, Hamlet assumes the role of the parent and removes the chance of peace for Gertrude in her room. No matter how Hamlet may seem to act towards Gertrude, he loves his mother. Though Hamlet invades Gertrude’s personal sanctuary, he does it with the best of intentions. Hamlet wants Gertrude to feel happy and loved, but he also wants her to understand the significance of her actions. He wants Gertrude to feel calm as he yells at her. As ironic as that sounds, it is true. Why else would he choose to release his intense emotions in her room? He could have taken her to any other part of the palace where she would have potentially felt more vulnerable, but instead he allows her to remain in her comfort area. This setting choice shows that though Hamlet is emotional, he loves his mother and wants the best for her. If this scene had occurred in any other place, the audience would potentially not understand the complexity of Hamlet’s emotions towards his mom.