Essay Question: Why are themes in Hamlet relevant today? Why is Shakespeare valued and
his plays are still performed in today’s society? What dramatic techniques are used to convey
the key messages?
Many themes can be seen throughout Hamlet, with the majority still relevant today.
Shakespeare’s in-depth characterisation and large use of literary and dramatic techniques, has
allowed him to intricately convey these themes in such a way, that they are still valued today.
He incorporates intriguing concepts such as revenge, existentialism, sanity vs. insanity and
corruption. Which in turn, has led it to become, the much studied and often adapted play we
know today.
The idea of revenge is evident throughout the entire play and still resonates with the reader
today. In fact, it could be said that the entire storyline encompasses the theme as Hamlet
pursues revenge for his father. The beginning of his journey begins when the ghost notifies
Hamlet of the king’s murder, “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.” Shakespeare
also uses intense description within the same scene, “Rankly abused… The serpent that did
sting thy father’s life. Now wears his crown.” His tone of voice and seemingly endless vague
description of events demonstrates his anger and despondency of this issue. This scene also
brings up uncertainty as to whether the ghost is in fact Hamlet’s father or simply an evil spirit
with a purpose of corrupting society. Near the end of Act 2, Hamlet once again plots his
revenge and speaks of Polonius, “With this slave’s offal. Bloody, bawdy villain!... Prompted
to my revenge by heaven and hell”. Through use of soliloquy, he expresses his hatred of
Polonius and further builds up suspense as to the events that lay ahead. In today’s society,
Hamlet is still valued because audiences are able to empathise with Hamlet on revenge.
Revenge (and vengeance) has been a theme since time began and is even still relevant today.
Many times the concept existentialism is brought into play within Hamlet. He questions what
life may lay after death and whether it could be the solution to all troubles. This is
exemplified through his speech in Act 3,“To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether
‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer. The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Or to take arms
against a sea of troubles. And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep”. Through the use of a
soliloquy and a rhetorical question, he considers what may await after death and the reasons
one may choose not to commit suicide. Hamlet also later exemplifies his beliefs when
plotting to kill Claudius, “Now might I do it pat, now he is praying; And now I’ll do’t. And so
he goes to heaven. And so am I revenged – that would be scanned”. Shakespeare’s use of an
aside reveals Hamlets extreme anger against Claudius, while also demonstrates his existential
beliefs in ensuring Claudius doesn’t make his way to heaven. Even still today, we question
what life lays after death and still live with our fear of death pocketed deep, inside.
Whether Hamlet is indeed insane is largely open to interpretation and remains inconclusive
throughout the play. Since the play involved the treacherous death of his father, his reaction
could be considered within reason. On many occasions he attempts to state his sanity, such as
within Act II when speaking to Guildenstern, “I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind
is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw”. Through the use of an effective metaphor, the
audience is able to understand and relate to the supposed misconception he has been exposed
to and feel for his troubles as to the loss of his father. Later in the play in Scene 3 Act III,
Claudius dispatches Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to take Hamlet to England, “I like him
not, nor stands it safe with us. To let his madness range. Therefore prepare you… Hazard so
dangerous as doth hourly grow. Out of his lunacies”. The use of exaggeration and
characterisation in the play highlights Claudius’s anxiety to Hamlet’s erratic behaviour and
further enhances the plot as the audience eagerly awaits the confrontation. Deceit and trickery
is common throughout Hamlet and is especially expressed through the behaviour of Hamlet
himself. These aspects of the play are even still common in society today through everyday
life and movies – which allows the audience to relate and value the play. Most importantly,
Shakespeare’s unusual, humorous, yet interesting style of writing is what truly makes it a
significant literary work in today’s society.
The concept of corruption is intensively highlighted within Hamlet, as the play in fact
revolves around the immoral and unethical nature of the old king’s brother, Claudius. This is
demonstrated when the ghost speaks of Claudius, “Ay that incestuous, that adulterate beast,
With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts – O wicked wit and gifts, that have the
power”. Through exaggeration and strong emotive language, the old king’s hatred of
Claudius’s foul corruption is emphasised. Hamlet is also thought of to be corrupted after his
rejection by Ophelia, in the opinion of Polonius, “Fell into a sadness, then into a fast, Thence
to a watch, thence into a weakness, Thence to a lightness, and, by this declension, Into the
madness wherein now he raves”. Through repetition, Shakespeare emphasises Hamlet’s
madness and dishonesty. One statement that truly sums up the corruption in the play is wellknown and was said by Marcellus in Act I, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”.
This declaration proves to be the precursor to the treacherous chain of events that lay ahead –
of which corruption plays a large part. Backstabbing and dishonesty is seen all the time in
today’s society, whether it be at the movies, in businesses or parliament. Although Hamlet
was written over four centuries ago, corruption is still very relevant in today’s society, and
the play is valued for its thought provoking nature.
The multitude of concepts and insights embodied within Hamlet have proven valuable in
Shakespeare’s time, but also in today’s society. Whether it be the rise of power, lies and
deceit within corruption, vengeance or the mysteries of insanity, they all play an important
part in the overall appeal of the play and have assisted in Hamlets longevity as a literary and
dramatic piece of work. More importantly, the themes would have been less likely to fulfil
their role, without Shakespeare’s intensive use of literary and dramatic techniques – from
metaphoric text to soliloquys. As Hamlet would have summarised, “There is nothing either
good or bad, but thinking makes it so”.