Hamlet: cultural context

Cultural Context: Elizabethan Worldview

The Elizabethan worldview, was deeply rooted in the interplay of celestial and earthly spheres, to which Shakespeare’s audiences would have been receptive.
Influences of Ptolemaic system can be seen, where earth is at the centre of universe and the spirits of individuals are affected by the planets and stars.
Supernatural elements, such as the ghost of Hamlet’s father, draw from this popular acceptance of spiritual and celestial entities.
Ideas of fate and destiny are prevalent reflecting a common belief amongst Elizabethans that one’s future was preordained and could be foretold.

The concept of The Great Chain of Being dictated a hierarchy, from God and the monarchy down to the lowliest peasant, and was a powerful cultural belief during this time.
This justified absolute monarchy and the societal structure, which is evident in Hamlet’s Denmark, where the King is seen as the ruling power.
Hamlet’s confrontation with Claudius can also be seen as transgression against the supposed natural order, causing chaos and disorder in the kingdom.
The theme of disguise or deceit, visible in characters like Polonius and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern, shows the play’s grim perspective on politics and power.

Hamlet is rife with references to Protestantism and Catholicism, demonstrating the religious tension during the Reformation period.
The Ghost from Purgatory might be seen as a Catholic element, whereas Hamlet’s tendency towards introspective moral judgement could be viewed as Protestant.
Debate over the morality of revenge and murder relates to theological debates of the historic period.

The influence of humanism is evident; a movement which focused on individual potential and achievements, classical learning and critical thinking.
Hamlet’s existential considerations, particularly in the ‘to be or not to be’ soliloquy, are examples of this humanist thought, contemplating death and the meaning of life on a philosophical level.