Discuss how the play within the play contributes to the development of action in ‘Hamlet’.
Hamlet is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Hamlet.
Answer
Discuss how the play within the play contributes to the development of action in ‘Hamlet’.
or, The “play within a play” in Hamlet.
or, Significance of play within a play in Hamlet.
The tragedy “Hamlet” is famous and the largest play of William Shakespeare (1564-1616). It reveals a new literary device by which the hero, Hamlet, confirms his father’s murder, and the audience understands the governing theme of the drama. The term play-within-play, also known as “The Mousetrap,” dramatically contributes to developing the drama’s upcoming plot. Let’s see below logically.
The purpose of the play within the play: Shakespeare’s purpose is to set up a play named “The Murderer of Gonzago,” by which he has been broadening the plot. It is worked as a way of his excellence and intelligence. Shakespeare inaugurated a new technique- play-within-play- throughout this new term, which enriched his drama.
To Develop the Upcoming Plot of the Play: To be informed by the ghost of Old Hamlet, he wants to get clarification about the murder. So, he decides to arrange a play within the play named “The Murder of Gonzago.” This term play within play significantly contributes to developing the following plot of the drama “Hamlet.” Throughout this dramatic style, the plot of the drama has reached its proper way of revenge. So, it can be said that the play within the play has enlarged the drama’s plot.
The Actual Play: The tragedy of Hamlet is based on the central theme of the Murder of Old Hamlet. But the actual play was the play within the play named “The Murder of Gonzago”. This play has helped Hamlet to reach his destination. The Queen also saw the play “The Murder of Gonzago”. Hamlet proved that it was the actual drama of Hamlet.
“That’s wormwood, wormwood…..
If she should break it now!
O but she’ll keep her word”
Revealing Claudius’ Guilt: The play within the play mirrors the circumstances of King Hamlet’s murder, providing an opportunity for ClaudiusUnlock this study guide now