Social Context In Shakespeare's Hamlet

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What is social context in literature? Social context in literature is most commonly defined as the environment and familiarities that influence and affect how people interpret or perceive events, objects, or other individuals around them. In Williams Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the young prince’s world is collapsing precipitously in front of his eyes as the currently deceased King Hamlet’s rule fades in light of Claudius’ new upcoming and inadequate sovereignty. Young Hamlet perceives this situation through past events and experiences, his own dark thoughts, his status in the kingdom, others notorious opinions, and what he considers to be true. Hamlet has not had the time to mourn due to his mother’s rapid marriage to Claudius that happens within two months of old king Hamlets demise. In addition, with the problems that arise through Claudius’ undoubtedly mendacious acts, Hamlet’s inner thoughts about the situation become gloomier even still. In Hamlet’s mind, his mother has married into a scandalous, incestuous affair. Too many, people perceive the indecent marriage as a royal act. Hamlet comprehends the nuptial as an act of betrayal to his father and family. This demonstrates that Hamlet is vulnerable when his family changes faster than he…show more content…
Likewise, the threat of war is on knocking at Denmark’s door. All due to Claudius, who snatches Hamlets rightful and inherited throne from his grasp along with his mother in the same deliberate swing. Hamlet speaks again comparing religiously about the Kingdom of Denmark being a Garden similar to Eden, which has become rank and in decadence. Claudius turns Hamlets vision of the growth of his future sovereignty into that of weeds which in comparison is what Hamlet believes is going to be the downfall of the kingdom. Moreover, with religious text, he compares the old Hamlet to a powerful and wise Hyperion and Claudius a lustful

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