Religion In Hamlet Research Paper
Bryson Albert
Bayta Cullen
AP English Lit. – 8th
6 December 2013
The Prevalence of Religion
In 17th century England, an overwhelming number of individuals would have been well versed in both religion and Shakespearean drama. Throughout Shakespeare’s epic, tragic drama, Hamlet, the playwright strategically weaves an underlying theme of religion while simultaneously offering insight to the drama of the period, the turmoil of the Catholic Church versus Protestantism. Particular characters and events create connections and contrasts between the traditional Catholic Church and progressive Protestantism. In the wake of the turmoil that accompanied the English Reformation, Shakespeare lent his religious and political beliefs to the public in …show more content…
Gertrude’s instructions for Hamlet to “Go not to Wittenberg”, indicates a possible disdain for Protestantism by the crown of Denmark (1.2.119). Wittenberg, a German city where Martin Luther first posted his Ninety-five Theses, is often regarded as the birthplace of Protestantism. Hamlet, the hero of the play, wishes to study in Wittenberg and therefore creates a positive connotation for the place in the audiences’ minds, in contrast to Elsinore with its growing corruption. Another instance is Hamlet’s internal conflict of whether or not he should kill his uncle. In line with beliefs presented in the Catholic Church, that utmost loyalty should be held towards God and family, Hamlet undergoes a lengthy internal debate over whether or not he should or can avenge his father, though he believes he …show more content…
The split between the Catholic Church and the Protestants was a tumultuous period, and the political and religious drama of the time carried heavy weight on the arts of the period. William Shakespeare masterfully wove current events into a dark drama that continues to engage audiences around the world. The role of religion drives an underlying tension between the rebellious Protestant movement and traditional Catholic Church. The references and allusions to religion add new texture to the murder, deception, lies, madness, and corruption that characterizes Hamlet. Though this be unrighteous, there is religion in’t.
Works Cited
Chapman, Alison A. "Ophelia 's "Old Lauds": Madness and Hagiography in Hamlet." Medieval and Renaissance Drama in England 20 (2007): 111-35. EBSCO History Reference Center. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.
Romack, Katherine. " 'In This Distracted Globe ': What Ophelia Remembers." University of West Florida Book Club. University of West Florida English Department, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.
Ronson, Pamela. "Religious Elements in Shakespeare 's Hamlet." 08.01.09: Religious Elements in Shakespeare 's Hamlet. Yale National Initiative, n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.
Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Ed. Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1992.
Bayta Cullen
AP English Lit. – 8th
6 December 2013
The Prevalence of Religion
In 17th century England, an overwhelming number of individuals would have been well versed in both religion and Shakespearean drama. Throughout Shakespeare’s epic, tragic drama, Hamlet, the playwright strategically weaves an underlying theme of religion while simultaneously offering insight to the drama of the period, the turmoil of the Catholic Church versus Protestantism. Particular characters and events create connections and contrasts between the traditional Catholic Church and progressive Protestantism. In the wake of the turmoil that accompanied the English Reformation, Shakespeare lent his religious and political beliefs to the public in …show more content…
Gertrude’s instructions for Hamlet to “Go not to Wittenberg”, indicates a possible disdain for Protestantism by the crown of Denmark (1.2.119). Wittenberg, a German city where Martin Luther first posted his Ninety-five Theses, is often regarded as the birthplace of Protestantism. Hamlet, the hero of the play, wishes to study in Wittenberg and therefore creates a positive connotation for the place in the audiences’ minds, in contrast to Elsinore with its growing corruption. Another instance is Hamlet’s internal conflict of whether or not he should kill his uncle. In line with beliefs presented in the Catholic Church, that utmost loyalty should be held towards God and family, Hamlet undergoes a lengthy internal debate over whether or not he should or can avenge his father, though he believes he …show more content…
The split between the Catholic Church and the Protestants was a tumultuous period, and the political and religious drama of the time carried heavy weight on the arts of the period. William Shakespeare masterfully wove current events into a dark drama that continues to engage audiences around the world. The role of religion drives an underlying tension between the rebellious Protestant movement and traditional Catholic Church. The references and allusions to religion add new texture to the murder, deception, lies, madness, and corruption that characterizes Hamlet. Though this be unrighteous, there is religion in’t.
Works Cited
Chapman, Alison A. "Ophelia 's "Old Lauds": Madness and Hagiography in Hamlet." Medieval and Renaissance Drama in England 20 (2007): 111-35. EBSCO History Reference Center. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.
Romack, Katherine. " 'In This Distracted Globe ': What Ophelia Remembers." University of West Florida Book Club. University of West Florida English Department, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.
Ronson, Pamela. "Religious Elements in Shakespeare 's Hamlet." 08.01.09: Religious Elements in Shakespeare 's Hamlet. Yale National Initiative, n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.
Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Ed. Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1992.