Hamlet

[scyouknow13]

What examples are there of structure in Hamlet? Like are there any structural techniques?

[jamonwindeyer]

What examples are there of structure in Hamlet? Like are there any structural techniques?

I've not studied Hamlet, but maybe there could be something in one of our many free downloadable notes?

[katie,rinos]

Hey,
In terms of structural techniques the play uses:
-   Meta-theatre which is aspects that draw the audience to the plays nature as drama/theatre and draws attention to its unreality. This is seen through the play-within a play that Hamlet uses to catch the king or when Hamlet says that he will ‘think to put an antic disposition on’.
-   Soliloquys (the character speaks as if alone appearing to be thinking aloud) are used a lot throughout the play and Hamlet has seven in total. The use of the soliloquy gives the audience the character’s innermost thoughts and allows the audiences to empathise with the position that Hamlet is in.
-   Asides (the character is not alone on the stage, accepted that the audience can hear the words clearly but other characters are oblivious to them). These can be used to set the plot of the play and also reveal the characters thought process.
-   Iambic pentameter
-   Regular verse (Act 1,scene 2-‘A little more than kin, and less then kind.)
-   Irregular verse: ‘To be or not to be’ soliloquy
-   In-built pause: ‘When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Might give us pause: there’s the respect”-Act 3,scene 1
-   Prose-(Act 2,scene 2 line 287-305, Act 2,scene 2,327-332)

Hope this helps

[Shadowfox42]

Hey there,
The play also utilises:
-"In media res", by starting in the middle of the conflict: Old King Hamlet is dead, Claudius has taken the throne and Denmark is preparing for a potential War.
-Dramatic irony, by allowing the audience to view and learn things not all characters know about. (i.e. Claudius' initial admission to guilt, Hamlet stating he will put on his "antic disposition"

I know it isn't much, but I hope I helped!

[Checkmate123]

Does anyone have any idea on why Shakespeare made Act 2 so long, but with only 2 scenes? Can this somehow be used to explain the construction of the text, and therefore textual integrity?