For this “Die is Cast” page, I have chosen Hamlet as my subject because it is one of the most philosophical plays Shakespeare ever wrote. The Tragedy of Hamlet is considered one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays of all time. This was the first tragedy of his era of tragedies after 1600. Shakespeare wrote Hamlet sometime between 1599 and 1602. It is believed that a main event leading to the creation of Hamlet was the death of Shakespeare’s son Hamnet in 1596.
This play has inspired many performances through the ages. Hamlet was restored at least three times in play form for every century. Not only has it guided many plays since it’s creation, but it has inspired TV shows and movies, from small references to full recreations. It has been known as the most filmed story after Cinderella. In fact, one of the most famous stories based of Hamlet was a Disney movie! Can you guess which one it was? It was the story of a prince who’s father was killed by his evil uncle. The uncle rose to power and then the son was visited by his fathers spirit who told him the truth. After being exiled, the son made a plan to return and avenge his father and expose the truth. The movie I am describing is The Lion King! Many movies like this follow the plot, or at least some parts of Hamlet but still are original. Plot of movies and plays were not the only thing that came from this masterpiece. Many sayings we have today originated from Hamlet such as when Polonius said about Hamlet “Though this be madness, yet there is method in 't.”. This would eventually evolve into the saying “A method to the madness”. Other sayings that Hamlet created was “Something is rotten in Denmark.” and “A murder most foul”. |